Your baby at 6 months

At 6 months the CDC's checklist includes laughing, rolling from tummy to back, blowing raspberries and taking turns making sounds with you.

The CDC's milestone checklist for 6 months lists 12 things most babies (75% or more) do by 6 months, such as “Rolls from tummy to back” and “Laughs”. Many do them sooner. If your baby isn't doing one or more of them, or has lost a skill, the CDC says don't wait: talk with your child's doctor.

Checked October 29, 2026.

What most babies do by 6 months

Social/Emotional Milestones

Knows familiar people
Likes to look at self in a mirror
Laughs

Language/Communication Milestones

Takes turns making sounds with you
Blows “raspberries” (sticks tongue out and blows)
Makes squealing noises

Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

Puts things in her mouth to explore them
Reaches to grab a toy she wants
Closes lips to show she doesn’t want more food

Movement/Physical Development Milestones

Rolls from tummy to back
Pushes up with straight arms when on tummy
Leans on hands to support herself when sitting

From the CDC's “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” checklist, Milestones by 6 months, word for word (CDC page dated May 15, 2026; checked October 29, 2026). These are things most children (75% or more) can do by 6 months. The CDC's page has a photo or video of each one.

Play today

Raspberry contest
Stick out your tongue and blow a raspberry, then wait to see if your baby tries one back. Take turns.
Floor rolls
Give your baby plenty of time on a blanket on the floor, with a toy on each side to roll toward.
Safety: Floor play only, with you close by.
Sound turns
Make a sound, wait for your baby to answer, then make a new one. Keep going as long as they're having fun.

Things to say

“Pbbbt! Your turn.”
“You rolled over! Look at you.”
“Ba, ba, ba. Can you say ba?”

Say it, then wait. Give your baby time to answer with a look, a sound or a word, and answer back.

A rhyme to share

Pop Goes the Weasel. Bounce your baby gently on your knee and lift them a little on "pop", holding their body and head.

The words are on Peabody's Nursery rhymes with lyrics list.

Questions parents ask about this age

When do babies laugh?By 4 months: Chuckles (not yet a full laugh) when you try to make him laugh
When do babies roll over?By 6 months: Rolls from tummy to back
When do babies sit up?By 9 months: Sits without support
When do babies babble?By 9 months: Makes a lot of different sounds like “mamamama” and “bababababa”
When do babies get shy with strangers?By 9 months: Is shy, clingy, or fearful around strangers
When do babies recognize their parents?By 2 months: Seems happy to see you when you walk up to her

Talk to your pediatrician if…

Your baby isn't doing one or more of the things on the CDC's 6-month list above, has lost a skill they once had, or you're worried for any reason.

You know your child best. Don't wait. If your child is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns, act early. Talk with your child's doctor, share your concerns, and ask about developmental screening.
CDC, Learn the Signs. Act Early.

If you or the doctor are still concerned, the CDC says to ask for a referral to a specialist, and to call your state's early intervention program (find the number on the CDC's list). You do not need to wait for a doctor's referral or a medical diagnosis to make this call. If your child is younger than 3 years old, contact your local early intervention system.

More from the CDC: Concerned about your child's development? If your child seems unwell, call your pediatrician, or 911 in an emergency.

What the CDC suggests you share with the doctor

What are some things you and your baby do together?
What are some things your baby likes to do?
Is there anything your baby does or does not do that concerns you?
Has your baby lost any skills he/she once had?
Does your baby have any special healthcare needs or was he/she born prematurely?

From the CDC's Milestones by 6 months page. The CDC suggests filling in a milestone checklist and sharing it with your child's doctor; its Milestone Tracker app is free.

Peabody Parents