# 6 Month Old Baby: Milestones, Feeding & Sleep | Clever Mum

> Your 6-month-old baby — development milestones, feeding, sleep and play, plus what to focus on this month. General, NHS-aligned guidance.

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# 
Your 6-month-old baby

 
Starting solids and sitting up

   [ CP ](/authors/parenting-desk/)  
 By [ Clever Mum Parenting ](/authors/parenting-desk/) · Parenting guides 

 
 Published 11 July 2026  

      
 
Quick answer — What should a 6-month-old baby be doing? 

 
At 6 months old, starting solids and sitting up. The big one: around six months, most babies are ready to start solid foods. Every baby develops at their own pace — these are typical ranges, not a checklist.

    
## 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 ](https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/baby/)  — NHS Start for Life 
*  [ Safer sleep advice ](https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/)  — The Lullaby Trust 
 
   [← 5 months](/baby/month/5/) [All months](/baby/month/) [7 months →](/baby/month/7/)  

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 August 2026.

    
## 6 months at a glance

   Stage Older baby  Feeding Milk + solids  This month Starting solids and sitting up     
Feeding this stage

 
 Ready for solids? Our [weaning guide](/baby/weaning-guide-when-and-how-to-start/)
walks through when and how to start.