6 Months Milestones

Six months is a thrilling time. Your baby is becoming a little person with clear likes, dislikes, and a personality all their own. They are sitting up, reaching for everything, babbling with consonants, and laughing at your jokes. Many families start solid foods around this time, which is an exciting (and messy) new adventure. Your baby's brain is developing at an astonishing rate - they are forming connections that will support learning for years to come. Remember that developmental milestones describe a range, not a deadline. Some babies hit milestones early, others later, and the order can vary too. If your baby was born prematurely, use their adjusted age (age from their due date, not their birth date) when comparing to milestone charts. As always, you know your baby best. If something does not feel right, trust your instincts and talk to your pediatrician. Early intervention, when needed, can make a world of difference - and asking questions is always the right call.

Rolls over in both directions (front to back, back to front)

CDC WHO

Your baby can roll from their tummy to their back and from their back to their tummy.

What it looks like

Your baby rolls confidently from front to back and is learning (or has learned) to roll from back to front as well. They may use rolling as a way to get around - you put them down in one spot and find them somewhere else.

Typical range

3 moavg 5 mo7 mo8 mo

When should I worry?

This is normal

Most babies can roll both ways by 6 months, though some figure out one direction long before the other. Back-to-front rolling usually comes a bit later than front-to-back. Once your baby can roll, never leave them unattended on a raised surface like a changing table.

Mention at next visit

If your baby cannot roll in either direction by about 7 months, mention it to your pediatrician. They can check muscle tone and recommend exercises or a physical therapy referral if needed.

Call your doctor

If your baby suddenly cannot roll when they could before, or if they seem to have weakness or pain when trying to move, contact your pediatrician right away.

Begins to sit without support

CDC WHO

Your baby can sit on their own for a few seconds, or longer with some support.

What it looks like

Your baby can sit on the floor with their hands planted in front of them for balance (tripod sitting), and may be starting to sit independently without using their hands. They might topple over after a few seconds - keep pillows around them.

Typical range

4 moavg 6 mo8 mo9 mo

When should I worry?

This is normal

Independent sitting is a major milestone that typically develops between 5 and 7 months. At first, babies use their hands for balance ("tripod sit"). Over the next few weeks, they learn to sit hands-free. Some babies sit independently as early as 5 months; others take until 7 or 8 months.

Mention at next visit

If your baby cannot sit even with support by about 8 months, discuss it with your pediatrician. They may suggest a physical therapy evaluation.

Call your doctor

If your baby had been sitting and suddenly cannot, or if they seem to have significant weakness or rigidity in their trunk, contact your pediatrician.

Supports weight on legs when held standing

CDC

When you hold your baby in a standing position, they push down with their legs and bear their own weight.

What it looks like

When you hold your baby upright with their feet on a firm surface, they straighten their legs and support their weight. They may bounce up and down excitedly. Some babies love this and could "stand" (with your support) all day.

Typical range

4 moavg 5.5 mo7 mo8 mo

When should I worry?

This is normal

Weight-bearing on legs is a normal developmental step that does not cause bow legs or early walking problems - that is a myth. Letting your baby "stand" with support when they want to is great exercise for their leg muscles.

Mention at next visit

If your baby's legs buckle every time you try to hold them in a standing position by about 7 to 8 months, mention it to your pediatrician.

Call your doctor

If your baby's legs seem very stiff and scissor (cross over each other) when you hold them upright, contact your pediatrician. This can be a sign of increased muscle tone that should be evaluated.

May rock back and forth on hands and knees

CDC WHO

Your baby gets into a hands-and-knees position and rocks forward and backward, getting ready to crawl.

What it looks like

On the floor, your baby gets up on their hands and knees and rocks their body forward and backward. They look like they are about to take off but cannot quite figure out how to move their limbs yet. Some babies rock for weeks before crawling.

Typical range

5 moavg 6.5 mo8 mo10 mo

When should I worry?

This is normal

Rocking on hands and knees is a pre-crawling behavior that not all babies do - some skip straight to crawling, scooting, or even cruising. There is no single "right" way to get mobile. Some perfectly healthy babies never crawl in the traditional sense.

Mention at next visit

If your baby shows no interest in moving toward objects (rolling, scooting, or any movement) by about 9 months, let your pediatrician know.

Call your doctor

If your baby cannot get onto their hands and knees and also has difficulty sitting or holding their head up, contact your pediatrician for evaluation.

When to Talk to Your Doctor

Red flags to watch for

If you notice any of the following, contact your pediatrician. These signs do not necessarily mean something is wrong, but they are worth discussing with a professional.

Does not try to get things that are in reach
What to do
Let your pediatrician know. By 6 months, babies should be actively reaching for objects.
Shows no affection for caregivers
What to do
If your baby does not seem to respond differently to you than to strangers, discuss this with your pediatrician.
Does not respond to sounds around them
What to do
Request a hearing evaluation. Hearing is essential for language development, and early detection of hearing loss makes a significant difference.
Has difficulty getting things to mouth
What to do
Mention this to your pediatrician. This involves coordination of reaching, grasping, and arm movement.
Does not make vowel sounds (ah, eh, oh)
What to do
If your baby is not making any vowel sounds by 6 months, your pediatrician should evaluate hearing and speech development.
Does not roll over in either direction
What to do
While some babies are later rollers, not rolling at all by 6 months warrants a conversation with your pediatrician about muscle tone and strength.
Seems very stiff with tight muscles, or very floppy like a rag doll
What to do
Unusual muscle tone - either too high or too low - should be evaluated by your pediatrician. They may refer you to a neurologist or physical therapist.