Newborns are sweet, snuggly, and oh so cozy, but there's just something about the shift to the 4- to 6-month stage. Personally, I really struggled to come up with things to do with my sons when they were newborns (plus, there's the whole recovering from childbirth thing). But as my sons got ever closer to their half birthdays, it suddenly felt possible to play with them in the way I always imagined doing with a baby.
"This age is very social, and babies begin moving in much more purposeful ways," says Katherine Williamson , M.D., a pediatrician with the Children's Hospital of Orange County Primary Care Network. No longer a stationary (though very cute) blob, your 4- to 6-month-old is working on major gross motor skills like reaching and rolling , and will soon be able to push up on their hands when lying on their tummy.
Infants between 4 and 6 months are also practicing new sounds, vocally reacting to changes in their environment (like if you take a toy away), taking turns making sounds with you, and blowing hilarious "raspberries." As they approach 6 months, you'll likely start hearing some babbles and laughs, too. Here, 15 activities to help them master these and other not-so-newborn milestones.
Best activities to encourage reaching
Right now, your baby might bat at items they're interested in – they're working on reaching and grabbing , a skill they'll gain by the time they're 6 months old. These activities can help encourage them to swipe, reach, and eventually grasp.
1. Hold toys just out of reach
What you'll need: a variety of interesting toys
Why it's good for 4- to 6-month-olds: "Spend time on the floor playing with your child every day," says Dr. Williamson. And next time you're on a blanket or rug with your little one, select a few tempting toys and scatter them around — but make sure they're just out of your baby's easy reach. This can help encourage reaching and grasping for objects they're interested in, she says.
2. Introduce bubbles
What you'll need: bubbles and a wand
Why it's good for 4- to 6-month-olds: Babies of all ages love bubbles, but now that your little one's vision is stronger, they'll be mesmerized watching them fly around the room. Settle your baby in a bouncer or lying down on a rug. Then break out the bubbles, gently blowing a few in their direction. Your baby will likely start to reach out to try to grab them as they float by.
3. Knock down a block tower
What you'll need: blocks
Why it's good for 4- to 6-month-olds: At this age, your baby is officially old enough to enjoy toy blocks, Dr. Williamson says. Of course, your infant will need your help to build structures at this age, but once you build one, let them swat and reach for lower blocks, then knock the tower over. They'll get a thrill from watching (and hearing) the blocks crash down, and will want you to build the tower over and over so they can demolish it again.
4. Try a mirror play
What you'll need: a baby-safe mirror
Why it's good for 4- to 6-month-olds: This is a great age to use a mirror with your child, experts say. "Babies love seeing themselves in mirrors," says Ilan Shapiro , M.D., a pediatrician at AltaMed Health Services in Los Angeles. While your baby is sitting on your lap or lying on their back, hold out a baby-safe mirror so they can see their own face but can't easily reach it. They may be inspired to reach out and try to grab it. To add to the fun, make silly faces and sounds in the mirror while your little one watches.
5. Stage a shadow show
What you'll need: a flashlight
Why it's good for 4- to 6-month-olds: In a dark room, sit on the floor with your little one in your lap, then position a flashlight so it shines on the wall in front of you. Put your hands in between the light and the wall so it serves as a screen, then start with simple actions like waving, holding up different fingers, and making animal shapes. Show your baby how to reach their hand out to make simple shadows, too.
Best activities to make your baby smile and laugh
You may start hearing your little one's very first giggles or quick chuckles when they're 4 months old , and true out-loud laughing will likely come closer to 6 months. Here are some fun ways to encourage what will undoubtedly become your most favorite sound in the world.
1. Sing "If You're Happy and You Know It"
What you'll need: nothing
Why it's good for 4- to 6-month-olds: "This is the song we all know and love," says Donna Housman , Ed.D., a clinical psychologist and CEO of the Housman Institute in Newton Centre, Massachusetts.
But in addition to singing the typical lyrics ("If you're happy and you know it clap your hands" and "stomp your feet"), she suggests adding a range of emotions, such as "If you're scared and you know it, make big eyes!" Not only will this help encourage early language development, but you can make exaggerated expressions to prompt smiles and laughter.
2. Play peek-a-boo
What you'll need: nothing
Why it's good for 4- to 6-month-olds: True, it's not exactly surprising (after all, who hasn't done peek-a-boo with a baby?) but this tried-and-true activity does more than just make your little one laugh.
"Peek-a-boo games help develop object permanence, or the understanding that objects are still present even though they cannot be seen," says Dr. Williamson. When your baby sees you disappear behind your hands (or an object such as a blanket or pillow) then — surprise! — reappear, you're helping them learn that you're there on other occasions when they can't see you, too.
You can add to this game by revealing a new emotion on your face each time you take your hands away, like happy, sad, or surprised. "This builds recognition, expression, and early emotion identification skills," says Dr. Housman.
3. Act out "Humpty Dumpty"
What you'll need: nothing
Why it's good for 4- to 6-month-olds: Games that end with surprises are sure to cue laughter at this age. Lie on your back on a rug with your knees raised, then place your baby on their tummy facing you on your knees. While you sway from side to side or back and forth, recite the nursery rhyme "Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great … fall!" When you say the word "fall," let your baby gently fall to the ground while still supporting them.
4. Ask "Where's my toy?"
What you'll need: a small toy and different sized boxes
Why it's good for 4- to 6-month-olds: Place a toy your baby loves to play with inside a small box, then put that small box into a medium-sized box, then the medium-sized box into a bigger box, and so on. Then place the box in front of your baby and ask, "Where's your toy?"
Even if they don't quite understand the concept of layers just yet, they'll be mesmerized by the unveiling process — and they'll be delighted when you exclaim "Here's your toy!"
