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Your baby’s development at this stage: Key monthly milestones

Four months

• You’ll notice that your baby eats more at one go and is feeding less frequently.
• This is because by the age of four months his stomach has grown bigger.
• You may also find that your baby has developed a new talent for rolling over.
• Even if he doesn’t roll he’ll be pushing himself up regularly when he lies on his tummy, strengthening his neck and back muscles.
• Your baby is now aware of objects near to him and is making attempts to reach out and grab them.
• He’s probably also starting to put every new thing he grabs into his mouth.
• Your baby is now able to entertain himself more and more, and starts to become fascinated by playing with his own fingers and toes.
• Your baby can now discern colours, and will enjoy brightly coloured toys, posters and mobiles.
• He’s become more selective about people, and will take time to feel comfortable with strangers.

Five months

• Your baby now may be able to sit momentarily without assistance.
• If you support him under the arms, he’ll be able to bounce up and down on your leg.
• You may find that your baby is now repeating a favourite sound or word.
• He’s developing his understanding of cause and effect, watching with interest as he drops things, and you chase around to pick them up again.
• Your baby is also developing the ability to be able to see small objects and subtle colours.
• Your baby is more interested in sounds, and will turn excitedly towards the source of a new noise.
• He’s also started to recognise his own name when you say it.
• His emotional range is developing, and he’s expressing more love and humour than before.

Six months

• At six months of age you’ll probably notice him starting to pull objects towards him and to pass an object from one hand to the other.
• He’ll probably have learned to roll right over by now, so keep a hand on him when you change his nappy. Never leave him unattended on a raised surface like a bed or sofa.
• He’s learning more and more about how to be sociable, and about how to attract your attention in a positive way, so encourage his good behaviours with plenty of attention.
• At this age he’ll really respond well to turn-taking games like peek-a-boo because he’s started to notice things like repetition and change.
• At six months he’s also going to be increasingly vocal, and may be doing a lot of babbling.
• He can also recognise different tones in your voice, and may cry if he thinks you sound angry.
• Stimulate his developing senses with toys that make sounds and have interesting textures and you’ll be rewarded with plenty of giggles and grins.