6 Months Old Development
Content reviewed against published CDC, WHO, AAP guidelines
Last reviewed:
A milestone month. Most babies are ready to start solid foods, can sit with minimal support, and are becoming truly interactive communicators.
Key takeaways
- Sits without support for short periods
- Looks at things across the room with curiosity
- Knows familiar faces and recognizes strangers
- Start introducing solid foods if baby shows readiness signs.
- Sleeps 12-15 hours total with 2-3 naps.
“Skills such as taking a first step, smiling for the first time, and waving 'bye-bye' are called developmental milestones. Children reach milestones in how they play, learn, speak, act, and move.”
Physical development
- Sits without support for short periods
- Rocks back and forth on hands and knees
- May begin army crawling or scooting
- Rakes at small objects with whole hand
Cognitive development
- Looks at things across the room with curiosity
- Brings objects to mouth to explore
- Shows interest in food when others are eating
- Responds to sounds by making sounds
Social & emotional
- Knows familiar faces and recognizes strangers
- Enjoys playing with others, especially caregivers
- Responds to other people's emotions
- Babbles chains of consonants (ba-ba-ba, da-da-da)
Feeding
Start introducing solid foods if baby shows readiness signs. Begin with single-ingredient purees or soft finger foods (baby-led weaning). Continue breast milk or formula as primary nutrition.
Sleep
Sleeps 12-15 hours total with 2-3 naps. Many babies can sleep 8+ hours at night. The 6-month growth spurt may temporarily increase night wakings.
Common concerns at this age
Activities to try
- Introduce age-appropriate solid foods
- Play peek-a-boo and patty-cake
- Provide containers and objects to put in and take out
- Read board books daily and point to pictures
Frequently asked questions
What should a 6 months old be doing?
How much should a 6 months old sleep?
How much should a 6 months old eat?
What activities help a 6 months old develop?
Bottom line
Every baby develops at their own pace. The milestones listed for 6 months old are typical ranges based on CDC and AAP guidelines. If your baby hasn't reached a milestone, it doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong — but talk to your pediatrician if you have concerns.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
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