The Milestones Series: 4 to 6 months

After the first quarter of your baby’s life, they have gotten stronger, more “talkative”, are smiling more, and are grasping more things. Up until this point, you know you still have an infant. By the end of the next three months you will see that your little baby, though still classified as an infant, is becoming closer and closer to becoming a toddler. You at least see the development happening.

This is what parents can expect from months four to six.

Four months

Your four-month old can now slowly copy facial expressions and is more expressive. They are likely to reach out for toys with one hand, and start chewing on the ones that they are able to get their hands on! Now, they can probably support their head a little bit, and look at things that are farther away. When you do tummy time, they are able to push up onto their elbows, and they may even start trying to roll over when they’re on their back. 

Note: Some babies can start teething at four months, though it is quite unusual.

Five months

At five months, your baby has been working out hard! The little athlete is likely to be able to roll from tummy to back. They’re also becoming more self-aware, truly enjoying looking at their reflection. They are starting to babble more, can start to see more colours than black and white, can entertain themselves with a toy, and can bring their hands together and clap.

This is a great age to start singing and clapping games.

Six months

Halfway through your baby’s first year you will notice that they are starting to respond to their own name. They also have become more observant. You’ll notice them studying their toys more closely, and passing objects from one hand to another. By now they can roll in both directions and they might even be able to sit up with some help. They are more in control of their tongue and are likely to repeat the same consonant sounds over and over, like “dadadadadada.” 

At this age, your baby may also have noise preferences. Try playing some music for your baby and see how they respond to higher voices versus deeper ones. This is also the age that your baby is likely to start eating solids (if the pediatrician hadn’t recommended it for sooner), which is an extra exciting time!

You’re now halfway through your baby’s first year, and you’ll notice how your baby has grown, gotten heavier, and is slowly developing a personality. Keep reading the milestones series for your continued cheat sheet on what to expect from your baby!