By 6 months: milestone checklist
Around six months, many babies are becoming curious and chatty in their own way — babbling, giggling and reaching for whatever catches their eye. Every baby grows at their own pace, so treat these as a gentle guide rather than a checklist.
Written by the Inclusive Developmental and Therapy Center therapy team · medically reviewed by Dr Muhammad Suffyan, MB BS (GMC 8023727) · Last reviewed July 2026
How to use this checklist
- Go through each list and tick off every skill your child can already do.
- Try not to worry about a few “not yet”s — children grow at their own pace, and this is a gentle guide, not a test.
- Use the Ways to help ideas below to gently nudge along the skills that are still coming.
- If several skills are missing, or your child has lost skills they once had, have a look at the “when to seek advice” box and book a free check.
What most children do by 6 months
Communication & language
- Makes babbling sounds like “ba”, “ma” or “ga”
- Takes turns making sounds with you
- Laughs and squeals
- Turns their head towards voices and everyday sounds
- Blows raspberries and enjoys making noise
Social & play
- Knows familiar faces and enjoys looking at people
- Likes to look at themselves in a mirror
- Smiles and reacts to your expressions
- Enjoys simple games and back-and-forth play
- Reaches for a toy they want
Movement (motor)
- Rolls from tummy to back
- Pushes up on straight arms during tummy time
- Sits with a little support
- Brings toys and hands to their mouth to explore
- Leans on hands to support themselves when sitting
Ways to help your child grow
At six months your baby learns most from you — your voice, your face and lots of everyday play. You don’t need special toys; a few household bits and plenty of cuddles do the job beautifully. Here are gentle ways to help your little one grow.
Chat through your day in a warm, sing-song voice — “Now we’re washing your hands.” When your baby babbles back, copy their sounds so they learn that talking goes back and forth.
Gently shake a container with a few dry lentils, or sing a favourite lullaby, then pause. Watch your baby turn towards the sound — it’s wonderful practice for their hearing and attention.
Hide your face behind a dupatta or your hands and pop out with a smile. This simple peek-a-boo game brings big giggles and teaches your baby that things come back when they disappear.
Lay your baby on their tummy on a firm, clean mat for short spells while you stay close. Put a colourful toy just out of reach to encourage them to lift their head and push up.
Offer safe, easy-to-hold objects like a clean wooden spoon or a soft cloth. Reaching, grabbing and bringing things to their mouth is exactly how babies explore and strengthen little hands.
Hold your baby close, look into their eyes and smile. Reading their expressions and responding with cuddles helps them feel safe, loved and ready to learn.
Try today: Sit face to face with your baby and copy every sound they make — you’ll soon be having your first little conversation.
When it’s worth having a chat
- Doesn’t smile or laugh at people
- Doesn’t reach for toys or things nearby
- Seems very stiff or very floppy
- Doesn’t turn towards sounds or voices
If several of these feel familiar, an early, gentle check can bring real clarity — and support at the point where it helps most.
Seek help straight away if your child loses skills they once had; doesn’t respond to sounds or your voice (ask for a hearing test — don’t wait); doesn’t look at faces or make eye contact; or isn’t sitting on their own by 9–10 months, or walking by 18 months. If your child is ever in immediate danger or has hurt themselves, call your local emergency number or go to your nearest emergency department now.
This checklist is a general guide and not a diagnosis — children develop at their own pace. For a clear answer, speak to a professional near you, follow a home program at home, or book an online session with us from anywhere in the world.
Questions parents ask
What should a child do by 6 months?
Around six months, many babies are becoming curious and chatty in their own way — babbling, giggling and reaching for whatever catches their eye. Every baby grows at their own pace, so treat these as a gentle guide rather than a checklist. This checklist covers communication, social, movement and self-care milestones, ways to help at home, and signs it’s worth seeking advice.
My child has missed a few of these — should I worry?
Not necessarily — every child develops at their own pace and one or two “not yet”s are common. A cluster of missed milestones, or any loss of skills, is worth a friendly check.
Not sure what the checklist is telling you?
Send us your child’s age and what you’ve noticed — we’ll help you make sense of it, gently and without pressure.
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