6 months old
Halfway to a Whole Year! 🎉
Play ideas, a book, a song and a little encouragement for your 6 month old, from Maddie.
By Maddie, early childhood educator and Mum
5 min read · Updated
In this guide
Hey there, amazing parent!
If you’re reading this, you now have a six-month-old! Can you believe it?
Those tiny newborn snuggles have turned into wiggly arms, curious hands, big smiles, and maybe even the occasional hair pull or drooly grab at your face.
Your baby is learning FAST, and you’re doing an awesome job guiding and supporting them! There is so much happening at this age (which you may notice with more sleep disruptions).
6 month olds are discovering that their actions make this happen! HUGE for learning, confidence and problem solving.
Activity 1: Bang-Bang Play
How:
Sit baby supported (in your lap, with cushions).
Offer two safe items like wooden spoons, blocks, plastic cups, and then bang them together freely! You can always bang away with them! You may find them exploring all sorts of items on their own and experimenting with what bangs well together!
Why:
Their enjoyment with this activity is so fun, and it builds hand strength, rhythm, coordination, and an understanding of cause and effect “When I bang, it makes a sound!”
This realization is the beginning of problem-solving and communication.
✨Get the whole family banging! Their faces will light up when they see your enjoyment! As the banging continues add in some little fun songs for rhythm.
“If you happy and you know it bang your spoons…”
“Row row row your boat…”
Activity 2: Peek-a-Boo with a Toy
How:
Hide a small toy behind your back, in a box or under a cloth, then reveal it with excitement. “Where's the toy?” Pause for a moment and let the anticipation build “Here it is!” revealing it in a warm and excited tone. Its also a great one for older siblings to play and connect with!
Why: Repetition in peek-a-boo games are so fun and important for babies, it teaches: Prediction, memory, attention and turn taking.
Try naming the toy:
“Where’s the bear?… THERE he is!” and older siblings LOVE being part of this one; it supports gentle interactions building and strengthening their relationship.
You may notice this is an activity you’ve done before; and that’s a good thing. Activities don’t always need to be new. Children learn through repetition, and each time they revisit an activity, a book, or a song, they take something different from it as they grow. There’s no need for an endless supply of Pinterest ideas; small, simple adaptations are more than enough to support their learning and development.
Bonus activity: Sunshine, trees and Coffee (or tea, chai, smoothie…)
In the madness of trying new foods, changes in sleep, more awake times, and just endless jobs; make sure to fill your own cup. With my first I loved going for a walk for morning nap (I also found it easier to get her to sleep in the pram than at home), then once she woke up, grabbing a coffee and sitting under some trees with them. It would help me stop and just relax and enjoy my coffee while just enjoying my baby exploring the grass and sticks, the trees and shadows. All my worries and stresses would melt away with a bit of exercise, coffee and sunshine, even if it was for a little while.
Doing it with a friend can also add in a few laughs or let out a few tears 💛
🎵 Nursery Rhyme: Peek-a-Boo Song
Peek-a-boo, I see you,
Hiding behind that chair!
Peek-a-boo, I see you,
I love that you’re right there!
💡Try this:
Hide behind hands or a cloth and pop out gently.
Including older children, my girls have loved crawling around hiding in different spots and popping out for the baby to spot. A very low key game which has added physical elements for the older ones. As your baby starts to move (which may not still be for a while) they will love continuing this game and chasing their siblings around and around.
Book of the Month: Dear Zoo
This classic lift-the-flap book is perfect for this age — simple, repetitive, predictable, and interactive. Your baby will begin to anticipate the reveal, even if they can’t open the flaps yet.
Its not always about reading the book, you can try “I wonder what’s under here…” Your voice, rhythm, and closeness matter most.
Remember: You can borrow this from your local library, or use something similar. These are just suggestions. Reading any book together is wonderful, because your voice and closeness are what your baby treasures most.
Did You Know?
When babies bang objects together, they’re not just making noise, they’re learning that:
✨ They can create change in the world…WOW 🤯
Social & Emotional Skill Building
At this age, babies crave independence and reassurance. Give space for independent exploration, and respect when they are in deep levels of concentration, try not to disrupt that. This teaches them they can try things on their own. And then by reassuring them when they look to you “I see you working hard” it shows them someone they trust is nearby. That combination builds secure attachment and resilience.
Remember
Your baby doesn't need perfection, a plan or constant stimulation, they need you! And you're doing a wonderful job at building the foundation for security, confidence and joy.
❤️The best connection time as a family I’ve found, has been when we’ve just been together in one space, crawling around the lounge after one another, jumping and rolling on the bed (or jumping off the window sill onto the bed), or sitting/ laying and just playing together reading, singing or blowing raspberries on each others tummies. Low key, no set up, no stress and no mess! Just connection and shared joy!
You’re doing beautifully. 💛