As your baby approaches their half-birthday, they're becoming more mobile, engaged, and curious about the world around them. Here's what to know about 6-month-old baby care, feeding, sleep, and more.
As you approach your baby's 6-month birthday, it's probably hard to believe they've been in the world for half a year. A lot has happened over the past several months, and this rapid growth and development will culminate in some big milestones. In fact, parents are often delighted when their babies reach 6 months because it brings so many exciting changes.
Not only will your baby laugh and babble, but they might be able to sit up without support, and they'll likely show readiness for solid foods. Plus, they may start sleeping longer stretches at night, which means you'll finally get more shut-eye!
'At 6 months, your baby should be expressing joy and displeasure, displaying curiosity, and passing things from one hand to another,' says Ben Levinson, MD, a primary care pediatrician with Nationwide Children's Hospital. 'They will use a raking grasp and swipe objects with their fingers. They also should start reaching for you, recognizing who is a known person and who is a stranger at this point.'
Here we discuss the key milestones you can expect your baby to reach this month—like starting solid foods and becoming more mobile—plus some important safety considerations. Read on for more about your 6-month-old baby's development.
At 6 months, babies usually reach some big developmental milestones because of how strong they're getting. But don't get too worried if your baby hasn't hit a particular milestone just yet; every infant has a unique timeline.
'So much of development occurs within a range of time and along a spectrum,' says Marie Trace, MD, a specialist in developmental-behavioral pediatrics with Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital for Rehabilitation. 'We have information about what that looks like for typically developing children, but it's important to remember that every child is unique.'
Here's what to expect as your baby approaches their 6-month birthday:
1. Increased mobility: Your baby will start to roll from front to back and back to front, sit without support, bear weight on their legs, and rock on their hands and knees.
2. Language development: Your baby will respond to sounds, string vowels together, and possibly recognize their name. They'll also make noises to express joy and displeasure, and they may start making consonant sounds.
3. Introduction to solid foods: If your baby shows signs of readiness—such as holding their head up, opening their mouth for food, and reaching for your food—you can start slowly introducing solids. Remember to follow guidelines for introducing allergenic foods if your baby has eczema.
4. Sleep patterns: Your baby will sleep for about 14 hours a day, with longer stretches at night. They may still wake up due to teething, hunger, separation anxiety, or the desire to practice new skills.
5. Safety precautions: Be sure to babyproof your home to create a safe environment as your baby becomes more mobile. Keep small objects out of reach, cover electrical outlets, and secure furniture to prevent accidents.
6. Social and emotional development: Your baby will become more social and engaging, making eye contact and mimicking sounds. They're also developing their own personality, so enjoy bonding and playing with them.
At this stage, introducing solids is an important milestone. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends introducing one new 'single-ingredient' food every three to five days and watching for any allergic reactions. You can choose between pre-made baby foods or making your own, but remember to start with pureed or soft foods.
As for sleep, your baby is likely consolidating their sleep at night and taking two to three naps during the day. Establishing a bedtime routine can help create a consistent sleep schedule, but be prepared for occasional disruptions due to teething or developmental leaps.
It's important to keep your baby safe as they explore their surroundings. Watch out for potential hazards like hot objects, choking hazards, and poisonous substances. Stay vigilant and never leave your baby unattended, even for a short time.
During this period, your baby's poop will start to change in consistency, color, and smell as they begin eating solids. This is normal, so don't be alarmed. Additionally, your baby may experience their first cold around this time. Follow your healthcare provider's advice on managing cold symptoms and reach out for guidance if needed.
Finally, enjoy this stage of your baby's development. They'll become more active, curious, and interactive as they continue to grow. Cherish the moments of laughter, babbling, and exploration, for before you know it, your little one will be on the move and discovering even more about the world around them.
