Week 26 old
Week 26 marks the half-year point: many babies are starting solids, sleeping in longer stretches, and sitting with support. Here's what's typical right now.
In short
At 26 weeks (about 6 months), babies typically drink 24-32 oz of breast milk or formula a day and may be starting first solids, while sleeping around 12-15 hours total with two to three naps.
🍼 Feeding
Roughly 24-32 oz of breast milk or formula across about 4-6 feeds a day. If your baby shows readiness signs (good head control, sitting with support, interest in food), this is a common time to offer first solids in small amounts once or twice a day — milk still provides the main nutrition.
😴 Sleep
About 12-15 hours total, usually 2-3 naps with wake windows of roughly 2-3 hours. Many babies now sleep longer overnight stretches. Always place baby on their back, on a firm flat surface, with no loose blankets, pillows, or bumpers.
What's happening this week
- •Around this age, many babies can sit with little or no support and hold their head steady.
- •Many 6-month-olds reach for objects, pass them hand to hand, and bring almost everything to the mouth to explore.
- •Around now babies often babble strings of sounds and respond to their own name and to your tone of voice.
- •Many start showing interest in food at the table and may watch you eat with curiosity.
Milestones to keep in mind
- ✓By the 6-month checkup, many babies recognize familiar faces and may start to show some shyness or wariness with strangers.
- ✓Around this age, many babies take turns making sounds with you and laugh.
- ✓By 6 months, many babies push up with straight arms during tummy time and lean on their hands while sitting.
- ✓Milestones arrive across a wide range — your pediatrician will review these at the 6-month visit, so don't worry if your baby reaches them a little earlier or later.
Growth
💡 Tip for this week
If you're starting solids, introduce one simple single-ingredient food at a time and wait a couple of days before adding another, so you can spot any reaction. Offer water only in tiny sips and skip added salt, sugar, and honey before age 1.
⚠️ When to call your pediatrician
Call your pediatrician if your baby isn't gaining weight, has fewer wet diapers than usual, can't hold their head steady, isn't reaching for objects or making sounds, doesn't respond to sounds or smiles, or runs a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. When in doubt, it's always okay to check in.
Frequently asked
How much should a 26-week-old (6-month-old) eat?
Most 6-month-olds take about 24-32 oz of breast milk or formula a day across 4-6 feeds. If your baby is showing readiness signs, you might also begin offering small amounts of solids once or twice a day, but milk remains the main source of nutrition this month.
How much sleep does a 6-month-old need?
Around 12-15 hours total in 24 hours is typical, usually split into a longer night and 2-3 naps, with wake windows of roughly 2-3 hours. Sleep patterns vary widely from baby to baby.
Is my baby ready for solids at 26 weeks?
Many babies are ready around 6 months when they can sit with support, hold their head steady, and show interest in food. If you're unsure, ask your pediatrician — there's no rush, and milk still covers most nutritional needs right now.
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.