In the first six months your baby goes from a tiny little human that makes small noises and can barely move to a baby that can coo and giggle while rolling around or crawling to explore!
In this post I will talk about everything you need to know about 0-6 months baby milestones.
The development that takes place in the first 6 months is incredible! When I think about how fast babies change I always think of the phrase “The nights are long but the years are short.”
You will notice your baby’s development changing weekly and sometimes even daily!
Do you know what skills to expect in your babies first 6 months? All babies develop differently so do not worry if your baby is meeting different milestones than another.
If it is your second baby you may notice a difference in development as well.
Let’s take a look at a breakdown of some of the important milestones you should be watching out for.
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0-6 Months Cognitive Skills
Cognitive development includes all the skills your baby needs to take in information from the world and process it.
Responding to sounds and voices is one of the first things that you may notice your baby doing.
They may startle towards loud noises or turn to the sound of your voice.
If your baby is not responding to sounds then let your pediatrician know. Hearing tests are performed at birth typically, but if there are concerns the simple test can be performed again.
Mouthing objects and toys is another way your baby takes in information. Make sure your house is completely baby proofed as little ones will put anything in their mouths!
0-6 Months Motor Skills
Motor skills are the ones that your baby uses to explore the world!
These skills are generally divided into two groups called fine motor skills and gross motor skills.
Fine motor skills include your baby’s hand and eye coordination. Grasping for objects and toys (like these) is one of the first skills you will see appear.
Your baby’s vision is also critical component in hand-eye coordination.
It will change from being very blurry to more clear each month.
A vision screening should be completed at birth.
If you have concerns with your babies vision then check with your pediatrician about getting a vision screening completed.
Gross motor skills include your baby’s larger movements.
One of the first gross motor skills you may notice is your baby’s arm and leg movements. At first their kicks are small but they get stronger fast!
Your baby’s head control is also considered gross motor development.
0-6 Months Social Skills
Social skills are the ones that your baby uses to interact with their peers and adults.
They also help your baby regulate their emotions.
Has your baby given you that first heart warming smile?
That is one of my FAVORITE milestones that you can expect early on. Playing simple games and talking to your baby are great ways to encourage social development.
Read more about what 0-6 month social skills to expect and how to encourage them here.
0-6 Months Language Skills
Language development is all about how your baby communicates.
This skills are usually broken down into two categories which include receptive and expressive communication.
Receptive communication is how your baby understands language. The most important skills early on is your baby’s response to sounds.
As they get older they may start looking at objects when they are named. Another indication is them turning to their name when called.
Expressive language includes how they communicate. This includes those first coos and grunts!
Crying may not be one of your favorite milestones but it is actually one of their first ways to communicate.
You may even be able to tell what your baby wants as they have different cries for different needs.
My 8 week old daughter has a different cry for when she is tired and one for when she is hungry.
If you pay close attention you may notice different pitches and tones in your little ones crying as well.
0-6 Months Self Help Skills
Have you heard much about self-help skills?
You probably talk about them all the time but don’t even realize it!
These are the skills that your baby needs to eat and sleep.
Pretty important right?
Your baby’s sleep patterns will change the older they get.
Going from those short and frequent stretches to longer stretches of actually sleep but spaced out throughout the day.
Sleep can vary from child to child so don’t get too stressed out if your friend’s baby is sleeping better than yours.
Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle feeding the skills to eat are so important!
Your baby needs to be able to coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing which is a lot of work.
If you have concerns with your baby’s eating be sure to contact your pediatrician or lactation consultant for help.
You can get more information about 0-6 month self-help skills and how to encourage them here.
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Kayla O’Neill has a master’s degree in education as well as a bachelor’s degree in special education with an emphasis in early childhood education. She has been working as a developmental therapist with babies and toddlers in early intervention since 2012. She is also a mom with two young children.