Babies grow at their own pace — this covers around 6 months.

Your baby this month

By 6 months, most babies can roll from their tummy onto their back.

Most babies this age take turns making sounds with you now.

You this month

Always put your baby to sleep on their back, on a firm, flat surface. This lowers the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

Simple play like tummy time, rattles, and singing all suit this age.

Your baby at 7 months

Milestones and care guidance below are for around 6 months, the nearest CDC checkpoint.

Typical milestones (a guide, not a test)

Cognitive (learning/thinking)

  • Puts things in her mouth to explore themCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Reaches to grab a toy he wantsCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Closes lips to show she doesn't want more foodCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Language & Communication

  • Takes turns making sounds with youCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Blows "raspberries" (sticks tongue out and blows)CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Makes squealing noisesCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Movement & Physical

  • Rolls from tummy to backCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Pushes up with straight arms when on tummyCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Leans on hands to support himself when sittingCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Social & Emotional

  • Knows familiar peopleCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Likes to look at himself in a mirrorCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • LaughsCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Feeding

  • Avoid whole nuts, whole grapes, popcorn, hard raw vegetables, chunks of meat/cheese (choking). — modify texture <4 years
  • Avoid honey before 12 months — risk of infant botulism. — AVOID <12 months
  • Exclusive breastfeeding — Breast milk only — no water, formula (unless medically indicated), or foods. Vitamin D supplement per pediatrician.
  • Do not give cow's milk as the main drink before 12 months (poor iron, renal load). — AVOID as main drink <12 months
  • Introduce common allergens (peanut, egg) from ~6 months in age-appropriate form — early introduction reduces allergy risk (LEAP/EAT). — INTRODUCE from ~6 months
  • Avoid added salt and sugar in the first year. — AVOID first year
  • Introduce complementary foods — Continue breastfeeding + begin iron-rich complementary foods (iron stores deplete by ~6mo). Start single-ingredient purees.

Play & bonding

Keeping baby safe

  • Safe sleep: place baby on the BACK on a firm flat surface; no soft bedding, pillows, bumpers, or loose blankets (reduces SIDS)., Car seat: rear-facing in the back seat., Choking: keep small objects and small/round foods away; supervise feeding., Water: never leave a baby alone in the bath, even for a moment., No baby walkers (fall/injury risk); supervise tummy time.

Sleep

  • Ranges are per 24 hours and, for children through preschool, include naps. Individual needs vary. — 12-16

Part of Baby's first year.

educational reference only; milestones are general guides — discuss any concerns with a pediatrician. Not a diagnostic tool.

Tips for this stage

  • Introduce mashed/soft foods — banana, avocado, sweet potatoSource: ICMR-NIN Dietary Guidelines for Indians (2024)
  • Finger foods — soft pieces baby can holdSource: ICMR-NIN Dietary Guidelines for Indians (2024)
  • Continue breastfeedingSource: ICMR-NIN Dietary Guidelines for Indians (2024)
  • Offer water in sippy cupSource: ICMR-NIN Dietary Guidelines for Indians (2024)
  • 3 meals + snacks alongside milkSource: ICMR-NIN Dietary Guidelines for Indians (2024)
  • 13-14 hours. 2 naps. Separation anxiety may cause night wakings.Source: National Sleep Foundation / AASM pediatric sleep duration recommendation
  • Home-made mashed food — dal-chawal or khichdiSource: ICMR–National Institute of Nutrition — Infant Feeding
  • A little ghee can be added to baby's food for healthy fatsSource: ICMR–National Institute of Nutrition — Infant Feeding
  • Start curd/yogurt (homemade preferred)Source: WHO Guideline for complementary feeding of infants and young children 6–23 months of age (2023)
  • Baby-proof the entire homeSource: AAP — HealthyChildren.org, Choking Prevention