at 6 months - gross motor skills

Last reviewed 07/2023

  • the head is firmly controlled on the shoulders and the child turns it readily as he tries to locate visual and auditory stimuli
  • he can sit momentarily but does not have the ability to support himself with his arms
  • he can roll over (4-5 months) at first from prone to supine and then later from supine to prone
  • hand regard (starts at 3-4 months) should have ceased. Replaced by a more mature purposeful watching usually of one hand and forearm moved to and from the eyes
  • he cannot yet sit alone on a firm surface the legs extended at the knees
  • lying prone, he can lift his head and chest off the couch and support himself on outstretched arms
  • when pulled to sitting there is no head lag
  • he should be able to take his weight on his feet