Mental Leap 4 – 19 weeks – everything seems interesting

Development is progressing rapidly now. Your baby is approaching 5 months – meaning a lot of amazing developmental milestones for you to witness day by day. You may have noticed your baby is moving more than before.

The need to repeat movements is awakened, and your baby begins to understand the connection between certain actions.

During this period, your baby will often seek more reassurance, and his/her mood may change quickly. Remember that it's just temporary, and all babies react differently, which is completely normal.

Please also read: Mental Leap - Follow your child's development through 10 leaps

Here's what to expect during the fourth leap

If you've been looking forward to having a more active baby, it's during this leap development really begins. Your baby takes initiative to explore things and initiate active actions.

E.g., handing your baby a toy while sitting on your lab, may lead to your baby throwing it on the floor. You pick it up and give it back to your baby, while he/she may want to throw it on the floor again.

Your baby observes when an object is thrown, it disappears. This is repeated many times because your baby wants to be completely sure if it's true.

During the fourth leap at 19 weeks, your baby is very interested in exploring materials and sounds. When your baby bangs the toys on the floor or table, it's to investigate the sounds. And when your baby picks up or puts toys in his/her mouth, it's to explore the material.

During the fourth leap at 19 weeks, your baby is very interested in exploring materials and sounds. When your baby bangs the toys on the floor or table, it's to investigate the sounds. And when your baby picks up or puts toys in his/her mouth, it's to explore the material.

These signs typically appear during the fourth leap

As your baby learns a lot of new skills, which make a big impression, he/she may need extra closeness and attention from both parents. It's not uncommon for your baby to become clingier and cry more than usual. You will also notice that your son/daughter needs more support for his/her head than usual.

Mood swings

A lot is happening during the fourth leap, and it's not uncommon for your baby to seek more comfort than usual. The many new impressions and abilities naturally affect your baby, so you'll experience mood swings and an increased need for physical contact. The best you can do is to hold your baby in your arms making him/her feel safe.

Changed sleep needs

You may experience your baby's sleep pattern changes, due to the many impressions and influences from the surroundings that need to be processed. Nap times may become more erratic, and the length of naps may vary quite a bit.

Mental leap at 19 weeks - how long does it last?

This leap is the longest one so far. It can last up to 4-5 weeks. For some it may seem like a couple of tough and frustrating weeks but try to remember your baby's reactions and development are completely normal.

Babies develop individually - therefore, you cannot compare your baby to others.

Tips for getting through the fourth leap

Make sure to create secure and calm surroundings making your baby feel safe. The best place is always in your arms. This period will require extra closeness, but in the end, it's all worth it. When you feel everything becomes overwhelming for your baby, make sure to hold and talk to him/her, so he/she can feel your love and care.

Continue the good development by introducing new simple activities such as tickling or peek-a-boo. Your baby will also love songs combined with movements. You can gently sway your baby to a song or rhyme when you need to calm him/her down.

If it becomes too much work for your arms, you can effectively use a baby hammock, which wraps around your baby and imitates the familiar movements from the time in the womb and the comforting embrace of mom and dad. You'll also notice your baby sleeps longer, which is advantageous when processing the many impressions. Having both hands free and your baby sleeping for longer periods at a time, will also provide more energy for you as parents.

The time after the leap (19 weeks)

Support your baby in whatever he/she shows interest in. If your baby reaches out for toys or raise his/her arms because he/she wants to be lifted, show interest and enthusiasm. It's okay to exaggerate - your baby loves your excitement.

Regarding motor skills, you will experience your baby has made significant progress. Perhaps he/she has started to roll over, and some have even begun to lift themselves up into a crawling position.

Regarding sleep, there will be more calmness. You will likely experience it becomes easier to put your baby to sleep, and his/her sleep pattern is more structured.

Development is progressing rapidly now. Your baby is approaching 5 months – meaning a lot of amazing developmental milestones for you to witness day by day. You may have noticed your baby is moving more than before.

Are you prepared for the fourth leap at 19 weeks? The motor skills develop rapidly and everything interesting needs to be explored. Learn more here.