Developmental Milestones For 3-6 Months Old

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).

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