Week 17: Building Strength and Finding Their Voice
Your baby is now 17 weeks old, and you may be noticing a whole new level of liveliness. They’re louder, stronger, more deliberate in their movements — and definitely more opinionated! This week is all about discovery, self-expression, and connection. It’s also a time when many babies seem to shift gears again, becoming more vocal, mobile, and aware of the world.
Development
At 17 weeks, your baby is continuing to build strength — particularly through the shoulders, neck, and arms. Tummy time may now include mini push-ups or side-to-side pivoting. Some babies will roll from back to tummy this week (especially if they’ve already been rolling from tummy to back), though many are still just practising the movements for now.
You’ll likely notice more control in their grasp as well. Your baby might reach deliberately for a toy and be able to hang onto it with both hands — or immediately bring it to their mouth for further exploration.
This is also a week when babies begin to explore their voice. Expect new sounds: high-pitched squeals, bubbling noises, loud coos, and experimental shouting — all part of learning how to communicate. They may babble to themselves, to toys, or back and forth with you. This conversational turn-taking is the beginning of real communication.
Sleep
The developmental leap that started a week or two ago may still be affecting sleep. Your baby might be waking more frequently, having difficulty settling, or needing more support to fall back asleep. This is normal and doesn’t require “fixing.” Sleep will stabilise again in time.
If your baby has started rolling from back to tummy, you’ll need to ensure the sleep environment is as safe as possible: a firm, flat surface; no pillows, bumpers, or loose bedding; and plenty of supervised tummy time during the day to support safe movement at night.
Some families find babywearing during the day helps reduce overtiredness and supports naps during these more unsettled periods. Your presence — not strict routines — remains the most helpful thing for your baby’s developing sleep.
Feeding This Week
Feeding remains responsive and demand-led. Some babies may increase feeding again this week — particularly overnight — as part of a developmental surge. Others may be fussy or distracted at the breast during the day but feed more calmly when the environment is quiet or during drowsy times.
Feeding in a calm, low-stimulation space can help. Some parents also find that breastfeeding while walking, babywearing, or offering more skin-to-skin time improves focus.
Although your baby might watch you eat with intensity, solids aren’t needed just yet. Developmental readiness usually occurs closer to six months, when your baby can sit with minimal support and bring food to their mouth on their own.
Play and Interaction
Play is much more interactive now. Your baby might initiate “conversations” with babbles, laughter, or squeals — and wait for your reply. This back-and-forth exchange is essential for bonding and language development.
Grabbing, shaking, and mouthing toys are favourite activities this week. Try offering toys with different textures, sizes, and sounds to encourage sensory play.
Tummy time can be varied now — try placing your baby on a rolled towel, over your legs, or propped on a firm cushion for short periods. This gives them new perspectives and helps strengthen upper body control in fun, dynamic ways.
Your baby may also enjoy watching their reflection or playing “copy me” games — opening their mouth when you do, sticking out their tongue, or responding to silly sounds. These are all signs of growing social awareness.
Top Tip of the Week
“If your baby is loud, clingy, or waking more — you’re not doing anything wrong. They’re learning how to be human, and you are their safe harbour.”
Real Life Reflections
Seventeen weeks can feel intense. Your baby is louder, more mobile, and increasingly expressive — but not always in predictable ways. Some days are joyful and connected; others are frustrating and overstimulating. That’s completely normal.
You don’t need to be entertaining all the time, or respond perfectly to every sound. What matters most is presence. A safe lap, a soothing voice, a familiar face — these are the things your baby is seeking, even in the midst of chaos.
Give yourself the same grace you offer your child. You’re both learning as you go.
Looking Ahead
Rolling in both directions, sitting with support, and more defined babbling may be just around the corner. The pace of change can feel fast from here — but you don’t have to keep up. Your baby sets the rhythm, and your job is to walk alongside them, gently and with love.
Further Reading:
Responsive Feeding Explore how to recognize and respond to your baby's hunger cues, fostering a strong breastfeeding relationship.
Skin-to-Skin and Babywearing Understand the ongoing benefits of skin-to-skin contact and babywearing in promoting bonding and regulating your baby's physiology.
Babywearing Keeps Babies Close to the People They Love Learn about the emotional and developmental advantages of keeping your baby close through babywearing.
