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Developmental milestones record - 6 months

Definition

This article describes the skills and growth targets for 6-month-old infants.

Alternative Names

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

Information

Physical and motor-skill markers:

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

Sensory and cognitive markers:

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

Play recommendations:

  • Imitate words such as "mama" to help baby learn language
  • Play peek-a-boo
  • Provide an unbreakable mirror
  • Provide large, bright-colored toys that make noise or have moving parts
  • Provide paper to tear
  • Speak clearly
  • Start naming parts of the body and the environment
  • Use body movements and actions to teach language
  • Use the word "no" infrequently

Review Date:2/27/2008
Reviewed By:Rachel A. Lewis, MD, FAAP, Columbia University Pediatric Faculty Practice, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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