Six weeks in! You’ve reached another milestone—one that many parents describe as a turning point.
Your baby is still tiny and dependent, but they’re starting to feel less fragile and more like a little person. And you? You’ve survived the hardest, most sleep-deprived weeks. It’s still exhausting, but you may finally catch glimpses of hope that life won’t always feel this overwhelming.
What’s Happening with Your Baby at 6 Weeks?
More awake time. You’ll start to see short, predictable awake periods after naps.
Cooing & gurgling. Tiny “ooh” and “ahh” sounds are your baby’s first steps toward language.
Smiles are intentional. At this stage, smiles are less random—they’re responding to you!
Body movements are smoother. Less jerky arm flails, more controlled movements.
Crying may peak. Many babies have their fussiest days around 6 weeks, then slowly settle.
This is also the time when your baby starts recognizing patterns—your face, your voice, and even some daily routines.
Feeding: More Efficient
Your baby is becoming a pro at feeding.
Breastfeeding sessions might be shorter now—they’re more efficient at getting what they need.
Bottle-feeding babies may take 4–5 ounces per feed.
A growth spurt can hit around now, leading to a few extra-hungry days.
If you’re exhausted trying to remember feeding times, wet diapers, and naps, you can always check out our Best Baby Tracker Apps blog for tools that take the mental load off.
Sleep: Small Signs of Progress
At 6 weeks, your baby might start showing the very early signs of a day/night rhythm.
What you may notice:
A slightly longer stretch at night (5–6 hours for some babies—others still wake often).
More defined awake windows—around 45–60 minutes before they’re ready for another nap.
Evening fussiness may still be a thing, but it often starts to ease after this week.
Right now, the goal is still survival, not a strict schedule. Just follow their cues.
Your Body & Mind at 6 Weeks
This is a big week for you too.
Many parents have their 6-week postpartum check-up. Your doctor will check your healing and talk about recovery.
Emotionally, you might feel more like yourself—but it’s normal if you’re still tired and emotional.
If you’re struggling with persistent sadness, anxiety, or feeling detached, this is a good time to reach out for help.
It’s also common to start thinking about what “normal life” looks like again—slowly adding in little things that make you feel good.
Playtime & Bonding
Now’s the time to enjoy slightly longer, more interactive awake periods.
Talk, sing, and make silly faces—they’re starting to respond!
Try a baby-safe mirror—they may love looking at their own reflection.
Keep up short tummy time sessions—they’re getting stronger every day.
Remember: these “playtimes” are still just a few minutes long. They’re easily overstimulated, so follow their cues.
Crying Peak—And the Hope Ahead
Many babies hit their crying peak around 6 weeks. If your baby feels extra fussy right now, you’re not doing anything wrong. It’s a normal developmental stage.
The good news? After this week, it often gets better. Babies usually become calmer and easier to soothe between 8–10 weeks.
A Gentle Reminder
You’ve made it through six weeks of sleepless nights, endless feeds, and countless diaper changes.
Your baby has already grown so much in such a short time. And even on the hardest days, you’re the person they love most.
This stage won’t last forever. One day soon, you’ll look back and realize how far you’ve both come.