5. Have storytime
What you'll need: picture books
Why it's good for 4- to 6-month-olds: It's never too early to read to your baby . At this age, "babies enjoy more complex patterns and color variations," says Dr. Williamson, adding that she recommends books with large, brightly-colored pictures. Funny voices and expressions can elicit laughter, and while you read the words, "repeat sounds and smile when your baby makes sounds," she says.
Best activities to let baby explore through touch
"Babies learn about the world through touch," says Dr. Williamson. When you or another caregiver cuddles your little one, for example, they understand that they are safe, secure, and loved, she explains. "The opportunities for exercising your baby's sense of touch at this age are endless, even during a regular day." Here are a few ways to do just that.
1. Make a sensory tug box
What you'll need: a box, scissors, tape, objects that have different colors and textures
Why it's good for 4- to 6-month-olds: Place a variety of objects into the box (for example, ribbons, popsicle sticks, large pom-poms, scarves, toy balls). Then cut holes on the side that are big enough for your baby to reach into, and seal the top of the box closed with tape. Then, show your child how to reach into the box to pull the various items out. This activity "invites baby to use their growing motor skills to seek and find different items using their five senses," says Dr. Housman.
2. Touch different textures
What you'll need: toys or household objects that have a variety of textures
Why it's good for 4- to 6-month-olds: While your little one is doing tummy time on the rug, place a variety of toys or household objects in a circle around them, making a point to choose those with different textures. (Think: a fuzzy felt ball, a smooth plastic cup, a soft baby blanket.) Continue introducing the different items for your little one to touch and explore.
"See if the baby likes to touch the silky trim of the baby blanket, or feel the texture of a carpet," says Dr. Williamson. Not only does this allow them to explore their environment through touch, but engaging with the various items will encourage them to lift their heads up for longer.
3. Explore nature
What you'll need: a blanket
Why it's good for 4- to 6-month-olds: Nature offers endless opportunities for your baby to interact with new textures, smells, and sights. "Spread a blanket in the park and let your baby soak up the sights," says Dr. Shapiro. Let them experience what it feels like to roll around on the grass, then describe the colors of the flowers, the sound of the wind, and the texture of leaves. "It's like a treasure hunt for their developing brain," he says.
4. Go on a sensory walk
What you'll need: a baby carrier (optional)
Why it's good for 4- to 6-month-olds: Taking your little one on a sensory walk is another excellent way to activate their senses, Dr. Williamson says. While you're holding your little one or they're in a baby carrier, take your baby for a walk outside or even around your own home. Narrate what you see ("Look, there's a tree!" and "Here's a pillow"), then let your baby explore and touch objects that are safe for them to interact with.
5. Create a sensory play station
What you'll need: a muffin tin and different types of food or materials
Why it's good for 4- to 6-month-olds: Grab a muffin tin (or set out a variety of small plastic containers on a baking tray). Then fill it with food or household items that have different textures, such as cooked cold spaghetti, dry rice, sand, and water. Let your baby touch each of the items, exploring the difference between squishy, smooth, and scratchy textures. (Of course, supervise your little one closely to make sure nothing off-limits ends up in their mouth.)
Skills your child is developing at 4- to 6-months old
Officially no longer a newborn , your 4- to 6-month-old is soaking up the world around them like a sponge. "Babies at this age can see much farther away than they could just a few months ago," says Dr. Williamson. "They can now follow the course of a rolling ball and watch the quick movements of an older sibling playing nearby." Thanks to this stronger sight , your child will be able to recognize their primary caregiver by around 5 months, says Dr. Housman, as well as identify other people by sight, sound, and touch by 6 months.
Your 4- to 6-month-old is also making early steps towards speech right about now, such as by taking turns making sounds with you, listening closely to the words of others, and starting to babble happily away. This is known as their expressive language development. Pretty soon, they'll start to communicate in other ways, too, such as by closing their lips when they've had enough food.
Hand-eye coordination also improves right about now, Dr. Williamson says. By 6 months, your baby will be able to put things in their mouth as a way to explore them, plus reach for objects that interest them. And those arms are getting ever-stronger by the day, supporting your baby while they sit and eventually pushing up straight when lying on their tummy.
Every baby develops at their own pace, but most children will reach these developmental milestones by 6 months , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you have any concerns about your child's development, bring them up to your pediatrician at the 6-month checkup .
How much playtime does a 4- to 6-month-old need?
At this age, you might think of your baby's playtime as being a series of mini-adventures throughout the day, according to Dr. Shapiro. "Your baby doesn't need hours on end," she says. "Instead, aim for 30 minutes to one hour of playful activities spread out in short, fun bursts."
Your little one's attention span is still pretty limited right about now — up to 30 seconds is typical at the 6-month mark, according to Dr. Housman — so expect to cycle through different forms of active play. Your baby's playtime sessions will also probably be punctuated by plenty of cozy cuddle breaks, and there may be days when your little one is more or less interested in games — all of this is perfectly normal.
Sample daily schedule for a 4- to 6-month-old
Infants between the ages of 4 and 6 months should get 12 to 16 hours of sleep a day, including naps, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Below is an example of what your baby's day might look like right about now. Just keep in mind that every infant is different and develops at their own pace: For example, this sleep schedule assumes your little one naps three times a day, but some babies might still take a brief fourth nap. This schedule also doesn't account for night feedings , which some little ones might still need at this age.
7 a.m.: wake up and eat
7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m.: playtime
8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.: cuddle break
8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.: playtime
9 a.m.: first nap
10:30 a.m.: wake and eat
11 a.m. to noon: playtime
Noon to 12:30 p.m.: cuddle break
12:30 p.m.: second nap
2 p.m.: wake and eat
4:30 p.m.: third nap
5:30 p.m.: wake and eat
8 p.m.: bedtime
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