Health Topics for Child Health and Development

UI Children's Hospital

UI Family Care Centers

Divisions Within the Department of Pediatrics

Iowa Registry for Congenital and Inherited Disorders

6-month-old child

Babies begin roaming during the sixth month of life. They twist, roll, or creep on their tummies as they push with their feet and steer with their arms. This can propel them across a room. Because of this increased movement, it is important not to leave them on a bed, sofa or changing table while unattended. They look and grab at anything of interest.

During their physical tasks, 6-month-old babies babble endlessly and express themselves in many ways such as squeal with excitement, coo with quiet pleasure, or giggle during play. They love to clown, make faces, and play games. Mealtimes will be messy and chaotic. Although all children are unique, new growth and development milestones will typically occur by the end of 6 months.

The typical 6-month-old's motor skills include:

• creeping and may attempt voluntary crawling
• standing with support
• holding bottle with one or two hands
• sitting supported for up to half an hour or without support momentarily
• turning and manipulating objects and
• showing fascination in small things like food crumbs, marbles, and stones

The 6-month-old's language skills include:

• making some vowel sounds
• becoming active and babbling during exciting sounds and
• using different sounds for pleasure and displeasure

The 6-month-old's mental ability include:

• responding to music by cooing, humming, or stops crying
• attentive for longer periods, up to 2 hours
• shaking, hitting, dropping, and throwing objects when exploring them and
• exhibiting strong curiosity and exploration traits

The 6-month-old's social traits include:

• smiling at and reaching out to pat other children
• developing an interest in finger feeding
• beginning to play "peek-a-boo" and
• sleeping through the night

Play with your baby to stimulate learning and the developing senses. Keep small objects out of reach to prevent choking. Make sure there are no substances or objects around that can injure, choke, or poison your baby. Ignore mealtime sloppiness. At this age, babies love to tease, grab at the feeding spoon, and sling food.

Be sure your baby receives the third DTaP and Hib and pneumococcal conjugate (PCV) immunizations now.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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