6 months old: ready for first foods
Many babies sit with support and babble. Around 6 months, and not before 4 months, babies are ready for solids.
- Age
- 6 months
- Sleep in 24 hours
- 12–16 hours
- Immunisations
- 6-month vaccines
Development
Many babies sit with support and babble. Around 6 months, and not before 4 months, babies are ready for solids.
Sleep and feeding
Start with iron-rich foods and include common allergy foods such as smooth peanut and well-cooked egg.
Looking after you
First teeth may appear, though they can arrive any time in the first year.
This month’s to-do list
- 6-month immunisations
- Start solids around 6 months
Common questions
How much should a 6-month-old sleep?
Most babies this age sleep about 12–16 hours in 24 hours, including naps. Every baby is different.
Are vaccines due at 6 months?
Yes. The National Immunisation Program schedules vaccines at 6 months. Book with your GP or local council clinic.
All 12 months
Useful tools
SleepBaby routine trackerKeep feeds, sleep and nappy changes together.FeedingAllergen introduction trackerLog peanut, egg and other first tries.DevelopmentMilestone journalNote the firsts in a private, printable journal.
Related guides
Health & safetyIntroducing allergy foods to your babyWhen and how to offer peanut, egg and other common allergy foods.NewbornBaby sleep routines by age: realistic expectationsSleep needs and settling patterns change as babies develop. Keep expectations flexible.Health & safetyFever in babies and children: when to see a doctorWhat counts as a fever, when it is urgent and how to keep your child comfortable.Health & safetySafe sleep: the guidelines in plain EnglishSix simple steps that lower the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy.