6

Baby Development Guide

6 Months Old

Hello solids!

Boy avg 7.9kg · 67.6cm
Girl avg 7.3kg · 65.7cm
Sleep 14 hrs/day

Development Milestones

G Gross Motor

  • Sits without support for short periods
  • Rocks back and forth on hands and knees - Pre-crawling
  • Bears full weight on legs when held standing

F Fine Motor

  • Pincer grip developing - Rakes at food
  • Picks up small objects with whole hand
  • Bangs objects together - Enjoys cause and effect

L Language & Communication

  • Says "mama" and "dada" (non-specifically)
  • Responds to own name consistently
  • Vocal variety: shouts, growls, squeals to express feelings

S Social & Emotional

  • Stranger anxiety may peak
  • Enjoys mirror play - Smiles at reflection
  • Engages in back-and-forth "conversations"

Sleep & Feeding

Sleep

14 hrs/day
Night: ~11 hrs
Naps: 2 × 1.5–2 hrs

Feeding

4–5 milk feeds + solids introduction
Sleep breakdown
Night 11h
Naps 3h

Sample Daily Routine

7:00 AM
Wake · milk feed
8:00–9:30 AM
Play time
9:30 AM
Nap (1.5–2 hrs)
11:30 AM
Milk feed · solids (puree, 1–2 tbsp)
1:00 PM
Nap (1.5 hrs)
3:00 PM
Milk feed
5:30 PM
Solids dinner · play
7:00 PM
Bath · milk feed · sleep

Times are approximate guides only. Follow your baby's hunger and sleepy cues.

Starting Solids - Month 6

Start! Smooth purees once/day → twice/day by end of month. Offer after milk feed. Introduce: sweet potato, pumpkin, butternut squash, banana, avocado, rice cereal.

Play & Activity Ideas

  • Introduce sensory play with different textures
  • Stack and knock tower of soft blocks
  • Introduce board books and make animal sounds
  • Begin baby swimming classes (popular in Singapore at SAFRA/YMCA)

When to Consult Your Paediatrician

If your baby is NOT doing any of the following, speak to your doctor - Early intervention is key:

  • Not sitting with support
  • Showing no affection for caregivers
  • Not responding to sounds
  • Not reaching for things

Singapore-Specific Advice

Singapore paediatricians recommend starting solids at 6 months (not before 4 months). Begin with smooth single-ingredient purees: sweet potato, pumpkin, butternut squash, brown rice cereal. Introduce one new food every 3–5 days to watch for allergies. Common Singapore first foods: rice porridge congee, pureed pumpkin with breastmilk.

Vaccinations This Month

  • 6 months: Influenza vaccine (annual, recommended by MOH)

Check the Immunization Tracker for the full Singapore NCIS schedule.

Remember: Every baby develops at their own pace. These milestones are general guides based on WHO standards. Always consult your paediatrician, polyclinic, or family doctor if you have any concerns about your baby's development.

Get Weekly Baby & Pregnancy Tips

Join 50,000+ parents. Personalised advice, tool reminders, and the latest guides — straight to your inbox.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.