Week 21: Reaching, Rolling, and Recognising
At 21 weeks old, your baby is growing more coordinated, more curious, and more socially aware by the day. They’re rolling more confidently, reaching with intention, and tuning in to the world in increasingly sophisticated ways.
You might feel like your baby is suddenly everywhere — not quite mobile, but never still. This week is full of movement, experimentation, and connection.
Development
Many babies are rolling confidently now — some in both directions. You may find your baby rolls over during floor play or even in their sleep. With this new skill comes motivation: they’ll roll toward toys, toward you, or just for the joy of it.
Reaching and grasping are becoming more refined. Your baby may now use both hands to explore a single object, switch toys from hand to hand, or rotate their wrist to inspect something from different angles. Everything still goes in the mouth, of course — that’s part of how babies learn about texture, shape, and temperature.
You may also notice your baby becoming more aware of themselves and others. They might recognise their name, watch their reflection with fascination, or light up when they see a familiar face. They’re beginning to understand that people and objects continue to exist even when out of sight — a developmental milestone called object permanence.
Sleep
Sleep continues to ebb and flow. Some babies start to link sleep cycles more consistently now, while others remain cat-nappers or continue to wake frequently at night. There is still no “right” pattern — only what works for your baby and your family.
Rolling can disrupt sleep temporarily, especially if your baby rolls onto their tummy and then gets stuck or frustrated. Practice rolling during playtimes can help reduce overnight surprise or frustration.
You may find your baby wants to be close to you more often, particularly during unsettled periods. Contact naps, bed-sharing (following safe sleep guidelines), and babywearing remain valid, developmentally supportive ways to meet your baby’s sleep needs.
Feeding
Feeding may still be active and playful, with your baby grabbing at your face, breast, or shirt, or twisting around mid-feed to look at something that caught their attention.
They may also become more vocal while feeding — cooing, humming, or “chatting” between mouthfuls. This is a sign of increasing comfort and social awareness, not a sign that anything is wrong.
If your baby is showing signs of readiness for solids — sitting with support, mouthing toys, and watching food with interest — you may wish to start preparing for baby-led weaning in the coming weeks. But breastmilk or formula still provides all the nutrition they need at this stage.
Play and Interaction
Play is now full-body, full-volume, and full of surprises. Your baby might roll across the room, accidentally discover how to pivot, or use their feet to grab and kick toys. This is a great time to provide plenty of floor space and safe opportunities to move.
They’re also much more responsive to games and routines. Your baby might anticipate what happens next in a familiar game or show preference for certain songs, books, or objects. They may laugh when you repeat a silly sound or look expectantly when you pause during a rhyme.
Your baby is building early memory — not just of routines, but of people, places, and feelings. Simple, joyful repetition helps them feel secure and learn through familiarity.
Top Tip of the Week
“Your baby doesn’t need fancy toys or scheduled activities. They need space to move, time with you, and the freedom to explore at their own pace.”
Real Life Reflections
This stage can feel like a lot — your baby is constantly on the move, constantly reaching for something, and constantly needing a new environment to explore. It’s okay to feel overstimulated or unsure how to keep up.
Sometimes, the answer is to slow down. Settle on the floor beside your baby. Let them roll, reach, and babble while you rest in the moment with them. You don’t need to be “on” all the time. Your calm presence is still the best toy in the room.
Looking Ahead
In the coming weeks, your baby may begin sitting unsupported for longer stretches, making more consonant sounds (like “ba” or “da”), and becoming more attached to familiar people and routines. As always, they’ll keep leading the way — you just have to follow with love.
Further Reading:
Distraction and Breastfed Babies Around this age, babies become more aware of their surroundings, leading to shorter and more distracted feeding sessions. This article explores how to navigate this stage and maintain a strong breastfeeding relationship.
Should Babies Sleep in Daylight? As your baby's circadian rhythm continues to develop, this piece discusses the role of daylight in infant sleep patterns and how to support healthy sleep habits.
Introducing Solids… The Simple Way! With your baby approaching six months, you might be considering introducing solids. This article provides guidance on baby-led weaning and how to start solids in a way that supports your baby's development.
