The months between 2 and 6 are full of firsts. The sleepy newborn starts to look at your face, smile back, coo and laugh, and one day rolls over when you least expect it. It is a wonderful stage, and it is also the stage when many parents start comparing: “My sister’s baby is already rolling. Is mine behind?”

This guide gives you a calm, simple picture of what most babies do at 2, 4 and 6 months, and how everyday play helps. Many Sharjah families return to work during these months, so we also explain how a good infant care programme supports this stage. At Balloon Nursery we welcome babies from 45 days old.

Our milestone lists come from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” checklists. The CDC describes milestones as things most babies (75% or more) can do by a certain age. Some babies get there earlier and some a little later, and both are usually fine.

Around 2 months: looking, listening and the first smiles

According to the CDC checklist for 2 months, most babies by now:

  • Calm down when spoken to or picked up, look at your face and smile when you talk or smile at them.
  • Make sounds other than crying and react to loud sounds.
  • Watch you as you move and look at a toy for a few seconds.
  • Hold their head up when lying on their tummy, move both arms and legs, and open their hands briefly.

How play helps: at this age, you are the best toy. Hold your baby close, talk in a soft, sing-song voice and give them time to “answer” with a look or a sound. Short tummy time sessions while your baby is awake help build neck and shoulder strength. Always stay with your baby during tummy time, and always put them on their back to sleep, as the NHS safe sleep advice explains.

Around 4 months: chuckles, cooing and reaching out

The CDC checklist for 4 months says most babies:

  • Smile on their own to get your attention and chuckle when you try to make them laugh.
  • Make cooing sounds like “oooo” and “aahh”, make sounds back when you talk, and turn their head towards your voice.
  • Open their mouth when they see the breast or bottle if they are hungry, and look at their own hands with interest.
  • Hold their head steady without support when held, hold a toy placed in their hand, swing an arm at toys, bring hands to mouth, and push up onto elbows or forearms on their tummy.

How play helps: copy your baby’s sounds and wait for them to reply. These little “conversations” are the start of language. Hang a soft toy where your baby can swing at it, offer rattles and textured toys to hold, and keep tummy time going on a clean, soft mat.

Around 6 months: laughing, squealing and rolling over

By 6 months, the CDC checklist says most babies:

  • Know familiar people, like looking at themselves in a mirror, and laugh.
  • Take turns making sounds with you, blow “raspberries” and make squealing noises.
  • Put things in their mouth to explore them, reach to grab a toy they want, and close their lips to show they do not want more food.
  • Roll from tummy to back, push up with straight arms on their tummy, and lean on their hands to support themselves when sitting.

How play helps: give your baby safe floor time to roll, reach and stretch. A baby-safe mirror, simple peek-a-boo games and toys just out of reach all invite movement. Because babies explore with their mouths, keep small objects away and wash toys often.

Six months is also when many babies start solid food alongside milk. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, then adding solid food while breastfeeding continues. Your paediatrician can guide you on when your own baby is ready.

How Balloon Nursery supports babies at this age

  • We welcome babies from 45 days old, and children can stay with us as they grow, up to 4 years.
  • We follow the British EYFS curriculum with hands-on, Montessori-style learning, and babies hear Arabic and English every day.
  • We are open every day from 6:30am to 7:30pm, with early drop-off from 6:00am on request. A bus service is available.
  • We are licensed by SPEA (Sharjah Private Education Authority) and have been caring for children in Sharjah for over 20 years.

To picture your baby’s day with us, read a day in the infant room. If you are still choosing a nursery, our guide to infant care from 45 days in Sharjah lists the questions worth asking. And when your little one turns one, see your 1-year-old at nursery.

When to talk to your paediatrician

The CDC advises talking to your baby’s doctor if your baby is not meeting one or more milestones for their age, has lost skills they once had, or if you have any other concern. Your baby’s regular check-ups are a good time to ask. An early conversation is not a diagnosis; it is simply a way to put your mind at rest or get help early.

Every child develops at their own pace.

Would you like to see our infant room? Book a visit or message us on WhatsApp at +971 50 342 8582.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do babies start smiling?

According to the CDC, most babies smile when you talk or smile at them by about 2 months. By 4 months, most smile on their own to get your attention.

When do babies roll over?

The CDC lists rolling from tummy to back as a milestone most babies reach by about 6 months. Safe floor time and tummy time while your baby is awake help build the strength they need.

My 4-month-old does not like tummy time. What can I do?

Try short sessions a few times a day when your baby is awake and content, get down on the floor at eye level, or lay your baby on your chest. Always stay with your baby during tummy time.

Can a baby start nursery before 6 months?

Yes. Balloon Nursery welcomes babies from 45 days old, and caregivers follow each baby’s own rhythm for feeding, sleep and play.

What are the nursery opening hours?

Balloon Nursery is open every day from 6:30am to 7:30pm, with early drop-off from 6:00am on request.