Parenting: For new Moms of 3-6 Month Olds

Becoming a new mom is a beautiful, transformative experience, but it can also feel overwhelming, especially when your baby is between 3 and 6 months old. This stage is exciting, as your little one is becoming more aware of the world, learning new skills, and establishing routines. As a new mom, it’s important to recognize this phase as a period of growth, not just for your baby but for you as well.

Here are some key areas to focus on as you embrace this wonderful, challenging phase of motherhood.

1. Embrace the Milestones, but Don’t Stress About Them

Between 3 and 6 months, your baby will start hitting some amazing developmental milestones. You might notice them rolling over, babbling more, or even starting to sit up with support. These moments are exciting! However, it’s important to remember that every baby develops at their own pace. It’s tempting to compare your baby to others, but try to avoid getting caught up in timelines. Celebrate each milestone as it comes and focus on your child’s individual progress.

What you can do: Engage with your baby through tummy time, reading, and playful interactions. Encourage movement and exploration, but don’t feel pressured to rush their development.

2. Sleep Patterns May Still Be Unpredictable

By this stage, some babies might be sleeping longer stretches at night, but it’s not uncommon for others to still wake up frequently. Sleep regression can also occur, especially around the 4-month mark, as your baby’s brain goes through major developmental changes.

It’s natural to feel exhausted, but remember, sleep patterns evolve over time. If your baby is still waking up multiple times during the night, you’re not doing anything wrong.

What you can do: Establish a bedtime routine if you haven’t already. A warm bath, storytime, or a lullaby can signal to your baby that it’s time to sleep. Be patient with yourself, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it. Prioritize your own rest where you can—even short naps during the day can make a big difference.

3. Feeding: Breastfeeding, Formula, or Starting Solids

Feeding is another area that can bring up a lot of questions during this stage. If you’re breastfeeding or formula feeding, you might feel more confident in your routine by now, but challenges can still arise, such as supply issues or baby’s changing appetite.

Around the 6-month mark, some babies may be ready to start experimenting with solid foods. This is a gradual process, and at first, it’s more about exploring textures and flavors than about replacing milk or formula.

What you can do: Trust your instincts when it comes to feeding. If you’re considering introducing solids, try a method called Baby Led Weaning. Instead of spoon-feeding purees, you offer soft, manageable pieces of whole foods like steamed vegetables, soft fruits, or small bits of meat.

In terms of feeding, I highly recommend listening to this lecture by Barbara O’Neill https://youtu.be/pxTlZwLjr_g?si=C4g39bu9xkdSqG9O

4. Self-Care is Not a Luxury, It’s a Necessity

It’s easy to become so absorbed in caring for your baby that you forget about your own needs. However, taking time for yourself isn’t just important—it’s essential for your overall well-being.

You’re learning and growing as a mom, just as your baby is learning and growing each day. Burnout is real, and neglecting self-care can impact your ability to parent in the way you’d like.

What you can do: Try to find small pockets of time for yourself, even if it’s just a few minutes a day. Whether it’s enjoying a cup of tea in peace, reading a book, or taking a quick walk outside, these moments can refresh and energize you. Don’t be afraid to lean on your support system—whether it’s family, friends, or a partner—to give yourself the space you need.

5. Connect with Other Moms

Motherhood can sometimes feel isolating, especially if you’re dealing with sleep deprivation, feeding concerns, or just the general uncertainties of raising a baby. Finding other moms who are going through the same things can be a game-changer. Whether it’s through a local moms’ group, a virtual community, or even a chat with a fellow mom friend, connecting with others can provide much-needed support and reassurance.

What you can do: Join local parent groups or online forums to share experiences and tips. Sometimes, just knowing that someone else understands what you’re going through can make a huge difference.

6. Trust Yourself

As a new mom, you’re constantly bombarded with advice, suggestions, and “shoulds” from all directions. It can feel overwhelming and lead to second-guessing yourself. Remember, no one knows your baby better than you. While it’s important to listen to expert advice and gather information, trust your own instincts above all.

What you can do: Take a deep breath, and remind yourself that you’re doing an incredible job. Every baby is different, and every mom’s journey is unique. You’re learning as you go, and that’s okay.

Conclusion

The 3-6 month period is a time of tremendous growth for both you and your baby. There will be ups and downs, but through it all, remember to cherish the little moments and be kind to yourself. You’re raising a human, and that’s no small feat. Give yourself grace and know that you’re exactly the mom your baby needs.

Motherhood is a journey, and you’re just getting started on one of the most rewarding adventures of your life.