Child development milestones - 6 months
This table shows the development milestones of an average child at 6 months of age and also lists the signs of possible problems to be aware of.
What to look for at 6 months of age
The majority of children will achieve these milestones by the time they turn 6 months. All children develop at different rates. Some children are slower than others (developmentally delayed) but catch up with time. Other children, however, may have an underlying problem that causes their delayed development, and they may not catch up. It is important for these children to get as much treatment (early intervention) as possible. So if you are concerned about any aspect of your child's development, see your child health nurse or doctor for help without delay. If in doubt, it is better to have your concerns checked than to 'wait and see'.
Gross motor
|
An average child can… |
Signs of possible problems include… |
|
Lift head and chest off the ground when lying on their tummy |
Cannot lift head and shoulders when lying on their tummy |
|
Roll over side to side |
Cannot roll over |
|
Sit with support and a straight back |
Floppy back when held in sitting |
|
Bear weight on legs, stand with support |
Any difference between right and left sides of body (in strength, movement or muscle tone) |
Fine motor
|
An average child can… |
Signs of possible problems include… |
|
Reach for objects with each arm and hand |
Obvious difference between use of right and left arms |
|
Hold objects with whole hand |
|
|
Transfer object from hand to hand |
Persistent fisting of hands (cannot release objects) |
|
Hold an object in each hand |
|
Talking and understanding
|
An average child can… |
Signs of possible problems include… |
|
Make four or more distinct sounds (vowels and consonants) |
Not much variety in sounds being made |
|
Laugh in response to something |
Limited social use of sound (not responsive, no turn-taking, no laughter) |
|
Search for sound by turning head |
Not interested in sound or able to turn to sound with head and eyes |
|
Change behaviour when listening to sound and human conversation |
Doesn't change behaviour in response to sound |
Social
|
An average child can… |
Signs of possible problems include… |
|
Enjoy and respond to play |
Shows no preference to mother or other people |
|
Anticipate touch of being lifted |
Doesn't look at people directly in the eye |
|
Turn head to people |
No responsive smiling or laughing |
|
Drink from a cup (with adult holding it) |
Negative or over-reaction to touch |
|
Resist toys being taken away |
|
Note
If you have any concerns about your child's development, see your child health nurse or GP.
Copyright 2003 Child Development Network. Reproduced with permission