Baby milestones: one to six months

This gives you an idea of what to expect from your baby at each stage during his first six months. Bear in mind that all babies develop differently. If you have any concerns about your baby’s development, ask your health visitor for advice.

One month

Achieved skills (most babies can do)

• Lifts head when on his tummy
• Responds to sound
• Stares at faces
• Turns head towards light
• Can see black-and-white patterns

Emerging skills (half of babies can do)

• Follows objects
• Makes "ooh" and "ah" sounds

Advanced skills (a few babies can do)

• Smiles
• Holds head at 45-degree angle

Find out more about your baby at one month.

Two months

Achieved skills (most babies can do)

• Makes gurgling and cooing sounds
• Follows faces and objects when held near face
• Holds head up for short periods

Emerging skills (half of babies can do)

• Recognises your voice
• Smiles responsively
• Holds head at 45-degree angle
• Movements become smoother

Advanced skills (a few babies can do)

• Holds head steady
• Bears weight on legs
• May lift head and shoulders (mini push-up)

Find out more about your baby at two months.

Three months

Achieved skills (most babies can do)

• Holds head steady
• Recognises your face

Emerging skills (half of babies can do)

• Does mini push-ups
• Laughs and smiles

Advanced skills (a few babies can do)

• Turns towards loud sounds
• May bring hands together and bat at toys

Find out more about your baby at three months.

Four months

Achieved skills (most babies can do)

• Holds head up steadily
• Can bear weight on legs
• Coos when you talk to him
• Does mini push-ups

Emerging skills (half of babies can do)

• Can reach out and grasp objects or toys

Advanced skills (a few babies can do)

• Imitates speech sounds, such as "baba" and "dada"
• May cut first tooth
• May roll over from tummy to back

Find out more about your baby at four months.

Five months

Achieved skills (most babies can do)

• Can distinguish between bold colours
• Can roll over from tummy to back
• Amuses himself by playing with hands and feet

Emerging skills (half of babies can do)

• Turns towards new sounds

Advanced skills (a few babies can do)

• May sit momentarily without support
• May roll over from back to tummy
• Mouths objects
• May show signs of stranger anxiety

Find out more about your baby at five months.

Six months

Achieved skills (most babies can do)

• Turns towards sounds and voices
• Imitates sounds, blows bubbles
• Ready for solid foods

Emerging skills (half of babies can do)

• Reaches for objects and mouths them
• Rolls in both directions
• Recognises own name

Advanced skills (a few babies can do)

• May lunge forward or start crawling
• May jabber or combine syllables
• May drag object towards himself
• May sit without support

Find out more about your baby at six months.

Discover what your baby may be able to do from seven to 12 months.