3 to 6 Months - What to Expect

You’ve conquered the newborn to 3-month-old age group. You are no longer a novice and have proved your dad-worthiness.

But the questions you have for your 3-6-month-old remain the same.

How much should they sleep? How much should they eat? Are they growing at the right pace?

Daddy’s Digest likes to make things simple. We have put together answers to help you navigate the next stage. Here is what to expect.

Feeding (Breast or Formula Milk)

3 to 6 months old babies drink 6-8 ounces of milk, 4-6 per day.

Sleep

From 3 to 6 months, your baby will need 3 naps per day ranging from 1-2 hours per nap. They should go down for the night between 8 pm and 10 pm and sleep for 9-12 hours per night. Total daily hours of sleep should be between 12-14 hours.

Growth

Baby boys and baby girls grow at different paces. According to the World Health Organization, at the end of month six, expect:

Your baby girl to be about 65.5 cm long, weight 7.3 kg and have a head circumference measurement of 42 cm.

Your baby boy to be about 68 cm long, weight 8 kg and have a head circumference measurement of 43 cm.

Developmental Milestones

According to the CDC, by 6 months, your baby should be able to:

Know familiar faces.
Responds to others’ emotions.
Likes to look at self in the mirror.
Respond to sounds by making sounds.
Babble and string vowels together.
Respond to own name.
Begin to pass things from one hand to another.
Make sounds to express pleasure and displeasure.
Bring things to mouth.
Show curiosity and reach for things.
Roll over in both directions.

If you are looking for guidance on Helping Your Baby's Growth & Development or for more information on First Year Baby Development Concerns.

Remember that all babies are different, and the information presented here is based on approximates and ideals. Always consult with a qualified medical professional or childcare expert when taking important decisions regarding your child and their health.