What are the developmental milestones to look out for at 6 months? At 6 months old, babies are reaching several important developmental milestones that will help them grow and develop new skills. Here are the top 10 developmental points to look for:
- Improved hand-eye coordination: Babies at 6 months old will start to develop improved hand-eye coordination, allowing them to reach and grasp for objects with increasing accuracy.
- Sitting up on their own: With strong neck and core muscles, babies will be able to sit up on their own, which helps them better explore their surroundings.
- Rolling from front to back and back to front: Babies will continue to perfect their rolling skills, moving from their front to their back and back to their front with ease.
- Responding to their name: Babies will start to recognize their own name and respond when they hear it, indicating their growing understanding of language.
- Babbling with inflection: Babies will continue to develop their babbling skills, incorporating inflection into their sounds to indicate different emotions and moods.
- Teething: At 6 months old, some babies may start to teethe, and may be fussier and more drooly as a result.
- Transferring objects between hands: Babies will start to transfer objects from one hand to the other, which helps with their dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
- Laughing and smiling at others: Babies will continue to develop their social skills, laughing and smiling at familiar people, especially those who engage with them.
- Scooting or crawling: Some babies at 6 months old may start to scoot or crawl, which helps them move around and explore their environment.
- Making gestures: Babies will start to make gestures, such as waving or pointing, which helps them communicate with others.
It’s important to note that all babies develop differently, and these milestones should only be used as a rough guide. Always consult your pediatrician for more accurate information
As new parents, you want the best for your little one, including the toys they play with. Toys not only entertain your baby but also aid in their development. In this article, we have compiled a list of unique and high-quality toys that are perfect for a 6-month-old baby’s development. From soft blocks and baby bouncers to ride-on toys and wooden puzzles, these toys will provide hours of fun and encourage your baby’s growth and learning. So, whether you are looking for a gift for your own baby or a friend’s, these toys are sure to be a hit. Keep reading to discover the best developmental toys for your little one.
Baby bouncer: A baby bouncer is a great investment for your baby’s development. It allows your baby to sit upright, improving their posture and core strength. Additionally, many bouncers come with hanging toys and music, which help to stimulate your baby’s sensory development.
Baby swing: A baby swing is a great way to soothe your baby and help them relax. It also provides a safe and comfortable environment for your baby to nap. Many swings come with music and different swing speeds, which help to stimulate your baby’s senses.
Baby play gym: A baby play gym is a larger version of an activity gym or play mat, and it provides your baby with a safe and stimulating environment to explore. Many play gyms come with hanging toys, rattles, and mirrors, which help to improve your baby’s sensory development.
Ride-on toys: Ride-on toys, such as a push car or walker, are great for encouraging your baby’s mobility and independence. They help to improve your baby’s gross motor skills and balance.
High-quality wooden toys: High-quality wooden toys are not only durable but also great for your baby’s development. Wooden toys such as shape sorters, stacking toys, and puzzles help to improve your baby’s fine motor skills, problem-solving skills, and hand-eye coordination.
Remember to always consider safety when choosing toys for your baby, and ensure that they are appropriate for their age and developmental stage.
Sources:
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2021). Your Baby’s Development: 6 Months. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/Pages/Your-Babys-Development-6-Months.aspx
- World Health Organization. (2021). Developmental Milestones: 6 Months. https://www.who.int/child-adolescent-health/charts/developmental-milestones/en/