3- 6 Months

ACTIVITIES

The activities below let babies have fun while helping them develop physically, cognitively and socially. Do not force baby to do an activity if she doesn’t like it. You can always try it again later.

• Baby Ball (3 - 12 Months)

• Story Time (infants) (3 - 12 Months)

• Sing & Clap (0 - 12 Months)

• Mirror Game (0 - 12 Months)

• Spotlight (3 - 12 Months)

• Tummy Time for Older Babies (4 - 6 Months)

• Noise Makers (3 - 9 Months)

• Sticker Face (3 - 12 Months)

• Watch & Talk (3 - 12 Months)

• Fishing Trip (3 - 12 Months)

• Play with Hats (3 - 12 Months)

• Kick Ball (3 - 12 Months)

• Puppet Show (3 - 12 Months)

MILESTONES (6 Months)

Here’s what most (not all) kids can do by 6 months. Be patient and allow the baby to set the pace as they learn new physical and cognitive skills. Every child develops at a different pace!

Physical Development

• hold head up without support

• roll from stomach to back

• sit without support (if adult places baby in sitting position) & sit well in high chair

• reach for and grab objects, puts objects in mouth

• support herself when held in a standing position

• bring hands together, bring hands to mouth

• grab and shake toys within reach (not too small)

• pass things back and forth from one hand to the other

• hold her own bottle

Cognitive/Language Development

• recognize familiar faces and may respond to her own name

• turn head toward a sound, including a human voice

• understand the word “no”; understand their own names

• respond to changes in adult’s tone of voice

• babbles and imitate sounds

• begin to understand "object permanence" (an object still exists even when not in view)

Social/Emotional Development

• enjoy playing with parents and nanny

• shows preference for familiar people

• smile, laugh, and make eye contact to initiate and maintain interactions

• express a range of emotions (joy, anger, sadness)

• begin to develop object attachment (e.g. favorite blanket or stuffed animal)

TIPS

• maintain predictable feeding, sleeping, and playtime schedules

• continue speaking “parentese” with baby (make lots of eye contact!)

• speak, sing and make funny noises for baby (make sure she can see your face)

• use baby’s name a lot when you speak to her

• respond to the baby's cues and vocalizations (is she hungry? tired? over-stimulated?)

• put safe, stimulating toys nearby to grab and shake

• “tummy time” with baby (usually up to 6 months)

• read books and sing songs (big board books only!)

• show baby how you use index finger and thumb to hold things (she will copy you later!)

• introduce simple games like peek-a-boo

• play hiding games (e.g. hide toys under a blanket)

• show baby her reflection in the mirror

• create a consistent sleep and feeding schedule.

• provide comforting techniques, such as rocking, gentle touch, or soothing sounds, to help baby self-regulate.

• introduce comfort objects, like a favorite blanket or stuffed animal, to help the baby self-soothe.
  

CITATIONS:
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2015). Developmental Milestones: 6 Months.
www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/month-by-month/month-6.aspx
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-6mo.html)
www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/baby-development-6-month-old#1
Kuhl, P. K. (2010). Brain mechanisms in early language acquisition. Neuron, 67(5), 713-727.
Sroufe, L. A. (2005). Attachment and development: A prospective, longitudinal study from birth to adulthood. Attachment & human development, 7(4), 349-367.