Week 22 old
What to expect at 22 weeks (month 6): feeding amounts, sleep totals and wake windows, plus range-framed milestones as your baby nears the 6-month checkup.
In short
At 22 weeks, most babies are wide awake and social, rolling or working toward it, and may be showing early signs of readiness for solids as the 6-month checkup approaches. Milk is still the main source of nutrition, with babies typically taking 24 to 32 oz of breast milk or formula across the day.
🍼 Feeding
Breast milk or formula is still the main source of nutrition this week — most babies take about 24 to 32 oz of formula per day, or nurse roughly every 3 to 4 hours (around 5 to 6 feeds). If solids have not started yet, the 6-month checkup is the usual time to discuss readiness signs (good head control, sitting with support, interest in food); offer milk first, then a small taste of single-ingredient purees if your pediatrician gives the go-ahead.
😴 Sleep
Most babies this age sleep about 12 to 15 hours total per day, usually split into roughly 10 to 11 hours overnight (often with a feed or two) plus 2 to 3 naps adding up to 3 to 4 hours. Wake windows are commonly around 2 to 3 hours between sleeps. Always place baby on the back to sleep on a firm, flat surface with no pillows, blankets, or bumpers.
What's happening this week
- •Around this age, many babies can roll from tummy to back, and some are starting to roll back to tummy too — once rolling begins, it is a strong reminder to keep the sleep space clear
- •Babies this age often reach for and grab objects on purpose, bringing nearly everything straight to the mouth to explore
- •Many babies now sit propped or are working on sitting with support, and push up on straight arms during tummy time
- •Babbling tends to get richer around now, with strings of sounds, squeals, and laughing in response to you
- •Around this age babies often watch faces closely and may turn toward familiar voices and sounds
Milestones to keep in mind
- ✓By the 6-month checkup, many babies can roll over in at least one direction and push up on straight arms during tummy time — your pediatrician will check progress here
- ✓Around now, watch for your baby reaching for toys and bringing hands or objects to the mouth
- ✓By the 6-month visit, many babies babble, laugh, and make sounds back and forth with you
- ✓Many babies are starting to recognize familiar faces and may briefly look for a dropped toy as the 6-month checkup nears
Growth
💡 Tip for this week
Now that rolling is in full swing, do a quick safety sweep: lower the crib mattress if you have not already, never leave your baby unattended on a bed, couch, or changing table, and keep the sleep space completely bare. A rolling baby moves faster than you expect.
⚠️ When to call your pediatrician
Call your pediatrician if your baby has fewer wet diapers than usual (a sign of dehydration), is not gaining weight, seems very floppy or very stiff, is not making eye contact or smiling, does not turn toward sounds, or shows no interest in reaching for objects. For any fever in a young infant, refusal to feed, unusual sleepiness, or trouble breathing, seek medical care promptly.
Frequently asked
Should my baby be eating solids at 22 weeks?
Not necessarily. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting solids around 6 months, and breast milk or formula remains the main source of nutrition. At 22 weeks, milk should still be the priority. If your baby shows readiness signs — good head control, sitting with support, and interest in food — talk to your pediatrician at the 6-month checkup about introducing single-ingredient purees.
How much should a 22-week-old sleep?
Most babies this age sleep about 12 to 15 hours total per day, typically around 10 to 11 hours overnight plus 2 to 3 naps. Wake windows are commonly about 2 to 3 hours. Every baby is a little different, so use these as ranges, not targets, and always place your baby on the back to sleep.
Is it normal that my baby isn't rolling yet at 22 weeks?
Yes. Rolling appears across a wide range, and many babies are not rolling consistently in both directions until closer to 6 months or a bit after. There are no official per-week milestones. If your baby is not rolling at all and shows little interest in moving or pushing up by the 6-month checkup, mention it to your pediatrician, who tracks this over time.
Looking for the bigger picture? See the month 6 overview →
General guidance, not medical advice. Every baby develops at their own pace — talk to your pediatrician with any concerns.