What milestones should a 3-6 months old baby reach?

Key milestones for 3-6 months include: Reaches for toy with one hand, Lets you know if happy or sad, Puts things in mouth to explore, Looks for hidden toys, Recognizes own name. Every child develops differently, so use these as a general guide.

What cognitive milestones should I look for at 3-6 months?

At 3-6 months, key cognitive milestones include: Reaches for toy with one hand, Lets you know if happy or sad, Puts things in mouth to explore, Looks for hidden toys, Recognizes own name, Shows curiosity by staring at new objects.

What language/communication milestones should I look for at 3-6 months?

At 3-6 months, key language/communication milestones include: Begins to babble, Copies sounds, Cries in different ways to show needs, Responds to name, Strings vowels together (ah, eh, oh), Squeals with delight.

What movement/physical milestones should I look for at 3-6 months?

At 3-6 months, key movement/physical milestones include: Holds head steady, unsupported, Pushes up to elbows when on tummy, Rolls from tummy to back, Holds and shakes a toy, Rolls over in both directions, Sits with support, Reaches with both hands.

What social/emotional milestones should I look for at 3-6 months?

At 3-6 months, key social/emotional milestones include: Smiles spontaneously, especially at people, Likes to play with people; cries when play stops, Copies some movements and facial expressions, Knows familiar faces; may be shy with strangers, Reaches to be picked up, Laughs out loud.

3-6 months Milestones

Here are the key development milestones for babies aged 3-6 months.

Last reviewed: May 2026

Cognitive Language/Communication Movement/Physical Social/Emotional

Cognitive

Reaches for toy with one hand
Lets you know if happy or sad
Puts things in mouth to explore
Looks for hidden toys
Recognizes own name
Shows curiosity by staring at new objects

Language/Communication

Begins to babble
Copies sounds
Cries in different ways to show needs
Responds to name
Strings vowels together (ah, eh, oh)
Squeals with delight

Movement/Physical

Holds head steady, unsupported
Pushes up to elbows when on tummy
Rolls from tummy to back
Holds and shakes a toy
Rolls over in both directions
Sits with support
Reaches with both hands

When to Talk to Your Pediatrician

Every child develops at their own pace, and a wide range of progress is considered typical. However, if you notice that your child is not meeting several milestones for their age group, or if you have any concerns about their development, it's always a good idea to bring it up with your pediatrician. Early conversations with your child's doctor can help you understand what to look for and when additional support may be helpful.

Milestone criteria based on CDC and AAP research — sourced from the CDC's Learn the Signs. Act Early. program, developed in collaboration with the American Academy of Pediatrics. For informational purposes only; not endorsed by or affiliated with the CDC or AAP.

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