
The birth of a child brings new responsibilities. It also provides great
joy and excitement. From birth to 6 months old, babies are developing
at an extremely fast pace. In your daily interactions with your son or
daughter, you can look for specific milestones. Whether you write them
down in a journal or just take mental notes, paying attention to your
child’s developmental milestones can help you keep track of his
or her development. You can also spot any warning signs of diseases or
developmental problems.
When your son or daughter is less than 6 months old, what are some milestones
to look for?
1. Cognitive Milestones
Newborn infants grow rapidly, both physically and mentally. They become
more sensitive to stimuli, more aware of their surroundings, and more
in-tuned to people and sounds. Common cognitive abilities of children
0-6 months old include being able to focus on faces and close objects,
responding to sounds and voices, distinguishing between bold colors, and
cooing or imitating sounds. Some children may also combine syllables,
play with toys, drag objects closer, and recognize their own name.
2. Physical & Motor Milestones
Physical and motor skills develop at different paces for each child. Many
babies can lift their heads within the first month and follow sounds or
objects. Other physical milestones include bearing weight on legs, crawling,
rolling over on both sides, performing mini push-ups, sitting up with
help, and turning toward sounds. Babies can also learn to grasp objects
as hand-eye coordination develops.
3. Social & Emotional Milestones
From 0-6 months, babies develop socially. Their personality starts to shine
through, and they begin to interact with people in their environment,
particularly with mom and dad. Common social and emotional milestones
include smiling, laughing, cooing, and recognizing people’s distinct
voices. In addition, some children become comfortable in set routines
and may develop stranger anxiety toward anyone outside their regular interactions.
This article contains general information about medical conditions and
treatments. The information is not advice and should not be treated as
such. The information is not intended to replace the advice or diagnosis
of a physician.
If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should
consult your doctor or other professional healthcare providers.