6 Months
Welcome to the 6-month milestone!
Your baby is growing quickly and becoming more interactive every day. At this age, many babies can sit with support, reach for toys, and respond to their name. You may notice new sounds and giggles as they explore their voice and surroundings. This is also when many parents start introducing solid foods alongside breast milk or formula. Below, you’ll find helpful tips and resources to support your baby’s development, feeding, sleep routines, and play during this exciting stage.
Activity Corner
At this age, you can encourage your baby to roll in both directions! Do this by lying down next to your baby on a soft surface, and put them on their side (you can roll up a blanket to support them in this position). You can then talk and sing to your baby, encouraging them to reach out for you until they roll over! Another fun activity is to place your baby in front of a mirror for visual self- discovery!
Tod-Tidbit
Around this age, babies still don’t have “object permanence", meaning they don’t realize that a hidden object still exists. This is what makes peek-a-boo so fun!
Healthy Habits
If your baby is able to sit up for 10-15 minutes, and is interested in solid foods, you can start to introduce solids at 6 months old! You can prioritize iron rich foods. This can also serve as an opportunity to introduce common allergens to your baby (e.g., peanut butter, eggs, and dairy), to help reduce their risk of allergies. For more information, click here.
Struggling after having a baby? You’re not alone.
Postpartum Support International offers free, confidential help for parents dealing with postpartum depression, anxiety, and other perinatal mental health challenges. Whether you need someone to talk to or want to connect with local resources, support is just a click away.
6 Month Milestones
Download the CDC Milestone Checklists
Want a printable version? The CDC Developmental Milestone Checklists provide age-specific milestones from 2 months to 5 years, helping you track your child's growth, learning, communication, and movement skills. These checklists are a great tool to use at home and can help guide conversations with your healthcare provider.
Track Milestones on Your Phone
The free CDC Milestone Tracker app makes it easy to monitor your child's development wherever you are. Use interactive milestone checklists, save photos and notes, receive tips to support development, and prepare questions for healthcare visits—all from your smartphone.
Concerned About Your Child's Development?
You know your child best. If your baby is not meeting one or more developmental milestones, has lost skills they once had, or if you have any concerns about their development, don’t wait, trust your instincts and seek support.
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Start by talking with your child’s healthcare provider. Share your concerns and ask about developmental screening. Early identification and support can make a big difference.
Don’t have a family doctor or pediatrician? Visit our Parent Resources page to find local services, healthcare supports, and developmental resources available to families in Ottawa and Ontario
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Remember: every child develops at their own pace, but acting early when you have concerns can help ensure your child gets the support they need.
Sources & References
The information on this page was developed using current evidence, clinical guidelines, and trusted healthcare resources.