Baby Milestones

Your month-by-month companion

Month 6

A milestone month. Sitting independently, starting solid foods, and possibly first teeth. Baby is halfway through the first year.

Quick Reference

Sleep

12-15 hours

Feeding

24-32 oz (710-950 ml) milk + 1-2 solid meals

Naps

2-3 naps

Wake Window

2-3 hours

Talk to your doctor if baby...

•Does not try to get things in reach
•Shows no affection for caregivers
•Does not respond to sounds around them
•Does not make vowel sounds
•Does not laugh or make squealing sounds
•Seems very stiff or very floppy
•Does not roll in either direction

Starting solids - what foods first and how do I avoid choking?

Start with iron-rich foods: infant cereal, pureed meat, or beans. Introduce common allergens early (peanut, egg, dairy). For safety: no hard raw foods, cut grapes lengthwise, no hot dogs/popcorn/whole nuts, always supervise eating. Learn infant CPR for peace of mind.

Baby is constipated after starting solids - help!

Constipation is very common when starting solids. Offer water (2-4 oz/60-120 ml per day), "P fruits" (pears, prunes, plums, peaches), and reduce binding foods (bananas, rice cereal). Call your doctor if you see blood, baby cries in pain, or goes 5+ days without pooping.

Do I need to sleep train?

Sleep training is a personal choice, not a requirement. If you're functioning and not resentful, keep doing what works. If you're exhausted or your mental health is suffering, sleep training around 6 months can help. Many methods exist - choose what fits your family.

My baby won't sit up yet - should I worry?

Sitting with support is typical at 6 months; independent sitting usually happens 7-9 months. Talk to your doctor if baby can't hold their head steady, push up on arms during tummy time, or bring hands to mouth by 6 months.

How much water should I give with solids?

Once baby starts solids at 6 months, you can offer 2-4 oz (60-120 ml) of water per day in a cup. Water isn't required if baby is still drinking plenty of breast milk or formula (24-32 oz/710-950 ml per day), but it helps with constipation and teaches cup skills.

Will my baby be sick constantly at daycare?

Yes, expect frequent colds, especially the first year - 8-12 colds annually is normal for daycare babies. Their immune system is learning. The upside: they're typically healthier than home-only babies once they start school.

ExpectedWhat most babies do
  • •Roll from tummy to back
  • •Push up with straight arms during tummy time
  • •Sit with support or lean on hands
  • •Reach to grab toys they want
  • •Put things in mouth to explore
  • •Know familiar people
  • •Respond to sounds by making sounds
  • •Laugh
VariesWhat some babies do
  • •Sit without support briefly
  • •Transfer objects hand to hand
  • •Rock on hands and knees
  • •Show stranger anxiety
  • •Blow raspberries (stick tongue out and blow)

What's Next

Month 7 · Month 7 often brings sitting without support, early crawling attempts, and more defined stranger anxiety.