What’s typical at 6 months
Motor: Many babies roll both ways by 5 to 7 months and begin brief tripod sitting with hands for support. Reaching with both hands, transferring objects, and a palmar grasp are common now. The true pincer grasp typically comes later, usually 8 to 10 months, so larger, fist-grip foods are expected at this stage.
Social and communication: Most babies smile, laugh, and enjoy back-and-forth sounds. You may hear squeals, coos, and early strings of vowel sounds, with babbling becoming more frequent over the next couple of months. Interest in people and toys increases, and many turn toward your voice.
Feeding readiness: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing complementary foods around 6 months when developmental signs are present, including good head and neck control, ability to sit with minimal support, bringing hands or toys to the mouth, and showing interest in food. The CDC milestone framework and WHO motor data also note that short periods of unsupported sitting often emerge between 6 and 7 months, with wide normal variation.
Why these milestones emerge now
- Central nervous system maturation and increasing myelination that improve coordination and timing
- Stronger core and postural muscles that support rolling and brief sitting
- Developing hand-eye coordination and visual tracking for reaching and transferring
- Oral motor maturation with a diminishing tongue-thrust reflex and better lip closure for early spoon feeding
- Growing social attention and joint engagement that drive turn-taking, smiles, and early vocal play
- Adequate nutrition and sleep that support energy, growth, and learning
Simple ways to support 6-month development
Floor time for rolling and sitting
Offer multiple short sessions on a firm blanket. Place a favorite toy just out of reach to encourage pivoting and rolling. For sitting, let your baby sit between your legs or use your hands at the trunk, gradually lowering support as balance improves.
Reach, grasp, and transfer games
Use lightweight rattles, rings, or soft blocks. Present toys at midline, then to each side to practice reaching with both hands. Encourage passing hand-to-hand to build coordination.
Feeding readiness practice
If signs are present, start complementary foods. Offer soft, mashed or smooth textures by spoon, or large, soft stick-shaped foods your baby can hold with a palmar grasp. Preload spoons and guide the hand to the mouth, then let go.
Talk, read, and copy sounds
Narrate routines, sing, and read simple books. Pause to let your baby “answer.” Imitate their squeals and vowel sounds, then model simple consonant-vowel patterns like “ba,” “ma,” or “da.”
Peekaboo and social play
Play peekaboo, pat-a-cake, and mirror games. Take gentle turns making faces and sounds to build joint attention and early conversation skills.
Offer iron-rich first foods
Aim for iron sources most days, such as well-cooked puréed meats, mashed beans or lentils, iron-fortified infant cereal, or flaky tender fish. Pair with vitamin C foods to help iron absorption.
When to talk to your pediatrician
- Little or no head control, or very stiff or very floppy body at 6 months
- Not reaching for objects or not bringing hands or toys to the mouth by 6 months
- Not rolling in either direction by around 7 months
- Cannot sit with support by around 7 months, or does not bear weight through legs when supported
- Very limited sounds (no laughing, squealing, or vowel sounds) by 6 months, or no babbling by 9 months
- Does not respond to sounds or voices, or lacks eye contact and social smiles
- Strong preference for one hand before 12 months or persistent asymmetry
- Loss of previously learned skills at any time
Frequently asked questions
How do I know my 6-month-old is ready for solids?
Look for good head and neck control, ability to sit with minimal support, interest in food, opening the mouth for the spoon, and bringing objects to the mouth. The AAP recommends starting complementary foods around 6 months when these signs are present.
Do babies need teeth to start solids?
No. Gums are strong. Begin with smooth purées or very soft, mashable foods and large fist-grip strips that squash easily. Small bite-size pieces can wait until the pincer grasp is emerging, typically 8 to 10 months.
What textures are safest at this age?
Soft, mashable textures that you can press between fingers are appropriate. Offer preloaded spoons or large, soft strips held with a palmar grasp. See our baby food cutting guide for size and softness tips.
How much should my baby eat at 6 months?
Start with 1 to 2 small meals per day, a few spoonfuls or a few soft strips, and follow hunger and fullness cues. Breast milk or formula remains the main source of nutrition through the first year.
What is the difference between gagging and choking?
Gagging is a noisy, protective reflex that happens above the vocal cords and helps move food forward. Choking is silent and indicates an airway blockage. If choking is suspected, act immediately and follow your infant first aid plan.
Which nutrients matter most when starting solids?
Iron and zinc are key at this age. Offer puréed meats, beans, lentils, tofu, iron-fortified infant cereal, and pair with vitamin C foods. Continue breast milk or formula on demand.
Is it okay to do purées or baby-led weaning at 6 months?
Both can be safe. Focus on readiness signs, soft textures, and responsive feeding. Introduce allergens like peanut and egg early and often, per AAP guidance, when your baby is healthy and developmentally ready.
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