6 Months: A Major Milestone Month

By 6 months, most babies have roughly doubled their birth weight. Growth velocity naturally starts to slow slightly compared to the rapid pace of the first few months, which is normal.

Some babies begin sleeping in longer stretches at night around 6 months, though night feeds are still common and developmentally normal for many babies at this age.

Around 6 months is when most pediatric guidelines recommend introducing solid foods, alongside continued breast milk or formula (which remains the primary source of nutrition for now). Start with single-ingredient purees or appropriate first foods as advised by your pediatrician, watching for any signs of allergic reaction.

Many babies can sit with support and are starting to explore objects by mouthing them — a normal part of sensory exploration, not necessarily teething. Offer a variety of safe textures and simple toys to grasp.

If introducing solids, introduce new foods one at a time, a few days apart, so you can identify any reactions. Common early allergens (like peanut, egg, and dairy) are now often recommended to be introduced early rather than delayed, per current guidance — discuss timing with your pediatrician.

If your baby is following the typical Indian immunization schedule, the MMR vaccine series often begins around 9 months, so 6 months is usually a quieter period for routine shots unless catching up on a delayed schedule.