Milestones at 6 Months: What to Expect From Your Baby’s Growth
Your baby is halfway through their first year, and it’s time to celebrate the exciting “half-birthday”! By now, many babies are mastering new skills such as rolling both ways, bouncing when held, and even sitting without support. Some may begin lunging forward, rocking on all fours, or trying those first adorable crawling attempts.
Developmental Milestones at 6 Months
At this age, babies are becoming more interactive and curious about the world:
- They smile, laugh, and babble in “conversations” with you.
- They may start recognizing familiar faces and reacting to strangers.
- Games like peekaboo or patty-cake become a favorite way to play and learn.
- Many babies begin transferring toys between hands, showing improving hand coordination.
- Rolling over both ways becomes common, so extra caution is needed when your baby is on a bed, couch, or changing table.
Exploration is at the heart of this stage. Your 6-month-old may reach for everything around them and put it straight into their mouth, so it’s crucial to keep choking hazards such as coins, magnets, or small toys out of reach.
As your baby becomes more mobile, keeping an eye on them during active play is important. A VT50 Baby Monitor can help you supervise safely, even while you’re in another room.
Weight, Length, and Growth
Every baby grows at their own pace, but on average:
- Boys: 17 lbs 7 oz and 26.5 inches long
- Girls: 16 lbs 2 oz and 26 inches long
Growth usually slows slightly after 6 months, partly because your baby is more active and burning more energy. If you’re ever concerned about your baby’s growth, check in with your pediatrician for reassurance.
Feeding Your 6-Month-Old
This stage often marks the beginning of solid foods. Signs your baby may be ready include sitting upright in a high chair, good head control, and showing interest when food is offered. You can start with puréed vegetables, fruits, or meats.
Remember to:
- Introduce one food at a time.
- Watch for allergic reactions.
- Continue breast milk or formula, since solids are just a supplement at this age.
It’s completely normal if your baby resists solids at first—patience and consistency are key.
Sleep at 6 Months
Most babies at this age need 12–16 hours of sleep in 24 hours, including naps. While many start sleeping through the night, others may still wake for a feeding. Excitement from learning new skills can sometimes disrupt sleep.
Creating a calming bedtime routine and ensuring your baby has a safe sleep environment helps. Many parents also find reassurance in being able to check in on their little one without disturbing their rest, which is where a VT50 Baby Monitor with clear video and sound becomes especially useful.
Your Baby’s Health
The 6-month checkup is a milestone in itself, with growth measurements, developmental checks, and a round of vaccines (such as DTaP, polio, flu, and COVID-19 if recommended). This visit is also a good time to ask your pediatrician any questions about feeding, sleeping, or behaviors.
Where to Mount Baby Monitor on the Wall
When setting up a baby monitor, the safest and most effective position is high on the wall, angled down toward the crib. This gives you a full view of your baby while keeping the cords and device well out of reach. Avoid placing it inside or directly on the crib for safety reasons.
Conclusion
At 6 months, your baby is entering an exciting stage of growth, discovery, and independence. From new milestones to first tastes of solid food, every day brings fresh moments to cherish. Remember, every baby develops at their own pace, so celebrate the progress and enjoy this special half-year mark together.
Source: https://www.babycenter.com/baby/month-by-month/6-month-old-baby-milestones-and-development_721