Your baby is becoming mobile, opinionated, and endlessly entertaining. Welcome to the age of rolling, reaching, and solid food adventures.
Physical Development
- Rolling both ways — Most babies roll tummy-to-back first, then back-to-tummy by 5–6 months
- Sitting with support — Can sit in a tripod position (leaning on hands) around 5 months. Independent sitting comes closer to 6 months.
- Reaching and grabbing — Intentional grasping. Everything goes in the mouth.
- Transferring objects — Can pass a toy from one hand to the other
- Stronger core — Pushes up on arms during tummy time, may rock on hands and knees
Safety note: Once rolling starts, always place baby on their back to sleep but don't panic if they roll themselves over. If they can roll both ways, they can manage.
Solid Foods Introduction
The AAP recommends starting solids around 6 months. Signs of readiness:
- Can sit with minimal support
- Shows interest in food (watching you eat, reaching for food)
- Has lost the tongue-thrust reflex
- Can hold head steady
First foods: Iron-fortified cereal, pureed vegetables, pureed fruits. Introduce one food at a time, wait 3–5 days before a new one to watch for allergies.
Baby-led weaning is also an option — soft, graspable pieces of food instead of purees. Research both approaches and choose what works for your family.
Track new foods in Dudela to monitor for allergic reactions and preferences.
Communication
- Babbling begins — Consonant sounds emerge: "ba," "da," "ma." Not words yet, but the building blocks.
- Responding to name — May start turning when you say their name around 5–6 months
- Emotional range — Joy, frustration, excitement, boredom — all clearly expressed
- Imitating sounds — Try making sounds back and forth. This "conversation" builds language skills.
Sleep at This Stage
- Night sleep consolidating — Many babies sleep 6–8+ hour stretches
- 2–3 naps per day — Morning, midday, and a shorter late afternoon nap
- Bedtime routine matters — This is when consistency really pays off (see our bedtime routine article)
Cognitive Development
- Object permanence — Starting to understand that things exist even when hidden. Early peek-a-boo!
- Cause and effect — Drops toys to watch them fall. Shakes rattles to hear them. Bangs things on surfaces.
- Stranger awareness — May start showing preference for familiar people and wariness around strangers
Play Ideas
- Mirrors — Babies this age are fascinated by their reflection
- Stacking/nesting cups — They'll knock them over. That's the point.
- Textured toys — Different fabrics, crinkle materials, teethers
- Peek-a-boo — Simple but powerful for cognitive development
- Floor time — Lots of it. Free movement on a safe surface builds everything.
For Both Parents
This is a magical stage. Your baby is becoming a person with clear preferences, a sense of humor, and an unmistakable personality. Be present for it. Put the phone down during play time. These months are short and they're incredible.
