How Your Baby Develops:
4-6 Months

5 months old

This exciting phase sees your baby be able to play on her own for short periods, and make huge leaps in her sociability. This is a truly special time – and one to make the most of before your baby is too mobile!

Mobility (also known as Gross Motor Skills)

At 4 months old:
Your baby’s new strength may startle her, if she rolls onto her back when on her tummy, for example. Now she can do baby push-ups when lying on her front, and lift her head high off the ground.

At 5 months old:
Bouncing begins around now – either in a purpose built bouncer or simply when you hold her under her arms. She may be able to sit very briefly when propped, but will fall to either side, or front or back, so don’t leave her alone just yet.

At 6 months old:
Now your baby could be rolling, either from back to front, or back to front – or even both! She will now certainly be able to sit for longer periods when propped, learning how to balance with her core muscles and her hands on either side. She may also be moving around on back as she gets the urge to explore.

6 months old

Holding Objects (Fine Motor Skills)

At 4 months old:
She will now be valiantly trying to grasp objects, although her aim may be a little off still. Wrist rattles are great for some babies – others can’t stand them. Toys with sounds are great fun for your baby when she does manage to get hold of one. She will start showing a preference for favorites around about now.

At 5 months old:
Now your baby will show signs of being more dexterous. She will pass things from one hand to the other – still missing her target occasionally. Toys, her hands and feet, and everything else will be going straight in her mouth!

At 6 months old:
Your baby will now be holding objects well, and pulling them towards her from the floor or play-tray. She can pass a toy from one hand to the other, and is learning to let go of objects. At this point your baby still hasn’t quite learned ‘object permanence’, so she doesn’t know that the toy she threw away is actually on the floor under her feet!

Communication

At 4 months old:
Playing games where you imitate each other is great for encouraging communication in your baby. Mimic the cooing or gurgling sounds she makes, and watch as she tries to mimic you. Although your baby may start to make distinct sounds, she is a long way off understanding what they mean.

At 5 months old:
Around now, your baby starts to understand humor and finds being tickled or laughed at very funny. She may be laughing or giggling herself. If she gets upset, it will be possible to distract her for short periods.

At 6 months old:
Now your baby is babbling, gurgling, and repeating simple vowel sounds. She will be responding as though ‘chatting’, and using more than just crying to let you know what she wants! She can also hear the different intonations in your voice, and may become upset if you speak sharply to her.

Social-time and Play

At 4 months old:
Terrific – your baby should now be able to play alone for short periods, either with a favorite toy or with her own hands and feet! She will also be able to see and appreciate bright colors now.

At 5 months old:
Your baby can track objects much better, and will enjoy seeing things appear and disappear – including you if you play Peek-a-boo. She can see more clearly, and will notice the intricacies of her toys, such as different colors, sounds and textures.

At 6 months old:
Your sociable baby loves other people! She enjoys a new face, especially if it is smiling. Now she will start to imitate clapping of hands and other peoples facial expressions.

More Baby Stages

You might also be interested in:

Read our Diary Of A New Mum and discover what happens when Jessica-Ann comes home from the hospital and during her first year at home. This fun read is perfect for new mums and experienced mums alike! New episodes weekly.
Diary Of A New Mum

More about Newborn Babies

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Dislaimer
AV Baby content is for information only. If you are at all worried about your baby, please seek the advice of your midwife, doctor or paediatrician.

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