6 month old

[Friv]

I hope this is the right forum, since there was no general pediatrics option. My little boy is 6 months old this week and I'm concerned about some milestones that I keep reading about. People always comment that he is so alert and engaged and seems advanced, but he still will not "converse" with me. He smiled at 3 weeks, cooed and laughed at 2 months, and babbled at 4 months. But if I try to babble at him, he just stares at me and smiles. He has not  once talked back, nor does he mimic any facial expressions. Should I be worried? As a side note: he mostly babbles mamamama when fussing--does that count? Physically, he is right on track if not slightly early.

[Yao Sun, MD, PhD]

Your baby really needs to be seen and examined by your pediatrician to determine whether there is anything to worry about.  I'm sorry that I cannot answer your question in general terms because the development of babies is so individualized.

[Friv]

Thank you, but unfortunately due to scheduling issues I won't be able to take him to the ped for 2 weeks and am quite nervous in the meantime. Can u tell me if at 6 months all normal babies can mimic? Thanks.

[Yao Sun, MD, PhD]

6 months is usually an age where your son would be seen by his pediatrician.  You should bring up your concerns at the pediatric visit so that his doctor can evaluate him for any signs of developmental delay.  Babies can have a range of development that can still be within the normal range, but your pediatrician will have a better idea of how your son is doing after a complete physical examination.