Week 20: Sitting Strong, Feeling Big
At 20 weeks, your baby is starting to look — and act — less like a newborn and more like a small, determined little person. Their body is stronger, their gaze is more focused, and their feelings? Big. Very big.
This week is all about growing confidence in movement, new depths of emotion, and an expanding awareness of their environment — and yours. It’s an exciting and often intense time.
Development
Many babies at this age are starting to sit with support, either propped in your lap, nestled in a firm cushion, or briefly upright on their own before toppling sideways. They love the new vantage point — sitting upright changes how they see the world and interact with it.
Their fine motor skills are also evolving. You may see them raking objects toward themselves, transferring toys between hands, or reaching with greater accuracy. Grasping, mouthing, shaking, and banging objects are all on high rotation.
Emotionally, you might notice stronger reactions: laughter that bubbles up suddenly, frustration when a toy is out of reach, or clinginess when you walk away. These are signs that your baby’s social and emotional brain is growing — they’re forming preferences, recognising familiar people, and expressing themselves more clearly.
Sleep
Some babies settle into slightly longer stretches of night sleep this week — others continue with multiple wakes, especially during developmental bursts. There’s still no “should” here. Each baby’s sleep profile is unique, and night waking remains biologically normal.
Daytime naps may be shifting slightly. Your baby may start needing a bit more awake time between naps or become fussier about settling. You don’t need to enforce a schedule — watching your baby’s cues and adjusting gently is enough.
If your baby is trying to sit or roll more during the day, expect them to try it in their sleep too. Movement often increases during naps and overnight. Continue to follow safe sleep guidelines and allow time for winding down, especially before naps.
Feeding
Feeding may become more active this week — literally. Your baby might squirm, grab your shirt, play with your face, or pop on and off the breast to look around. These are normal behaviours as their attention span lengthens and their interest in the world grows.
Many babies still feed frequently during the day and more calmly at night. Evening cluster feeding may still happen, especially if your baby is growing or working hard on a new skill.
You may notice more watching, reaching, or mimicking at mealtimes — signs that your baby is interested in food. Readiness for solids is coming soon, but for now, milk remains their primary food and comfort.
Play and Interaction
Play is purposeful and joyful right now. Your baby may initiate interactions with a smile or babble, drop a toy for you to retrieve, or engage in turn-taking games like banging, clapping, or kicking.
They’re also starting to understand a little more about cause and effect — shaking something to make noise, banging one object on another, or watching you react when they do something funny.
Tummy time remains important, but many babies now enjoy floor play in a semi-upright position — supported sitting, or lying on their side and twisting to reach objects. These movements build strong core muscles and coordination.
Offer a few simple toys, rotate them often, and let your baby lead. You don’t need to entertain them constantly — your presence, encouragement, and relaxed energy are enough.
Top Tip of the Week
“Big feelings in small bodies are normal. Support, name, and comfort — not fix — the hard moments.”
Real Life Reflections
This week can feel loud and intense. Your baby is more expressive and assertive — and maybe less patient. They want to move, reach, engage — and they’ll tell you when they’re frustrated. It’s easy to feel like you’re not keeping up.
But you are. You’re adapting, learning, and responding — just as they are. Every time you pause to hold, soothe, or listen, you’re showing your baby that their emotions matter and that they are safe to express themselves.
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to show up, over and over again.
Looking Ahead
In the coming weeks, your baby may begin sitting unsupported for short periods, making more complex sounds, and showing even more interest in food and mealtimes. Keep following their lead, trusting their rhythm, and leaning into connection.
You’re doing beautifully — even when it’s loud, wiggly, or messy.
Further Reading:
Introducing Solids… The Simple Way! As your baby approaches six months, learn about baby-led weaning and how to introduce solids in a way that supports your baby's development and family mealtimes.
Crying Babies Understand the various reasons why babies cry and how to respond to their needs with empathy and care.
Sleep Training and Mental Health Explore the implications of sleep training methods on infant mental health and the importance of responsive caregiving during nighttime awakenings.
