6 months is a very important age for little ones in terms of sleep, food and development. At this age they move more, are able to grasp objects with their hands and most no longer have the tongue-thrust reflex, i.e. they no longer use their tongue to push out food entering their mouth. That is why sleep and food patterns will definitely start changing.
How about sleep?
Sleep and wake cycles are far more regulated and this is a good time to establish more stable sleep routines, to start getting rid of negative sleep aids, and to teach babies to fall asleep on their own.
Some babies are able to sleep through the night at 6 months. However, many others will still wake up even until they are 2 years old, so sleep specialist support is quite useful.
¿What are naps like?
6-month-old babies can stop taking their last nap of the day, i.e. go from 3 to 2 naps, and it all depends on each baby’s needs. Keep in mind that sleep windows at this age are 2-2.5 hours and daytime sleep is approximately 3-4 hours.
What does a 6-month-old baby’s schedule look like?
To establish a daily schedule for babies, always follow the Eat, Play, Sleep sequence
7:30 AM Wake, breakfast, play 10:15 AM First nap 12:00 PM Wake, eat, play 2:45 PM Second nap 4:30 PM Wake, eat, play 6:30 PM Dinner 7:00 PM Pre-bedtime routine 7:30 PM Bedtime
How about food?
Babies shall have been breast or bottle-fed only until now but complementary foods may be introduced after 6 months, but in small quantities, because milk or formula must continue to be the main food source. We have always suggested BLW as a conscious and friendly way of feeding babies.
