Developmental Milestones For 3-6 Months Old

Baby develops the fastest from birth to 1 year old. These changes take place across various domains of development i.e.

  1. Cognitive
  2. Physical (Fine and Gross Motor)
  3. Socio-emotional and
  4. Language.

Most children follow a certain pattern of growth and development or achieve certain skills/abilities at a particular stage in development. These are called developmental milestones. However, it is important to note that every child grows and develops at their own pace, and might achieve a few milestones faster or slower than usual. If you feel concerned about your child not achieving a milestone, contact your pediatrician or speak to our expert.

Did you know?

90% of a child’s brain development happens by the age of 6?

Cognitive Development:

  • Recognizes familiar people and objects.
  • Might start to recognize their own name.
  • Tracks/follows a moving object or person with their eyes.
  • Uses hands to explore their body and things around (e.g. discovers the eyes, nose, etc.)
  • Brings things to the mouth as part of exploration.
  • Starts to grasp the concept of object permanence (i.e. just because an object can’t be seen, doesn’t mean it’s not there).
  • Starts to understand cause and effect (e.g. shaking a rattle produces sound).
  • Imitates simple actions (e.g. opening and closing eyes, waving, etc.)
  • Repeats things that result in an interesting outcome.
  • Pays attention to people’s conversations.
  • Might begin to understand the meaning of the word “no”.
  • Memory is gradually increasing.
  • Attention span is starting to increase (can stay alert for almost 2 hours).

Physical Development:

  • Balances head well, when unsupported.
  • Begins to sit with support.
  • Begins to roll over (usually beginning from tummy to back)
  • When placed on the tummy, lifts head and chest and begins to support self on forearms
  • Brings hand to mouth (e.g. put toys or fingers in mouth, sucks fist, etc.)
  • Tries to swing at dangling objects with hands
  • Grasps objects using the outer side of the palm without using the thumb. This is called the Ulnar Palmar Grasp (usually seen at 3 months).
  • Moves an object/toy from one hand to the other.
  • Full-color vision has developed. Sees/watches things at longer distances.
  • Starts to develop hand-eye coordination (e.g. looks at a toy and then reaches for it).
  • Reflexes such as the Grasp, Moro/Startle, Rooting and Tonic Neck reflexes begin to disappear.
  • When held in a standing position, begins to support the body with legs (starts lifting one foot after another).
  • Grabs feet and toes when lying on the back.
  • Begins to drool (might not be a sign of teething).

Socio-emotional Development:

  • Imitates some facial expressions.
  • Laughs and smiles a lot, especially with familiar people.
  • Takes pleasure in playing with people and might even cry when the playing stops.
  • Smiles or frowns to show comfort or discomfort.
  • Makes sounds, and moves arms and legs in response to caregivers.
  • Might hold out arms, to be picked up.
  • Enjoys looking at themself in the mirror (by 6 months).

Language Development:

  • Begins listening to adult conversations and pays attention to the sounds of words.
  • Imitates sounds.
  • Begins to babble (i.e. baba, gaga, etc.) with expression.
  • Makes different sounds (e.g. cooing, gurgling, squealing, growling, whingeing) when interacting with people or toys.
  • Blows raspberries/bubbles (putting tongue between lips and blowing) and splutters loudly.
  • By 6 months, makes monosyllabic sounds (e.g. da, ma).
  • Displays a change in volume and tone when trying to communicate.

Feeding and Sleeping Information:

  • Feeds frequently (about 7 – 12 times a day) both during the day and night.
  • A routine for feeding might be developed.
  • Naps for an average of one to three hours, at least 2 to 3 times a day.
  • Night time sleep duration increases (about six to eight steady hours).

Did you know?

Research reveals that – every $1 invested in an early childhood program can yield $4-$16 in returns.

Helps your child achieve the above milestones through simple at home activities for 3 to 6 months old. Subscribe to Jyppzer Kids Plan Today!

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