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.