Wondertime: Child Stages: Baby 3-6 Months (Child Development Information) - and More Joys of Parenting Young Children

3 to 6 Months

The period between 3 and 6 months is often a particularly fun one for parents. Babies this age tend to be more understandable and predictable. As a parent, you're hopefully becoming more relaxed in your not-so-new role, and enjoying the fact that you're not yet likely to be faced with having to chase a child around the house or deal with stranger anxiety. At this age, even simple interactions tend to be rewarded with smiles, laughter, and the endearing babble that in the upcoming year will quickly turn into talking.

MILESTONES
Even if you don't like to admit that you focus on milestones, almost all parents eagerly anticipate some of the milestones typically achieved during these months. As you watch and wait for your child to master them, it is important to remember that each child develops at his or her own unique pace. On average, 3- to 6-month-olds acquire the following skills in a relatively predictable order. Most will do some things sooner than expected and others a bit later. If you have any concerns, be sure to discuss them with your baby's doctor.

In general, infants between 3 and 6 months old:
Move toward greater mobility:

Rolling. While the general timing when it comes to rolling is front-to-back at 4 months and back-to-front at 6, there is a great deal of variation on this timing. In general, a 4-month-old should be able to push up on his forearms and lift his head and chest 90 degrees when lying on his stomach — a position which only requires a slight lean to either side to become a roll. Some are able to roll from back to side at 4 or 5 months, but typically aren't able to complete the task until 6 months or so.
"Commando" crawling. While it is very unusual for infants this age to gain true mobility, some more precocious ones will start to commando crawl, or drag themselves on their bellies while pulling themselves forward with their arms.
Supporting weight when pulled to standing position. The key here is that babies this age still need to be supported, but will often enjoy being allowed to test out their legs in preparation for walking in the months to come.
Just generally spend more time kicking or lying on their backs and playing with their fingers and toes.

Begin sitting. While many parenting books list this milestone as one of a 6-month old, you really should think of it as the very beginning of truly being able to sit. Six-month-olds typically can sit if propped up or leaning on their hands in a tripod position, but very few actually develop the back and body strength to sit upright without support until they are older. Those that do generally tip over so easily (if you sneeze, for example), that you certainly wouldn't be advised to leave them sitting on a hard floor!

Double their birth weight. The rule of thumb is that a baby doubles her birth weight by 4 months (and quadruples her birth weight by age 2).

Cry less, and for more easily determined reasons. This goes along with the concept that babies tend to be more "understandable" at this age. If they cry, parents tend to have an easier time figuring out why. And for the unfortunate parents who have lived through colic, the end is near, since colic usually goes away by 3 to 4 months of age.

Become more coordinated. While infants do not generally develop much fine motor control at this age, they definitely perfect their ability to bring objects to their mouths, a skill that bothers some parents, but which actually serves a great purpose. It is entirely expected that babies will explore the world around them through their mouths! In addition, 3- to 6-month-olds are able to play with and be amused by toys put within their reach, and by 6 months, most can pass objects from hand to hand.

Enjoy making sounds. Not only do babies this age like to laugh and squeal with pleasure and excitement, but they perfect their ability to gurgle, coo, and blow raspberries. Some begin to make consonant sounds (n, d, p, b), most can link sounds with the objects that made them, and by the time they reach 6 months of age, often start to actually imitate sounds.

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