6-Month-Old Baby: Feeding, Care, Sleep & Milestones

Half a year.

Six whole months.

Your baby is officially closer to their first birthday than their birth day — let that sink in.

You’ve survived sleepless nights, countless diaper changes, and more Googling than you ever thought possible.

And now?

You’ve got a giggling, wiggling, increasingly opinionated 6-month-old on your hands.

So, what’s next?

Let’s break it all down.

In this article: 📝

What’s a 6-month-old baby routine?

At 6 months, your baby is in their prime for routines — flexible but predictable.

Of course, no two babies are exactly alike, so you’ll find your own rhythm that works best for both of you, but here’s (roughly) what to expect:

• 6:00 - 8:00 AM: Wake up
• First feed: Breastmilk or formula
• Morning playtime: Rolling, grabbing, babbling, tummy time
• First nap: Usually 1-1.5 hours
• Midday feed: Breastmilk or formula
• More playtime: Floor time, books, sensory toys
• Solids (if introduced): A small meal (e.g., mashed banana, baby cereal)
• Second nap: About 1-1.5 hours
• Afternoon feed: Breastmilk or formula
• Outdoor time (if possible): Walk in the stroller, fresh air
• More play: Peek-a-boo, stacking toys, songs
• Third nap (optional): Some babies still take a short catnap in the late afternoon
• Evening feed: Breastmilk or formula
• Bathtime and wind-down: Bath, lotion, pajamas, calming routine
• Bedtime routine: Final feed, books, cuddles, white noise if used
• 7:00 - 8:00 PM: Bedtime

👶 Don’t miss: 10 Fun Activities for 6-Month-Old Babies

6-month-old diapering: What’s normal?

Diaper duty is still very much a thing, but there are some changes now.

If you’ve started solids, you’ll notice a new level of variety in your baby’s poop — different colors, thicker textures, and, let’s be honest, stronger smells.

Wet diapers are still frequent, usually around 6 to 8 a day, though not as constant as the newborn phase.

You might also start noticing diaper rash more often as new foods are introduced, so keep that barrier cream handy.

💩 Get the scoop: Baby Poop: Your Expert Guide

How much sleep for a 6-month-old?

At this stage, your baby should be getting about 14 to 15 hours of sleep a day, which includes two to three naps totaling around three to four hours.

Some babies are finally sleeping through the night, while others still wake up for a feed or two.

If your babe is waking frequently, take a look at their daytime intake — sometimes a little extra milk during the day can help with longer nighttime stretches.

How many night feeds for a 6-month-old?

Some babies still need one or two feeds overnight, while others can go all night without eating.

Every baby is different, but if yours is still waking up often, it might be more about comfort than hunger.

Checking their daytime feeding schedule and ensuring they’re getting enough calories during the day can sometimes make a difference.

How long should the last wake window be?

The last wake window before bed should be around 2.5 to 3 hours.

This helps your baby be tired enough to settle into sleep but not overtired, which can make bedtime a struggle.

What’s a good bedtime for a 6-month-old?

Most 6-month-olds do well with a bedtime between 7 and 8 PM.

Too early, and they might wake up ready to party at 4 AM.

Too late, and they may become overtired and harder to settle.

What to feed a 6-month-old

At 6 months, your baby’s diet still primarily consists of breastmilk or formula, but solids are now on the menu.

According to the NHS, good first foods include iron-rich options like fortified baby cereal, mashed beans, and lentils, along with soft fruits and vegetables such as banana, avocado, sweet potato, and carrots. [1]

Protein sources like flaked fish, scrambled egg, and tofu can also be introduced.

What foods should I avoid at 6 months?

Certain foods should still be avoided, including honey (due to the risk of botulism), whole nuts (a choking hazard), unpasteurized dairy, and anything high in salt or sugar.

Cow’s milk as a drink should also be held off until after 12 months, though it’s fine to use in cooking.

How often should I offer solids?

Start with once a day and gradually build up to two or three solid meals daily as your baby gets more comfortable with eating.

It’s all about letting them explore textures and flavors at their own pace.

How many feeds for a 6-month-old?

For breastfed babies, expect about 5 to 6 feeds per day, while formula-fed babies usually take around 4 to 5 bottles of 6-8 ounces each.

What are 6-month-old baby milestones?

Your babe is hitting some big developmental leaps!

