At six weeks old, your baby is growing quickly and becoming more alert and interactive. This age marks the beginning of many exciting changes as your little one starts to engage more with the world around them, even while still needing plenty of sleep and frequent feedings.
Physical and Motor Development
By six weeks, babies begin gaining better head control, often able to lift and briefly hold their head up during tummy time. Their movements are becoming smoother, and they may start to bat at objects or bring their hands to their mouth. Reflexes like the grasp and Moro reflex are still present but gradually give way to more voluntary actions.
Babies may also start to stretch and kick more energetically as muscle strength improves.
Social and Cognitive Growth
Around six weeks, many babies begin to show the “social smile,” a heartwarming milestone where your baby smiles back at you or in response to voices and faces. They may focus more intently on people, follow moving objects with their eyes, and respond to sounds with coos and gurgles.
This increased alertness helps build early communication and bonding, encouraging parents to talk, sing, and engage often with their baby.
Feeding at Six Weeks
Feeding continues to be frequent, typically every 2 to 4 hours, with breastfed babies nursing about 8 to 12 times daily and formula-fed babies taking in larger amounts per feeding. Your baby’s feeding sessions may become more efficient as sucking strengthens.
Some babies experience growth spurts around this time, leading to increased hunger and more frequent feedings. This is normal and helps boost milk supply for breastfeeding mothers.
Parents should watch for hunger cues such as rooting, sucking motions, and fussiness, and feed on demand.
Sleep Patterns
Six-week-old babies still sleep a lot—about 14 to 17 hours per day—but their sleep may start to consolidate into longer stretches at night, though many still wake frequently to feed.
Sleep cycles remain shorter than adults’, with frequent transitions between active (REM) and quiet (non-REM) sleep. Your baby may show signs of tiredness through yawning, rubbing eyes, or fussiness.
Establishing calming pre-sleep routines, such as dim lighting and gentle rocking, can help soothe your baby and encourage better sleep habits.
Soothing and Comforting Your Baby
Pacifiers can be an effective way to help soothe your baby, especially when they want to suck for comfort rather than nutrition. Skin-to-skin contact remains beneficial, promoting emotional bonding and physiological regulation.
Swaddling may continue to provide a secure feeling, reducing startle reflex disruptions during sleep.
When to Contact Your Pediatrician
Consult your pediatrician if you notice:
- Difficulty feeding or poor weight gain
- Fewer than 6 wet diapers in 24 hours after the first few weeks
- Persistent inconsolable crying
- Signs of illness such as fever, vomiting, or lethargy
Final Thoughts
At six weeks, your baby is becoming more interactive and responsive, beginning to develop a personality and social skills. While they still require frequent feeding and lots of sleep, this stage is marked by important developmental milestones that bring joy and connection.
With patience and care, you’ll support your baby through these early weeks of rapid growth and discovery.