Sensory
Sensory milestones for your 6-to-9-month-old
By 6–9 months most babies turn to soft sounds and your voice, track moving objects smoothly, explore toys by hand and mouth, and respond with curiosity to different textures. These are flexible guideposts, not tests. Gently review hearing, vision and development if your baby rarely babbles, doesn't startle to sound, or doesn't follow objects with both eyes.
Between six and nine months, your baby is busy turning sounds, sights and textures into a map of the world around them — and you are their favourite landmark.
In short
By 6–9 months, most babies turn quickly towards your voice and to soft sounds, follow moving objects smoothly with their eyes, reach for and explore toys with hands and mouth, and respond to different textures with curiosity. These are gentle guideposts, not a pass-or-fail test — babies arrive at them at slightly different times.What you might notice
Hearing & sound (b230)- Turns head towards your voice or a soft rattle
- Quietens or brightens to familiar music or sounds
- Babbles back when you talk — "ba-ba", "da-da"
Seeing & looking (b210)
- Follows a moving toy smoothly across the middle line
- Looks for a partly hidden object
- Notices small things and tracks people across the room
Touch & exploring (b265, b270)
- Brings hands and toys to the mouth to explore
- Reacts to different textures — smooth, bumpy, soft
- Accepts gentle touch and enjoys being held
When to check in
Gentle review is wise if your baby does not startle or turn to loud sounds, rarely babbles, doesn't follow moving objects with both eyes, or seems very distressed or completely unbothered by most textures. A quick hearing and vision check, plus a developmental review, is the right next step — not worry.The Pinnacle way
A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre under qualified clinician care — never from an online list. Our occupational therapy and sensory teams help babies make rich sense of their world, gently and joyfully.Trusted sources
Aligned with the WHO ICF sensory functions framework (b2) and CDC developmental guidance for infants.Next step — message the Pinnacle team on WhatsApp at +91 91001 81181 for a warm, no-pressure developmental check.
This is general information, not a diagnosis — a clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre under qualified clinician care.
What to watch
Check in with a clinician if your baby doesn't startle or turn to loud sounds, rarely babbles, doesn't follow moving objects with both eyes, or is consistently very distressed or completely unresponsive to most textures.
Try this at home
During play, offer toys of different textures within easy reach and name sounds you both hear ("that's the door!") — watch for turning, reaching and babbling back.
Trusted sources
Developed by SETU Consortium · Pinnacle Blooms Network · Last reviewed 2026-06-10 · reviewed every 540 days
This is general information, not a diagnosis. A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care.
Frequently asked
Is it normal for my baby to put everything in their mouth at this age?
Yes — mouthing is a key way babies between 6 and 9 months explore texture and shape. It's healthy sensory learning, so simply keep small or unsafe objects out of reach.
My baby doesn't always turn when I call. Should I worry?
Babies are easily absorbed in play, so the odd missed call is normal. But if your baby rarely turns to your voice or soft sounds, a quick hearing check and developmental review is a sensible, reassuring next step.
When is the right time to seek an assessment?
A formal AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are made only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre by a qualified clinician. If you notice persistent concerns with hearing, vision or exploration, a developmental check is worthwhile at any age.