Week 6 old
What to expect at 6 weeks: a likely growth spurt and hungrier days, the first real social smiles emerging, and peak fussiness for many babies in month 2.
In short
At 6 weeks old, many babies hit a growth spurt, so expect a few days of extra hunger and cluster feeding. This is also when the first real social smiles often appear, and when fussiness and crying tend to peak before easing in the coming weeks. Heading toward the 2-month checkup, look for your baby briefly tracking your face and making cooing sounds.
🍼 Feeding
Breastfed babies typically nurse about 8-12 times in 24 hours; formula-fed babies usually take roughly 24-32 oz per day, often around 4 oz per feeding every 3-4 hours. Expect a growth spurt around 6 weeks, with a day or two of more frequent, cluster-style feeding, which is normal and helps build milk supply.
😴 Sleep
Most babies this age sleep about 14-17 hours total per day, spread across roughly 4-5 naps and overnight stretches. Wake windows are still short, usually about 45-90 minutes. Always place your baby on their back to sleep, on a firm flat surface with no pillows, blankets, bumpers, or soft toys.
What's happening this week
- •Around 6 weeks, the first true social smile often appears for many babies, in response to your face or voice rather than just gas or reflex
- •Crying and fussiness commonly peak around now in month 2 and then gradually settle over the following weeks, so a harder stretch right now is normal for many babies
- •Many babies this age start making early cooing and vowel sounds and can briefly hold their gaze on a face or high-contrast object
- •Neck strength is building, and during tummy time many babies are starting to lift their head a little higher and hold it for short moments
Milestones to keep in mind
- ✓By the 2-month checkup, many babies will calm briefly when picked up or spoken to, and begin to smile at people
- ✓Around this age, look for short bursts of cooing and turning toward sounds and voices
- ✓By 2 months, many babies can briefly hold their head up and push up during tummy time
- ✓Babies develop on their own timelines; these are ranges, not deadlines. If your baby reaches them a little later, mention it at the 2-month visit rather than worrying
Growth
💡 Tip for this week
If crying peaks this week, build a simple soothing routine: hold, rock, offer a feed, check the diaper, and try gentle white noise or a walk. If you ever feel overwhelmed, it is safe and smart to lay your baby down on their back in the crib and step away for a few minutes to reset, never shake a baby.
⚠️ When to call your pediatrician
Call your pediatrician for a rectal temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher in a baby this young, which is always urgent; fewer than 6 wet diapers a day or signs of dehydration; poor feeding, unusual sleepiness, or hard-to-rouse behavior; no weight gain or weight loss; persistent vomiting; trouble breathing; or crying that feels inconsolable or different from usual. Trust your instincts and call if something feels off.
Frequently asked
Why is my 6-week-old suddenly so fussy and crying more?
Crying and fussiness commonly peak around 6 weeks in month 2 for many babies, then gradually ease over the following weeks. A growth spurt around now can also make your baby hungrier and harder to settle. Offer extra feeds, comfort, and soothing, and call your pediatrician if crying seems inconsolable, comes with fever, or feels different from your baby's usual cry.
Is the smile at 6 weeks a real smile?
Often, yes. Around 6 weeks many babies begin showing their first true social smile in response to your face or voice, rather than the reflexive smiles seen in newborn sleep. Not every baby smiles socially right at 6 weeks, though, and a bit later is still within the normal range, with most showing it by the 2-month checkup.
How much should a 6-week-old eat?
Breastfed babies usually nurse about 8-12 times in 24 hours, while formula-fed babies often take roughly 24-32 oz per day, commonly around 4 oz every 3-4 hours. During the 6-week growth spurt your baby may want to feed more often for a day or two, which is normal. Watch for at least 6 wet diapers a day as a sign of enough intake.
Looking for the bigger picture? See the month 2 overview →
General guidance, not medical advice. Every baby develops at their own pace — talk to your pediatrician with any concerns.