Week 23 old
Week 23 (about 5.5 months) sits right before the 6-month checkup. Here is what many babies are doing now, plus typical feeding, sleep, and red flags to watch.
In short
At 23 weeks (roughly 5.5 months), many babies are sitting with support, rolling both ways, and grabbing for everything in reach. Most are still on breast milk or formula, with the 6-month checkup and possibly first solids just ahead.
🍼 Feeding
Breast milk or formula is still the main nutrition this week. Formula-fed babies around this age typically take about 24-32 oz a day, often 6-8 oz across 4-6 feedings; breastfed babies usually nurse roughly every 3-4 hours. Solids are not needed yet — most guidance points to starting around 6 months when your baby shows readiness signs (good head control, sitting with support, interest in food). Talk to your pediatrician before starting.
😴 Sleep
Most babies this age sleep about 12-15 hours total per 24 hours, usually 9-11 hours overnight plus 3 naps adding up to roughly 3-3.5 hours of daytime sleep. Wake windows commonly stretch to about 2-3 hours between sleeps. Some babies consolidate night sleep now, while others have a temporary "regression" with more wake-ups — both are normal.
What's happening this week
- •Around this age many babies push up on straight arms during tummy time and may rock or pivot on their belly, though crawling is still weeks to months away for most.
- •Hand control is sharpening: by now lots of babies rake objects toward themselves and pass a toy from one hand to the other.
- •Many babies this age babble with repeated sounds like 'ba-ba' or 'da-da' (not yet aimed at a person) and turn toward your voice.
- •Sitting is emerging for many babies around now: propped up or briefly tripod-sitting with hands down, with steady independent sitting often arriving closer to the 6-to-9-month window.
- •Around this age babies often mouth everything and bring both feet up to play with them as core strength builds.
Milestones to keep in mind
- ✓By the 6-month checkup, many babies push up with straight arms during tummy time and have started rolling in both directions — these are ranges, not deadlines.
- ✓Around the 6-month mark, lots of babies reach for toys, bring things to their mouth, and begin to sit with a little support.
- ✓By the 6-month checkpoint, many babies babble, take turns making sounds with you, and laugh — but timing varies widely from baby to baby.
- ✓Around now many babies recognize familiar faces and may start showing they know a stranger from a parent.
Growth
💡 Tip for this week
Now that your baby grabs everything in reach, do a quick floor-level safety sweep: anything small enough to fit through a toilet-paper tube is a choking hazard. Keep these out of reach, and always put your baby on their back to sleep with a bare crib — no pillows, bumpers, or loose blankets.
⚠️ When to call your pediatrician
Call your pediatrician if your baby has fewer wet diapers than usual (a sign of dehydration), isn't gaining weight, or has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. Also check in if, by around the 6-month checkup, your baby isn't reaching for things, doesn't push up during tummy time, doesn't make sounds or smile back, seems very stiff or very floppy, or has lost a skill they once had. When in doubt, ask — that's what your pediatrician is there for.
Frequently asked
Should I start solids at 23 weeks?
Most guidance suggests starting solids around 6 months, not before, and only when your baby shows readiness signs: steady head control, sitting with support, and interest in food. At 23 weeks (about 5.5 months) some babies are nearly there, but breast milk or formula still covers their nutrition. Confirm timing with your pediatrician before you begin.
Why is my 23-week-old suddenly waking up more at night?
Around this age many babies go through a stretch of extra night waking, often linked to developmental leaps, longer wake windows, or shifting naps. It's common and usually temporary. Keep a consistent, calm bedtime routine and always place your baby on their back in a bare crib. If waking comes with poor feeding, fewer wet diapers, or fever, call your pediatrician.
How much should a 23-week-old eat?
At this age most babies still get all their nutrition from milk. Formula-fed babies typically take about 24-32 oz a day across 4-6 feedings, and breastfed babies usually nurse every 3-4 hours. Every baby is a little different, so follow your baby's hunger and fullness cues and check in with your pediatrician if feeding seems off.
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.