What milestones should a 6-9 months old baby reach?

Key milestones for 6-9 months include: Watches path of falling objects, Looks for things you hide (like a toy), Understands object permanence, Explores cause and effect (drops things), Understands 'no'. Every child develops differently, so use these as a general guide.

What cognitive milestones should I look for at 6-9 months?

At 6-9 months, key cognitive milestones include: Watches path of falling objects, Looks for things you hide (like a toy), Understands object permanence, Explores cause and effect (drops things).

What language/communication milestones should I look for at 6-9 months?

At 6-9 months, key language/communication milestones include: Understands 'no', Makes sounds like 'mamama' and 'bababa', Copies sounds and gestures, Uses fingers to point at things, Responds to own name.

What movement/physical milestones should I look for at 6-9 months?

At 6-9 months, key movement/physical milestones include: Sits without support, Stands, holding on, Gets into sitting position alone, Rocks back and forth, Starts to crawl or army crawl, Uses raking grasp for small objects, Transfers objects from hand to hand.

What social/emotional milestones should I look for at 6-9 months?

At 6-9 months, key social/emotional milestones include: Shy or nervous with strangers, Cries when parent leaves, Has favorite toys, Copies gestures (like clapping), Enjoys playing peek-a-boo, Laughs at funny faces or sounds.

6-9 months Milestones

Here are the key development milestones for babies aged 6-9 months.

Last reviewed: September 2026

Cognitive Language/Communication Movement/Physical Social/Emotional

Cognitive

4 milestones

Watches path of falling objects
Looks for things you hide (like a toy)
Understands object permanence
Explores cause and effect (drops things)

Language/Communication

5 milestones

Understands 'no'
Makes sounds like 'mamama' and 'bababa'
Copies sounds and gestures
Uses fingers to point at things
Responds to own name

Movement/Physical

7 milestones

Sits without support
Stands, holding on
Gets into sitting position alone
Rocks back and forth
Starts to crawl or army crawl
Uses raking grasp for small objects
Transfers objects from hand to hand

What foods to introduce at 6-9 months

Your baby is hitting new milestones — their diet should grow with them. Explore age-appropriate foods, preparation guides, and safety ratings.

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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