Milestones at 6 months
Six months is when exploring with the hands and mouth takes off: reaching for a wanted toy, mouthing objects, and closing the lips to say "no more" at a meal. Socially, babies recognise familiar people and laugh. Rolling from tummy to back and leaning on the hands while sitting are the movement milestones on the list.
CDC's 6-month checklist lists 12 milestones: 3 social and emotional, 3 language and communication, 3 cognitive and 3 movement and physical development. The largest group at this age is social and emotional, with 3 items. Each one is something most children (75% or more) can do by 6 months, so many children do it earlier.
No standardized screening is routinely scheduled at the 6-month visit, but you can ask for one at any visit if you have a concern. The checkpoint before this one is 4 months, with 13 milestones. The next is 9 months, with 13. For a baby born before 37 weeks, compare with the checklist for the corrected age until 2.
No standardized screening is routinely scheduled at 6 months; ask for one if you have a concern. At the next checkpoint (9 months): general developmental screening with a standardized, validated tool.
Screening ages: AAP, via CDCSocial and emotional3 items
“Knows familiar people”
Most children (75%+) by 6 months · many earlier · Source: CDC“Likes to look at self in a mirror”
Most children (75%+) by 6 months · many earlier · Source: CDC“Laughs”
Most children (75%+) by 6 months · many earlier · Source: CDC
Language and communication3 items
“Takes turns making sounds with you”
Most children (75%+) by 6 months · many earlier · Source: CDC“Blows “raspberries” (sticks tongue out and blows)”
Most children (75%+) by 6 months · many earlier · Source: CDC“Makes squealing noises”
Most children (75%+) by 6 months · many earlier · Source: CDC
Cognitive (learning, thinking, problem-solving)3 items
“Puts things in her mouth to explore them”
Most children (75%+) by 6 months · many earlier · Source: CDC“Reaches to grab a toy she wants”
Most children (75%+) by 6 months · many earlier · Source: CDC“Closes lips to show she doesn’t want more food”
Most children (75%+) by 6 months · many earlier · Source: CDC
Movement and physical development3 items
“Rolls from tummy to back”
Most children (75%+) by 6 months · many earlier · Source: CDC“Pushes up with straight arms when on tummy”
Most children (75%+) by 6 months · many earlier · Source: CDC“Leans on hands to support herself when sitting”
Most children (75%+) by 6 months · many earlier · Source: CDC
Checklist items quoted from CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” milestones for 6 months (Source: CDC). “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” materials are not a substitute for standardized, validated developmental screening tools.
If something is “not yet”
“You know your child best. Don’t wait. If your child is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns, act early. Talk with your child’s doctor, share your concerns, and ask about developmental screening.”
Source: CDC, milestone checklist for 6 months
- Write down the items you answered “Not yet” or “Not sure”, with an example of what you see at home.
- Bring the list to your child’s doctor and ask whether a developmental screening is a good next step.
- Under 3? Call your state’s early intervention program and ask for a free evaluation. You don’t need a referral.
- 3 or older? Call your local public elementary school and ask for a preschool special education evaluation.