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Your little one is out of the newborn stage and is now starting to show their personality.

 They are becoming more aware of their surroundings and learning new things day by day.  

The skills needed to process all of the new information coming their way are cognitive skills.

 In this post I will give you information about what infant intellectual development from 3-6 months look like.

Baby development 3-6 months will change quickly! 

Infant development 6 months in will look completely when your baby is 12 months old.

All children develop differently so know that if your baby is not doing the exact same things as your best friend’s, that is ok.

 However, if you are concerned about your little one’s development always seek out the Early Intervention program (read more about that here)  in your area for a free screening or evaluation.

(This post may contain affiliate links.  To read our full disclosure policy click here.)

Intellectual Development 3-6 Months Includes:

Discovering Fingers and Toes

Your little one has a new favorite toy…luckily it is something they have with them all of the time!

 You may have noticed while changing your little one’s diaper they are starting to grab at their toes to play.

 What a fun first for baby and you!

 While they are laying in their crib or sitting in their car seat they bring their hands near their face and watch how their tiny fingers move.

Related Post:  Cognitive Milestones for Infants 0-3 Months

Mouthing Toys and Hands

One of the ways that a baby takes in new information is by using their mouth.

 Putting toys or hands in their mouth is just another way to learn more about an object.

 Give your child safe and clean toys to explore while you are changing their diaper or enjoying some play time on the floor.

If you need baby toys that are developmentally appropriate and versatile these may be a good option for you!

It is important to make sure that your house is baby proofed and that all small items are picked up as they become a choking hazard.

Reaching for Toys

The world is so interesting that your baby wants to reach out and touch it!

 You may notice them reaching out to bat or touch toys above them.  

They may also work to reach toys that are out of their reach.  

Help them practice this skill by leaving toys a little ways away and letting your baby figure out how to reach them on their own (a great way to encourage fine motor skills.)

Using a baby play mat (like this)  is also a great form of entertainment that allows your baby to practice this skill.

RELATED POST:  PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT 3-6 MONTHS

How Can I encourage 3-6 Months Old’s Intellectual Development?

Playing With Your Baby Encourages Intellectual Development in Infancy

Give your little one lots of opportunities to play to encourage baby’s intellectual development. 

For more easy ideas and activities on how to support your baby’s development CLICK HERE.

Infant toys for cognitive development should be very simple at this age and can include things like soft blocks, unbreakable mirrors, books (this is one of my favorites), and rattles. 

Show your baby how a rattle works by gently shaking it.

Then hand it off to them to give it a try (For more ideas on toys that encourage development click here.)

Mirrors are very motivating and interesting for babies and are great to use during tummy time.

 Place the unbreakable mirror in front of them and see how they react.  

At first, they may just gaze at it but eventually, they will be amused by the baby right in front of them.

Peek-a-boo is the perfect game to introduce during diaper changes or while getting your little one dressed.  

Hide behind a small cloth or towel and peek out at your baby.

 Watch their reactions. If you are seeing smiles then continue with the fun social game.

 If your baby seems frightened by it then you may want to hold off on it for a couple of weeks.  

Always watch your baby’s cues during playtime or when introducing something new.

RELATED POST:  BABY COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT 6-9 MONTHS

Reading to Your Baby Boosts Intellectual Development From 3-6 Months

Now is the perfect time to introduce those soft squishy books (like these) to your baby if you haven’t already done so (great way to build early literacy skills.) 

While they are playing on their tummy, lay down in front of them and show them the pictures.

 Describe what is on the pages to your baby so that they can hear new words.

 Gently guide their hands to feel the different textures of the book to help them explore.

There are also magazines created for babies if you are looking for something different (you can check them out here.)

Talking Encourages Your Baby’s Understanding of Vocabulary

While your baby is taking in the world visually narrate what they see as well.

 Take them on a tour around your house and describe to them all the new things around them.  

When you are outside for a walk point out the puppy and talk about how warm or cool the air feels.

 While you are making dinner, tell them all about it!  

Your baby needs to hear words over and over so that they can learn them (learn more about boosting language skills .)

If you are looking for more ways to encourage your baby’s development CLICK HERE!

Frequently Asked Questions

Should a 3-6 month old baby watch TV?

Babies do not process TV the same way adults do and it is not recommended for them.  

Your baby will learn much more from you and independent play then watching an “educational” show.

You can read more about the guidelines and recommendations for screen time for infants and toddlers HERE.

Does a 3-month-old baby recognize their mother?

Yes!  Babies recognize their babies from the very beginning.  

The sounds of their voice and smell help their babies identify them.

What does a 6-month-old understand?

A 6-month-old baby is starting to understand spoken language and cues from their caregivers.

They may start to recognize and look when they hear their own name.

They also start to understand concepts such as waving “hi” and “bye”.

Keep Track of Milestones

An easy way to be PREPARED for you next well baby visit is to download the PDF below!

 It is FREE and PRINTABLE.  I know you have a lot going on with a new baby (I have been there too!) so print this off so you can EASILY keep track of all the exciting milestones your baby is doing!

 This includes milestones to look for from birth to 12 months.

Grab your FREE Milestone Guide HERE.

Related Posts You Will Enjoy: 

When Should Your Baby Start Standing?

The Best Baby Toys From 6-9 Months

5 Fun Bath Toys That Encourage Development

Is Teaching Your Baby Sign Language Beneficial?

Kayla ONeill

Kayla O’Neill has a master’s degree in education as well as a bachelor’s degree in special education with an emphasis in early childhood education. She has been working as a developmental therapist with babies and toddlers in early intervention since 2012. She is also a mom with two young children.