6-Month Baby Development: Rolling, Starting Solids, Stranger Anxiety
6 months is a crucial time in baby development. Solid foods begin, movement increases, and babies start learning to communicate with the world.
Physical Development
Weight and Length
- Weight: About 2.5x birth weight (avg 15-18 lbs)
- Length: About 25-27 inches
- Head circumference: About 17 inches
Motor Development
Rolling Mastered Most babies roll freely in both directions. Some may start army crawling.
Starting to Sit
- Sitting briefly with support (hands on floor)
- Still unstable, needs cushions
- Trying to keep back straight
Hand Use
- Transferring objects between hands
- Intentional grasping
- Exploring objects with mouth
Starting Solids
Readiness Signs
At 6 months, solid foods begin. Signs of readiness:
- Good head control
- Can sit with support in high chair
- Shows interest in adult food
- Doesn't push food out with tongue
First Foods
Starting Foods
- Rice cereal or rice porridge
- Sweet potato, potato, squash puree
- Gentle fruits like apple, banana
Important Tips
- Try one food at a time
- Wait 3-5 days between new foods
- Watch for allergic reactions (rash, diarrhea, vomiting)
Continuing Milk
Even with solids, breast milk or formula is still the main food. Solids are just practice.
Cognitive Development
Cause and Effect
- Understanding that pressing buttons makes sounds
- Learning that dropping toys means parent picks them up
- Connecting actions with results
Object Permanence
- Tries to find toys under blankets
- Genuinely enjoys peek-a-boo
- Beginning to understand things still exist when hidden
Sounds and Language
- Varied babbling (mamama, bababa)
- Starting to respond to own name
- Different sounds for different emotions
Social Development
Stranger Anxiety Begins
Stranger anxiety may start around 6 months.
- Cries or clings to mom when seeing strangers
- This is normal development
- Don't force baby to go to others
Emotional Expression
- Expresses joy, anger, sadness
- Laughs at reflection in mirror
- Plays alone but looks for mom
Social Interaction
- Starts give-and-take play with toys
- Imitates facial expressions
- Laughs when you laugh
Play Ideas
Exploration Play
Let baby touch and explore safe objects.
- Various textures (soft, rough)
- Different sizes and shapes
- Sound-making toys
Peek-a-Boo
Great for cognitive development. Try different ways:
- Cover face with hands
- Hide toys under blankets
- Pop out from behind door
Songs and Movement
- Clapping while singing
- Swaying to music
- Action songs
Reading Books
- Thick board books
- Bold, clear pictures
- Onomatopoeia
Warning Signs
Consult pediatrician if:
- Cannot roll at all
- Cannot hold head up
- No response to sounds
- Avoids eye contact
- Doesn't reach for objects
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: 6 months but can't sit yet
Sitting alone typically develops between 6-8 months. Not sitting unsupported yet is normal.
Q: No teeth yet
Teeth can appear anytime between 4-12 months. Late teeth are fine.
Q: Waking a lot at night
Sleep regression can happen. Big developmental changes can temporarily disrupt sleep patterns.
Q: Refusing solids
Refusal at first is normal. Don't force it - keep trying slowly and patiently.
Track 6-Month Milestones with BebeSnap
Record important developmental moments:
- First solid food date and reaction
- Sitting success moment
- First name response
- Save growth records with photos
References
Manage Easier with BebeSnap
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