Food safety for babies
Avoid honey (risk of infant botulism), whole nuts (choking hazard), added salt, added sugar, and unpasteurized foods before age 1. Introduce common allergens (peanuts, eggs, shellfish) early and one at a time, and monitor for reactions.
Safe sleep still applies at 6 months
Continue placing your baby on their back to start sleep. If your baby can roll both ways, you don't need to reposition them if they roll during sleep — but always start them on their back.
Starting solid foods
Most babies are developmentally ready to start solids around six months — though some start a little earlier (around five months) or a little later. Signs of readiness include sitting with support, showing interest in food, and being able to move food to the back of the mouth.
First foods can be purées or soft mashed foods — single-ingredient starting points are easiest. Common firsts include mashed sweet potato, avocado, banana, and iron-rich purées. Baby-led weaning (soft finger foods from the start) is another evidence-supported approach.
- Start with small amounts (1–2 teaspoons) once per day
- Breast milk or formula is still the primary nutrition
- Introduce one new food at a time
- Avoid honey (under 12 months), added salt, and added sugar
Motor development
Most six-month-olds can roll in both directions and are working toward sitting independently. Many enjoy standing with support and bouncing, which builds leg strength.
Reaching and grasping is getting more precise. Your baby is exploring everything with their hands and mouth — this is how they learn, and it's healthy and expected.
Sleep at 6 months
Sleep patterns vary widely at six months. Some babies sleep through the night; many still wake once or twice. Two naps per day is typical — a morning nap and an afternoon nap.
If sleep is difficult, a consistent routine, appropriate wake windows (about 2–2.5 hours between sleep periods), and a calm environment make the most difference. Starting solids does not typically improve night sleep.
Tips for this stage
Go slow with new foods
Introduce one new food at a time and wait 2–3 days before introducing another. This makes it easier to identify any reaction to a new food.
Let your baby explore
Simple household objects — a wooden spoon, a fabric book, a cup — are as engaging as any toy at this age. Exploration builds cognitive development, and you don't need to buy much.
6-month checklist
Developmental milestones
Milestones are typical ranges, not deadlines. Speak with your pediatrician if you have concerns.
Motor
- Sits with support; some beginning to sit briefly alone
- Rolls in both directions
- Reaches for and grasps objects with both hands
- Bears weight on legs when held standing
Language
- Babbles with strings of consonant-vowel sounds (ba-ba, da-da)
- Responds to name
Social
- Shows clear preference for familiar people
- Begins to show stranger anxiety (normal development)
Cognitive
- Explores objects by mouthing them
- Looks for dropped objects