What to Expect From Your Baby Between 0 and 6 Months
The first six months of your baby’s life are a time of rapid change — for your baby and for you.
Many parents describe this stage as beautiful, overwhelming, exhausting, and confusing, often all at once. Everything feels new, and it’s normal to question whether your baby’s sleep, feeding, crying, or development is “normal.”
If you’re wondering the same things, you’re not alone. Thousands of parents ask these questions every day.
This guide walks you through what to expect from your baby between 0 and 6 months, helping you understand what’s typical, what can vary, and when it might be worth seeking professional advice.
Sleep From 0 to 6 Months: What’s Normal?
Newborn and young infant sleep looks very different from adult sleep. Babies are not born with a mature sleep cycle, and their nervous system is still developing.
Typical Sleep Patterns in the Early Months
In the first months, it’s normal for babies to:
- Sleep in short stretches
- Wake frequently, day and night
- Have no clear sense of day versus night
- Need closeness and comfort to settle
Many babies sleep anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes at a time, especially in the early weeks. Longer stretches usually develop slowly and inconsistently.
Sleep Changes Around 3–4 Months
Around 3 to 4 months, some babies experience changes in sleep patterns as their sleep cycles mature. This can temporarily lead to more frequent waking, lighter sleep, or difficulty settling.
If your baby wakes often, needs help falling asleep, or only settles when held, this does not mean you’re doing anything wrong. For most babies, these patterns are developmentally normal.
Feeding and Hunger Cues in the First 6 Months
Feeding patterns vary widely during this stage, especially depending on whether your baby is breastfed, formula-fed, or combination-fed.
How Often Babies Feed
In general, babies between 0 and 6 months:
- Feed frequently, especially in the early months
- May cluster feed during growth spurts
- Show changing hunger patterns from week to week
Common hunger cues include rooting, sucking on hands, fussiness, or waking shortly after feeding. Feeding on demand is common and appropriate during this phase.
What’s Normal for Baby Poo?
Bowel movements can vary just as much as feeding. Some babies poo several times a day, while others may go days between bowel movements.
Colour, texture, and consistency often matter more than frequency. Changes over time are usually normal.
Development From 0 to 6 Months
Babies develop quickly in the first six months, but not all babies reach milestones at the same time. Development is best viewed as a range, not a checklist.
During this period, many babies begin to:
- Smile responsively
- Make eye contact
- Lift their head during tummy time
- Bring hands to mouth
- Respond to familiar voices
- Show curiosity about their surroundings
- Roll (often later in this range)
Some babies focus more on physical skills first, while others show social or vocal development earlier. Both patterns are normal.
Crying, Fussiness, and the “Hard Weeks”
Crying often increases in the early weeks and months. Some babies cry more than others, even when all their needs are met.
Common reasons babies cry include:
- Hunger
- Tiredness
- Discomfort (wet nappy, gas, temperature)
- Overstimulation
- A need for closeness
Many parents find certain weeks particularly challenging, especially during the newborn phase. Periods of increased crying usually pass as babies mature.
If your baby seems unsettled, it doesn’t mean you’re failing — it often means your baby is adjusting to the world.
Routines (or the Lack of Them)
In the first six months, routines are usually loose and flexible. Strict schedules often don’t work well because babies’ needs change rapidly.
Instead of focusing on the clock, many parents find it helpful to:
- Watch for sleep and hunger cues
- Follow simple patterns rather than strict times
- Adjust expectations week by week
More predictable routines usually emerge gradually as babies grow.
When to Pay Attention to Possible Red Flags
While most variations are normal, it’s important to trust your instincts. Developmental concerns are usually based on patterns over time, not isolated moments.
You may want to speak with a health professional if you notice:
- No response to sounds or faces over time
- Very limited movement on one side of the body
- Persistent feeding difficulties
- Loss of skills your baby previously had
If you’re ever unsure, seeking advice is always okay. Reassurance is part of good care.
A Gentle Reminder for Parents
The first six months are intense. Progress is rarely linear, and comparison can create unnecessary stress.
Babies grow and change at different speeds, and what feels hard today may feel very different in a few weeks.
If you’re tired, unsure, or overwhelmed, that doesn’t mean you’re doing a bad job — it means you’re human, caring, and learning alongside your baby.