Here’s what many 6-month-olds are doing, according to the CDC: [2]

• Sitting up with little to no support: They might wobble, but they’re getting there!
  
• Rolling both ways: Back to tummy, tummy to back (which means no more staying in one place!).
  
• Pushing up on straight arms during tummy time, maybe even attempting to crawl.
  
• Grabbing objects with purpose: And immediately shoving them in their mouth.
  
• Transferring objects between hands: Their coordination is improving fast.
  
• Babbling non-stop: Expect lots of “ba-ba,” “da-da,” and maybe even a “ma-ma” (even if it’s not directed at you just yet).
  
• Recognizing their name: They may turn toward you when you say it. [3,4]
  
• Exploring cause and effect: Banging toys, dropping things just to see you pick them up.
  
• Showing preferences for people: Stranger danger might be kicking in, and they likely light up at familiar faces. [5,6]
  
• Loving mirror time: They’re fascinated by their own reflection.
  
• Expressing a range of emotions: Excitement, frustration, and even a little cheeky defiance.

Not all babies hit these milestones at exactly 6 months, so don’t panic if yours is taking their time! If you have concerns, check in with your pediatrician.

What is normal behavior for a 6-month-old?

Expect curiosity in overdrive.

Your baby will be fascinated by everything from their own reflection to the sound of crinkly paper.

They’ll smile and laugh more, recognize familiar faces, and get excited about playtime.

Distraction is also at an all-time high, making diaper changes and mealtimes more of a challenge.

How do I know my 6-month-old is happy?

Happiness at this stage is all about engagement.

If your baby is smiling, cooing, reaching for you, and showing excitement when they see you, those are all good signs they’re feeling content.

👶 Read also: 6 Toys for a 6-Month-Old

What can babies see at 6 months?

Your baby’s vision has improved dramatically.

They can recognize familiar faces from across the room, track moving objects, and distinguish between different colors more clearly.

Do babies recognize their mom at 6 months?

Yes! Research shows that babies recognize their primary caregivers by voice, face, and even smell. [7]

Can babies see the TV at 6 months?

Yes, but should they? Not really.

The WHO recommends avoiding screen time before age 2. [8]

Instead, chatting, singing, and reading to them is far more beneficial for their development.

What to expect in a 6 month growth spurt?

Growth spurts can hit around 6 months, often bringing increased hunger, clinginess, and sleep disruptions.

These spurts usually last just a few days, so hang in there!

My baby isn’t sitting up yet — is that okay?

Totally. Some babies sit up as early as 5 months, while others take until 7 or 8 months.

If your babe isn’t there yet, give them plenty of tummy time and opportunities to strengthen their core muscles.

If you’re concerned, check in with your pediatrician.

6-month-old baby: Your questions, answered

Still have questions?

Don’t fret, mama — there’s so much to know about your little babe.

We’ve got you covered.

Is my baby teething at 6 months?

Maybe — teething can start anytime from 4-7 months, and if your baby is drooling enough to flood your house and chewing on everything in sight, those little teeth are probably on their way.

Try teething toys, chilled washcloths, and (if needed) baby-safe pain relief to help soothe the discomfort.

Why is my baby suddenly waking up at night again?

Ah, the classic 6-month sleep regression.

This can happen due to developmental leaps, teething, or just because babies love to keep you on your toes.

Stick to your bedtime routine, offer extra comfort if needed, and know that this phase (like all the others) will pass.

Should my baby be talking by now?

Not quite, but they’re working on it!

Around this age, babies start stringing together sounds like “ba-ba” and “da-da.”

Actual words with meaning usually come later — closer to 9-12 months.

Why is my baby so clingy all of a sudden?

Welcome to separation anxiety 101!

At 6 months, babies start realizing that you can walk away (rude), and they’re not a fan.

This is a normal part of development, and responding to their need for reassurance helps them build trust and security.

How much should my baby weigh at 6 months?

The average weight for a 6-month-old is 16-18 lbs, but every baby is different.

As long as they’re following their own growth curve, you’re good.

Six months is a fun (and exhausting) milestone.

Your baby is more interactive, playful, and maybe even sleeping better (fingers crossed).

Keep rolling with the changes, trust your instincts, and don’t stress the small stuff.

You’re doing amazing, even if your coffee is always cold.

👶 Next up? The wild world of a 7-month-old — brace yourself!