Six months is an exciting time in your baby’s journey. As a parent, you’ve likely emerged from the whirlwind of the newborn stage, and your little one is starting to look and act more like a curious, playful baby. Here I will talk a little about what’s happening at this age, how milestones can impact sleep, whether there is a 6 month sleep ‘regression’ and ways you can support your baby through their milestones.
What’s Happening with My Baby at Six Months?
At this stage, your baby is hitting some big milestones such as:
Moving into their own bedroom: For many families, this is the time when babies transition to sleeping in their own space.
Weaning and dropping night feeds: As solid foods become part of their diet, night feeds may naturally decrease.
Becoming more sociable: Your baby is now much more aware of the world around them. You might notice they’re less inclined to nap “on the go” because they’re too busy taking everything in!
Language development: Their little brain is working hard, and you’ll likely hear more babbling, experimenting with sounds, or even “blowing raspberries.”
These developments make for a joyful, but sometimes challenging, time.
Is There a 6-Month Sleep Regression?
It’s easy to think your baby is experiencing a “6-month sleep regression,” but the good news is that there is no official regression at this age.
The only scientifically recognised sleep regression in your baby's brain happens around four months (check out my blog on that if you haven’t already). While some apps or websites suggest developmental “leaps” are the cause of sleep disruptions at specific times, it’s worth noting that one popular app in particular has been discredited for lacking scientific evidence.
That said, milestones and changes around six months can still impact sleep temporarily…
How Do Milestones Affect Sleep?
When your baby learns new skills or experiences big changes, it’s natural for their sleep to be affected. Whether they’re processing language, mastering new sounds, or practicing motor skills, they may take every chance to try them out—including during the night.
The good news is that not every baby will experience sleep disruptions. Many sail through milestones without any issues. If your baby’s sleep is impacted, it’s important to remember that this isn’t a sleep “regression”, it’s simply part of their development, and every baby can experience these developments at different times.
How Can I Support My Baby Through These Milestones?
Here’s how you can help your baby navigate this exciting time while maintaining healthy sleep habits:
1. Encourage Self-Settling
Teaching your baby to self-settle is one of the best ways to support their sleep. This means helping them learn to fall asleep on their own, without needing to be rocked, fed, or cuddled to sleep. Babies who self-settle are more likely to manage their night wakings and fall back to sleep independently.
2. Pause Before Rushing In
If you hear your baby waking in the night, wait a moment before jumping in. You might notice them sucking their fingers, babbling, or making other noises as they try to settle themselves. These are actually great signs that they’re learning how to fall back asleep without your help.
3. Stick to a Routine
Consistency is key. Keep your baby’s bedtime routine predictable and soothing, helping them understand it’s time to wind down.
4. Give them time to practice
Whichever milestone your baby is experiencing, it’s important to give them plenty of time to explore them during he day, so they aren’t tempted to practice them at night. For example chatting to them during the day to encourage noises from them, allowing them to take their time (and make a mess!) with their solid food, and giving them plenty of fun, relaxing time in their new bedroom.
In Conclusion
Six months is a time of big changes and exciting milestones for your baby. While these developments might cause temporary sleep disruptions, they’re not part of a specific “6-month sleep regression.” With a little patience and encouragement, your baby will adapt to these changes, and so will you.
Whether your baby is already 6 months old or approaching this stage, teaching them to self-settle and giving them opportunities to practice independence at bedtime can make a big difference. Remember, every baby is unique, and these milestones are just one part of their amazing journey.
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