Parenting a baby between 6–12 months old is both exhilarating and exhausting. This stage is often filled with rapid development—your baby is learning to sit, crawl, babble, maybe even stand—and with every new milestone comes both joy and a whole new set of challenges.
At this age, babies are curious explorers. They want to touch, grab, taste, and move toward everything in sight. That means you’ll likely spend a good portion of your days redirecting, baby-proofing, and learning the fine art of distraction. It’s normal to feel like you can’t take your eyes off them for even a second—because, honestly, you can’t.
Sleep, for many families, still isn’t perfect. Night wakings can linger, separation anxiety can kick in, and nap schedules shift just when you feel like you’ve figured them out. It can feel discouraging, especially when you hear stories of babies “sleeping through the night.” Remember: every child is different, and needing comfort at night is not a sign of failure on your part—or on theirs.
Feeding also takes on new dimensions. Between 6–12 months, many babies start solids, which can be messy, hilarious, and at times nerve-wracking. Whether your baby loves purees, finger foods, or a mix of both, this stage is less about how much they eat and more about learning textures, flavors, and the act of eating itself. It’s okay if more food ends up on the floor than in their mouths—this is how they learn.
Emotionally, this stage can be tender. Babies begin to show stronger attachment, reaching for you when they’re scared, burying their face in your shoulder, or lighting up when you walk into the room. It’s beautiful, but it also means they may fuss more when you leave or hand them to someone else. Separation anxiety is normal—it’s a sign of healthy attachment, not of doing something wrong.
As a parent, you may feel stretched thin. You’re likely balancing exhaustion, household responsibilities, and perhaps work demands, all while chasing a newly mobile little one. It’s okay to feel both overjoyed and overwhelmed. It’s okay to look forward to bedtime, even if you adore your baby.
If you’re in this season, know this: you don’t have to cherish every moment to be a good parent. The days can feel long, but they’re laying the foundation for your baby’s growth, independence, and love of the world. The snuggles, the first words, the wobbly steps—they’ll come in their own time, and they’ll be worth it.
Parenting 6–12 months is a mix of laughter, exhaustion, pride, and mess. You’re not alone in it—and you’re doing better than you think.