What Are the Developmental Milestones for a 6-Month-Old Baby?
Jul 22, 2019
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Tiesheng
Introduction
Developmental Milestones for a 6-Month-Old Baby:
The baby can roll over continuously, begins to grasp small objects and tap them against the table, and frequently produces consonant-like syllables. The baby starts showing stranger anxiety—for example, becoming upset when held by unfamiliar people. The baby gradually learns to distinguish between edible and non-edible items. Awake time begins to lengthen. As complementary foods are introduced, the baby may experience constipation or diarrhea.
For 6-month-old boys, the normal height range is 61.4–75.8 cm, weight 5.97–11.72 kg, and head circumference 39.8–47.7 cm. For 6-month-old girls, the normal height range is 60.1–74 cm, weight 5.64–10.93 kg, and head circumference 38.9–46.5 cm.
At 6 months of age, infants can roll over continuously when attracted by toys, begin grasping small objects and tapping them on tables, and frequently produce consonant-like syllables. At this stage, infants start to exhibit stranger anxiety—for example, they may become upset when held by unfamiliar people but show pleasure when held by their mothers.
Infants gradually learn that some items are edible while others are not. Although they still tend to put objects into their mouths to chew or gnaw on them, consistent parental guidance helps them understand which items are unsafe to eat.
Awake time begins to lengthen, so parents should engage more frequently in interactive play with their infants. Bowel movements remain irregular at this age; as complementary foods are introduced, infants may experience either constipation or diarrhea.
Expert Advice
For 6-month-old boys: height 61.4–75.8 cm; weight 5.97–11.72 kg; head circumference 39.8–47.7 cm.
For 6-month-old girls: height 60.1–74 cm; weight 5.64–10.93 kg; head circumference 38.9–46.5 cm.
In addition, infants at this age begin producing vocalizations, show increased interest in chewing on objects, and—due to the introduction of complementary foods—may develop constipation or diarrhea.
