Should my baby be sitting up on their own at 6 months?

Not necessarily. Around 6 months many babies sit with support or by propping on their hands, while sitting steadily without help often comes in the following months. Babies vary widely in timing. If you are unsure, ask your pediatrician at the next visit.

My baby is not transferring toys between hands yet. Is that a problem?

It may simply mean your baby needs more time. Transferring objects from one hand to the other is a skill many babies are working on around 6 months, and the exact timing differs. Keep offering light, easy-to-grasp toys, and mention it to your pediatrician if you have concerns or notice your baby is not reaching for objects at all.

How can I safely help my baby practice sitting?

Give floor time on a firm surface with a few toys within reach, and stay within arm's reach in case your baby tips over. Keep sessions short and stop when your baby is tired. Avoid propping your baby in a way that leaves them unsupervised or able to fall from a height.

Growth & Development · 6 months

6-month milestones (CDC): sitting & transferring

By around 6 months, many babies can sit with some support and lean on their hands to hold themselves up. The CDC lists these sitting and tummy-time skills for this age. Moving objects from one hand to the other usually develops a little later (the CDC lists hand-to-hand transferring around 9 months), but many 6-month-olds are already working toward it. The exact timing varies from baby to baby, and your pediatrician is the one who decides whether your baby's progress is on track.

3 min read Growth & Development Updated June 2026

What the CDC lists around 6 months

The CDC's milestone checklists describe what most babies can do by a given age. Around 6 months, the movement and physical skills the CDC highlights include leaning on hands to support themselves while sitting, rolling from tummy to back, and pushing up with straight arms during tummy time. Many babies are also working toward transferring a toy from one hand to the other, though the CDC lists hand-to-hand transferring as a 9-month milestone, so it commonly appears a bit after 6 months.

These are markers, not a pass-or-fail test. A baby can be developing typically and still reach a given skill earlier or later than the listed age. Use the checklist as a guide for what to look for, and bring it up at your next well-child visit.

Sitting at 6 months

At this stage, sitting usually means sitting with support. Your baby may prop on their own hands, lean against you or a cushion, or hold their head and trunk steady for a short time before tipping over. Steady, hands-free sitting commonly develops in the months that follow, so do not worry if your baby is not there yet.

You can support sitting by giving plenty of floor time. Place a few toys within reach so your baby practices balancing and reaching at the same time.

Sit your baby on the floor, not on soft furniture, so falls are short and safe.
Stay close and within arm's reach while they practice.
Keep practice sessions short and stop when your baby seems tired or fussy.

Transferring and using both hands

Transferring means moving an object from one hand to the other. It is an early sign that your baby is coordinating both sides of the body and learning how to explore objects. You may also see your baby reach for a toy with one hand and bring things to their mouth, which is a normal way of investigating at this age.

Offer light, easy-to-hold toys such as soft blocks or teething rings. Hand a toy to one side and let your baby work out how to pass it across. Keep small objects out of reach, since babies put almost everything in their mouths.

When to talk to your pediatrician

Tell your pediatrician if your baby seems very stiff or very floppy, does not bring things to their mouth, cannot hold their head steady, or shows no interest in reaching for nearby objects. Also mention it if your baby loses a skill they used to have.

Acting early matters. If you have any concern about how your baby moves, sits, or uses their hands, ask at the next visit rather than waiting. Your pediatrician can check development over time and refer you for support if needed.

Quick answers

Should my baby be sitting up on their own at 6 months?: Not necessarily. Around 6 months many babies sit with support or by propping on their hands, while sitting steadily without help often comes in the following months. Babies vary widely in timing. If you are unsure, ask your pediatrician at the next visit.
My baby is not transferring toys between hands yet. Is that a problem?: It may simply mean your baby needs more time. Transferring objects from one hand to the other is a skill many babies are working on around 6 months, and the exact timing differs. Keep offering light, easy-to-grasp toys, and mention it to your pediatrician if you have concerns or notice your baby is not reaching for objects at all.
How can I safely help my baby practice sitting?: Give floor time on a firm surface with a few toys within reach, and stay within arm's reach in case your baby tips over. Keep sessions short and stop when your baby is tired. Avoid propping your baby in a way that leaves them unsupervised or able to fall from a height.

Sources & further reading

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This article was written against current AAP, CDC, and WHO guidance and is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. ParentFlow is a wellness companion — not a substitute for your pediatrician. For medical concerns, always consult a qualified healthcare provider.