Wow, your baby is growing so quickly and starting to look more like a little toddler than a baby! They’ve likely more than doubled their birth weight, and while their growth might slow down a bit, their curiosity and energy are at an all-time high.
Standing tall and on the move
Your baby is now standing up and exploring their surroundings from a whole new perspective. They might be climbing onto chairs or other high spots – fearlessly, of course – so you’ll need to keep a close eye on them. With your help, they may stand, bounce, or even take a few wobbly steps. Their developing dexterity allows them to pick up smaller objects and play with toys like strings or blocks, keeping those little hands busy.
Learning and communication
This is an exciting time for language development! Your baby might start repeating simple words or pointing to body parts when you name them. They’ll enjoy games like finding hidden objects or pointing to familiar things, showing they’re starting to understand and connect with their world.
Their babbling is more expressive now, and they might even say their first word soon! Watch as they use body language and facial expressions to tell you what they want – these “conversations” are such sweet moments to share. Singing together or reading aloud are wonderful ways to encourage their growing communication skills.
Mealtime adventures
With all this newfound activity, your baby might lose a little weight. This is normal and could be due to moving more, being picky about food, or just being too excited to sit still and eat! Offer a variety of healthy finger foods and try to keep mealtimes calm and distraction-free so they can focus.
Encouraging exploration
At this stage, your baby is eager to move and explore, even if that means a few tumbles along the way. Make your home as baby-proofed and safe as possible to give them the freedom to roam and discover. Encouraging their active play helps them build strength, confidence, and coordination.
- Not responding to parents or caregivers
- Not babbling or making sounds with vowels and consonants
- Not beginning to pull themselves up to stand or sit independently
- Not playing with their feet or switching objects between hands
- Not showing interest in holding toys or throwing small objects
- Not learning to eat solid foods
