While every stage of a growing infant is delightful, the stage between 4 and 6 months is particularly inundated with milestones. This is when the infant increasingly becomes aware of his or her surroundings. The baby’s knowledge of motor skills also develops during this time. This is when hearing the baby babble fills a parent’s heart with sheer joy. Also, be delighted to see the baby roll over, make strong eye contact, or grasp your finger tight. To say that each day will be filled with new adventures will not be an overstatement. Let us look at some developmental milestones you can look forward to at this stage. 

Baby’s first milestones to look forward to in this period

Improved Motor Skills– First things first. This is when the infant’s motor skills progress by leaps and bounds. You can now see the baby having more substantial control over his head. If you turn them around to lie on their stomachs, you will likely see them raise their heads. This is also when you must be careful when you put them to sleep, as they will likely roll over.

Closer to six months, if you make them sit upright, they are likely to balance themselves for a few minutes. Baby movements in the sixth month will also include the fact that they may start to bear weight on their legs when held standing. Sixth-month-old baby activities also include signs that the baby is ready to crawl. 

This is also when you experience their firm grip. Put out your finger, and they will likely grasp it firmly. Their grasp on their toys and other objects will also be noticeable. The baby also begins to explore the world around him through his senses and by putting things in his mouth. 

Firm gaze – Another noticeable aspect will be their firm gaze. You will notice them making strong eye contact and also notice them focusing on objects. This is also the time when the child will be able to tell the difference between colours.

What can you do to support the child’s development

It is important that you put in the effort at this stage to support your child’s development. Don’t get us wrong- that does not mean investing in fancy (read expensive) educational toys. All you need is a little bit of your time and effort. So here goes:

• Spend a lot of time talking to the baby without worrying that they will not understand what you are saying. You will surely reach out to the child and convey your emotions. The child will feel the security of your love and thrive in it. 
• Music is a great enabler as well. So make sure you play calming music that soothes the child.
• Help the child practice their newfound motor skills. Help them roll, lift their heads, roll a ball whose movement they can follow, and more. Speaking of toys, you can use colourful toys as well as ones that make soothing sounds. See the baby reach out to the rattle or follow its sound as you move it from side to side. 
• Reading to a child is a big enabler, too. It can help the child in many ways. It will help the child develop speech as you read a story and describe what is happening. Before you know it, reading will become an essential part of the child’s routine. Now, the advantages of that cannot be overstated! Books will turn out to be a child’s most excellent companion.
• Simple games such as Peekaboo can also go a long way in keeping the child active and agile. 
• Research strongly supports the idea that cuddling and physical touch are crucial for a baby’s healthy development, impacting social, emotional, and physical well-being. Cuddling helps babies regulate their breathing, heart rate, blood sugar, and temperature. Skin-to-skin contact can also improve weight gain and promote overall growth. Cuddling also helps babies feel safe and secure, reducing stress and promoting calmness. Physical contact also boosts the immune system, making babies less susceptible to infections.  Babies who receive regular cuddles also tend to sleep better and more soundly. 

Be watchful

Having stated the developmental milestones to expect during this period, it is prudent to stay watchful to see that the child is developing well. However, every child is different, and these developmental milestones may not appear like clockwork. Some children may be ahead of schedule, and some may be a bit slower. It isn’t a race; hence, do not stress yourself by comparing your child to others. Instead, enjoy their different phases. If you feel concerned about the baby’s progress or notice some signs, such as the one below, do not hesitate to contact a healthcare provider.

• The baby does not respond to sounds
• Isn’t able to keep his head up
• Do not attempt to roll over
• Is not babbling
• Doesn’t enjoy being around people
• Is not reach out for objects

To sum up

Go ahead and enjoy the baby’s developmental milestones as you do your best to support them. As the child grows up, you will look back at these times with fondness. Of course, make it a point to trust your instincts. Should you feel something is amiss in the baby’s development, do reach out to your pediatrician. With early intervention, you can tide over any issues.

For more informational content, keep watching this space. At Footprints Daycare and Playschool, we are committed to the holistic development of children, be it physical, mental, or emotional. It’s surprising that parents across the country look at Footprints as their preferred parenting partner.