Week 49: Language Leaps and Mini Milestones
At 49 weeks — just three short weeks from turning one — your baby’s brain is buzzing with understanding. They might not say many words yet, but they’re taking in everything. This week is all about communication: gestures, sounds, expressions, and the start of meaningful words.
It’s a week of mini milestones — a few steps here, a new sound there, a funny face copied perfectly. These small moments matter, and they’re signs of big things ahead.
Development
You might notice:
Clear understanding of common words or phrases (e.g. “bath time”, “Where’s Teddy?”)
Attempts at first words — or babble with rising and falling tones that sound like speech
Increased interest in naming, pointing, and imitating sounds
Taking more steps, with or without help
You may also see:
Deliberate gestures like waving, clapping, or holding out arms to be picked up
Intentional problem-solving (moving a cushion to find a toy)
More persistence in cause-and-effect play — “What happens if I do this again?”
Their confidence and curiosity are working hand-in-hand.
Sleep
Sleep may fluctuate:
New skills like walking or standing can interrupt sleep
Big emotions may surface at bedtime — especially around separation
Nap resistance may appear, but most babies still need two naps at this age
Support sleep by:
Staying calm and responsive when they wake
Giving time to settle, but offering reassurance when needed
Keeping bedtime routines gentle and predictable
As always, sleep isn’t just about tiredness — it’s tied to emotional safety and daily rhythms.
Feeding
Feeding now involves:
Active participation — your baby might guide the spoon to their mouth or reach for your plate
Trying more flavours and textures — especially if they’re shared from your meal
Expressing likes and dislikes (sometimes loudly!)
Offer:
A mix of new and familiar foods
Finger foods and soft textures that support safe exploration
Breastmilk as part of their day — still important for nutrition and connection
Responsive feeding continues to build trust, autonomy, and a lifelong relationship with food.
Play and Interaction
Play this week may include:
Repetition: the same book, the same song, the same game — again and again
Imitation of tone, gesture, and facial expression
Pointing to share interest: “Look!”
Practising words or sounds over and over
Support their development by:
Using simple, clear language and naming things as you go
Giving time to respond or mimic — even if it’s just a babble
Encouraging connection, not correction
They’re not just playing — they’re rehearsing how to be in the world with you.
Top Tip of the Week
“Every sound, every gesture, every glance — it’s all part of the conversation.”
Real Life Reflections
You might find yourself having full conversations with a baby who says only “ba!” and “uh-oh” — and that’s exactly as it should be. This stage is rich with pre-verbal communication, and your responses teach your baby that their voice matters.
Even when the days are repetitive, the connection is deepening. You’re building trust and laying the foundation for confident communication in the months ahead.
Looking Ahead
Soon you may see:
A first clear word (or a word used consistently with meaning)
More confident walking or standing from the middle of the room
New games based on imitation or pretend play
Growing emotional expression — and the need for calm co-regulation
You’re nearly at the one-year mark. Take a breath. You’ve both come a long way.
Further Reading:
Why Toddlers Wake in the Night Explore the various factors that contribute to night waking in older babies and toddlers, including developmental milestones and teething. This article provides reassurance and strategies for managing disrupted sleep patterns.
Night Weaning: Keeping It Real Understand the realities of night weaning and how to approach it in a way that respects both your baby's needs and your own well-being.
The Misleading Myth of Sleep Regressions Learn about the developmental reasons behind changes in your baby's sleep patterns and why these shifts are often mischaracterized as regressions.
