Alternative names 
Normal childhood growth milestones - 6 months; Childhood growth milestones - 6 months; Growth milestones for children - 6 months

Definition
This article describes the skills and growth markers relevant to 6 month-old infants.

Information

Physical and motor-skill markers:

 
• Should have doubled birth weight (birth weight often doubles by 4 months, and it would be concerning if it hasn’t happened by 6 months)  
• Able to lift chest and head while on stomach, bearing the weight on hands (often occurs by 4 months)  
• Able to sit in a high chair with a straight back  
• Beginning of teething  
• Increased drooling  
• Able to bear almost all weight when supported in a standing position  
• Able to roll from back onto abdomen  
• Able to hold own bottle (but many babies won’t do it or only for short periods)  
• Able to pick up a dropped object

Sensory and cognitive markers:

 
• Vision is between 20/60 and 20/40  
• Can locate sounds not made directly at the ear  
• Prefers more complex sound stimulation  
• Starts to imitate sounds  
• Sounds resemble one-syllable words  
• Enjoys hearing own voice  
• Makes sounds to mirror and toys  
• Begins to fear strangers  
• Recognizes parents  
• Begins to imitate actions  
• Begins to realize that if an object is dropped, it is still there and just needs to be picked up

Play recommendations:

 
• Provide a mirror that is unbreakable  
• Provide large, bright colored toys that make noise or have moving parts  
• Play peek-a-boo  
• Provide paper to tear  
• Speak clearly  
• Imitate words such as “mama” to facilitate learning of language  
• Start naming parts of the body and the environment  
• Use the word “no” INFREQUENTLY  
• Use body movements and actions to teach language

Medical Encyclopedia

All ArmMed Media material is provided for information only and is neither advice nor a substitute for proper medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional who understands your particular history for individual concerns.