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Your 6-month-old baby
Starting solids and sitting up
By Emma Whitfield · Pregnancy & Baby Writer
Development at 6 months
The big one: around six months, most babies are ready to start solid foods. Many can sit with little or no support, bear weight on their legs, and reach and grab accurately. Babbling ("ba-ba", "da-da") gets stronger.
Feeding
Start solids alongside — not instead of — milk. Begin with single veg and fruit, soft finger foods or smooth purées. Milk (breast or formula) stays the main source of nutrition throughout the first year. Offer sips of water from a cup with meals.
Sleep
Your baby can now safely move from the moses basket to a cot if they have outgrown it. Night waking is still normal; starting solids does not reliably make babies sleep through.
Play & connection
Let your baby explore food with their hands — mess is learning. Continue reading, singing and giving sitting practice with cushions around them. Cause-and-effect toys are a hit.
Focus this month
Introduce the common allergens (well-cooked egg, peanut in smooth butter, dairy) one at a time from the start of weaning — early introduction is now advised. Avoid added salt, sugar, honey and whole nuts.
When to check in
Talk to your health visitor if your baby cannot sit with support, shows no interest in food or reaching, or is not making any babbling sounds by around 6–7 months.
Your 6-month-old baby: common questions
What should a 6-month-old baby be doing?
The big one: around six months, most babies are ready to start solid foods. Many can sit with little or no support, bear weight on their legs, and reach and grab accurately. Babbling ("ba-ba", "da-da") gets stronger. Remember this is a typical range — healthy babies reach milestones at very different times.
How much should a 6-month-old baby sleep?
Your baby can now safely move from the moses basket to a cot if they have outgrown it. Night waking is still normal; starting solids does not reliably make babies sleep through.
What should I feed a 6-month-old baby?
Start solids alongside — not instead of — milk. Begin with single veg and fruit, soft finger foods or smooth purées. Milk (breast or formula) stays the main source of nutrition throughout the first year. Offer sips of water from a cup with meals.
Sources & further reading
- Baby — development and milestones — NHS Start for Life
- Safer sleep advice — The Lullaby Trust
This is general information, not medical advice — every baby develops differently and the ranges here are typical, not targets. Your health visitor and the NHS red book are your personal sources of truth. If you're ever worried about your baby's development, health or feeding, speak to your health visitor or GP. Reviewed July 2026.