What are the expected milestones for a baby at 6 months?

At 6 months, a baby is expected to reach several significant developmental milestones. Among these, being able to sit up is a key achievement. By this age, many infants can sit with support or even independently for brief periods, which marks a critical stage in their physical development. Additionally, while the use of toothpaste is not typical at this age, babies may start showing interest in hand-to-mouth activities as they explore their environment.

Rolling over and laughing are also common milestones around this age, but sitting up independently distinguishes the 6-month mark as a notable developmental stage. The ability to sit is essential because it enables further exploration and interaction with the world, which supports cognitive and physical development.

In contrast, crawling typically develops a bit later, around 8 to 10 months, and using a spoon is more common in toddlers closer to 15 months and older as they refine their fine motor skills. Walking with assistance is generally not expected until around 9 to 12 months, making it less relevant for a 6-month-old. Therefore, the focus on sitting up reflects an important and expected milestone for infants at this age.