Six months is a landmark month. Solids officially begin, baby sits with less support, and personality is written all over that face. Your baby has doubled the birth weight and is ready for a whole new world of taste, texture, and independence.
6 months old developmental milestones
- Sits independently for short stretches
- Rolls in both directions
- Reaches for a toy with a raked grasp
- Babbles ba-ba, da-da, ma-ma (not yet meaningful)
- Interested in your food and watches every bite
Care tips for 6 months old
- Start with iron-rich foods — fortified cereals, mashed lentils, pureed meat or paneer, mashed egg yolk. Milk still provides most of the calories.
- Introduce a sippy cup with water at mealtimes. Small sips only.
- Sit baby at the family table for meals even if not eating — social eating is half of learning to eat.
- Vaccinations at 6 months typically include a booster round — attend on time.
This month's checklist
- Start solids with iron-rich foods
- Book 6-month vaccinations
- Introduce a sippy cup
Frequently asked questions
What are the first foods to introduce at 6 months?
Iron-fortified cereal, mashed banana or avocado, well-cooked mashed lentils, pureed vegetables, mashed egg yolk, and pureed meats are excellent starters.
How much solid food should a 6-month-old eat?
Start with 1-2 tablespoons once or twice a day, and let baby lead. Some days baby will eat a bowlful, other days barely a spoon — both are normal.
When can I introduce allergens?
Current guidance is to introduce common allergens (peanut, egg, dairy, fish, wheat) between 4 and 6 months, one at a time, three days apart. Delaying does not prevent allergies and may increase risk.
When to call your paediatrician
Most months of babyhood pass without alarm, but a small set of symptoms always deserves urgent review. Contact your paediatrician or the nearest paediatric emergency room straight away for any of the following:
- Fever above 39 °C, or any fever lasting more than 72 hours
- Refusing more than two feeds in a row, or fewer wet nappies than usual
- Breathing that is fast, noisy, or with visible chest tugging
- Persistent vomiting, blood in stool, or a swollen belly
- Any sudden loss of a skill baby had already learned
Where the 6 months old stage fits in
Between six and twelve months, mobility explodes. Baby transitions from motion controlled by reflexes to intentional rolling, sitting, crawling, and pulling to stand. Solids begin, sleep starts to consolidate, and separation anxiety often appears. Baby-proofing and consistent responses matter more than ever.
Educational content — not a substitute for medical care. Contact your paediatrician urgently for high fever in a young infant, refusing feeds, laboured breathing, persistent vomiting, or any concern that feels wrong to you.