Baby’s First 6 Months Milestones: What to Expect in Life, Sleep, Feeding & Development
Your baby’s first six months is full of rapid growth, and just as many questions. From sleep and feeding to development and routines, it’s common to wonder: Is this normal? Am I missing something? Should I be concerned?
At Louisville Newborn Care, we support families across Louisville through every stage of this pivotal time. This month-by-month guide is meant to help you understand what’s commonly expected, while also clarifying when it’s time to reach out for extra support, whether that’s from your pediatrician, lactation consultant, or our newborn care team.
0–1 Month: Adjustment & Survival Mode
What’s Typical
Irregular sleep day and night (often 2–3 hour stretches)
Frequent feeding (8–12+ times per day)
Startle reflexes, jerky movements
Crying that increases toward evening
Parents feeling exhausted, emotional, and overwhelmed
Sleep & Feeding
Newborns have no circadian rhythm yet. Sleep is fragmented and unpredictable, this is normal.
When to Reach Out
Feeding feels painful, stressful, or baby isn’t gaining weight
Baby seems excessively sleepy or difficult to wake for feeds
You are feeling deeply overwhelmed or unable to rest
This is one of the most supportive times for overnight or daytime newborn care.
2 Months: Beginning to Wake Up
What’s Typical
Longer alert windows
First social smiles
Improved head control
Still inconsistent sleep patterns
Sleep & Feeding
Some babies start giving one slightly longer stretch of sleep at night, others don’t. Both are normal.
When to Reach Out
Persistent feeding challenges
Reflux symptoms causing distress
You’re unsure how to read baby’s cues
3 Months: More Predictable Patterns
What’s Typical
Increased interaction and cooing
Slightly more predictable naps
Improved digestion
More enjoyable awake time
Sleep & Feeding
Some babies begin forming a loose rhythm, but many still wake frequently.
When to Reach Out
Baby is overtired and hard to settle
Sleep deprivation is impacting your mental health
You want guidance on routines without pressure
4 Months: Big Developmental Shifts
What’s Typical
Rolling attempts
Increased curiosity
Sleep regression for many babies
Distractible feeding
Sleep & Feeding
Sleep disruptions are common due to neurological development, this does not mean you’re doing something wrong.
When to Reach Out
Sleep feels unsustainable
Feeding suddenly becomes difficult
You want help adapting routines to development
5–6 Months: Strength & Exploration
What’s Typical
Rolling both ways
Sitting with support
Increased vocalization
Introduction of solid foods (with pediatric guidance)
Sleep & Feeding
Sleep may improve or fluctuate. Solids are for exploration, not nutrition replacement yet.
When to Reach Out
Baby struggles with solids or feeding feels stressful
Sleep regressions continue without relief
You want support navigating new stages
How Louisville Newborn Care Supports Families
Our team supports families during this tender, magical, and often overwhelming time with:
Newborn and infant care specialists
Daytime and overnight support
Lactation and feeding guidance
Developmentally informed routines
Emotional reassurance for parents
We’re here to help you navigate what’s normal, identify when extra care would help, and support your family through each stage of the first year.
You’re Doing Better Than You Think
Every baby develops at their own pace. Every family’s needs are different. If you’re wondering whether something is “normal,” that curiosity alone shows how deeply you care.
At Louisville Newborn Care, we believe support should feel grounding, reassuring, and personalized, because parenting was never meant to be done alone. Explore our services.
We’re honored to be part of your village.
