A Monthly Guide To Newborn's First Year — Months 4-6

Many parents breathe a sigh of relief when their baby reaches 4 months old because they’re finally out of that exhausting newborn stage. However, these next few months are full of exciting milestones too!

Month 4

Your baby is probably showing off lots of new tricks and even learning to communicate with you. It’s a very exciting time in your baby’s life, and you get a front row seat for all of the action! However, if you notice any concerns about your baby’s development, jot them down and discuss them during your baby’s 4-month check up.

Developmental Milestones

● mimic some facial features and hand motions

● hold their head up without support

● babble and copy sounds

● roll over from front to back

● coordinate sight and motion (eg: grab a toy that catches their eye)

Activities To Do

Your baby will learn a lot from interacting with other people and especially with themselves during this developmental stage, so let your baby spend some time in front of a mirror! You can purchase an unbreakable mirror for your baby to use during tummy time, or you can hold your baby in front of the mirror and help them find their nose, ears, eyes, and other body parts. All of these activities build your child’s self-awareness and language skills, plus your baby will have fun!

Month 5

Your very giggly, talkative five month old is probably spending more time babbling to everyone they meet. They are more aware and it’s so exciting to watch them interact with the world around them during this time!

Developmental Milestones

● raise up on arms from tummy

● sit up (with support)

● bear weight on their legs (when held upright)

● switch objects between hands

Activities To Do

If you haven’t already started doing so, play music for your baby and encourage them to interact with the music. Your baby will enjoy mimicking your movements as you clap and dance along to the sounds. Now’s also a great time to introduce simple instruments like maracas, egg shakers, and bells to your baby. These toys teach your baby cause and effect, and your baby can learn how to mimic basic rhythms too.

Month 6

As your baby reaches their half year milestone, it’s time for another check up with the paediatrician and, more importantly, time to start solid foods! Your baby might also start moving around a lot more, so it might be a good time to baby-proof your house if you haven’t done so already. However, don’t be surprised if you notice a decline in your baby’s growth around this time too — it’s perfectly normal.

Developmental Milestones

● string sounds together when babbling (eg: ah, oh, ma)

● respond to their name

● roll over both from front to back and vice versa

● sit without support

● rock back and forth

Activities To Do

Now that your baby is more mobile and can grasp toys, leave some far enough away that your baby has to reach or roll to grab them. This will not only help your baby develop their strength, but may encourage pre-crawling motions. You can also encourage these same concepts by sitting near your child and calling their name.

As your baby hits the half year mark, they probably look a lot different than they did in that first month or two. While you may think you've got it all figured out by now, you may want to read ahead and see what's in store during months seven through nine.