Week 22: Stronger, Louder, Closer
Your 22-week-old baby is starting to feel like a little person with big opinions. They’re louder, more physically capable, and increasingly aware of relationships — especially their connection to you.
This week is full of volume, motion, and growing attachment. You may find your baby becoming more predictable in some ways… and more unpredictable in others!
Development
Your baby’s core strength is rapidly increasing. They may now sit upright for short periods without support, or with just a little help from your hands or a cushion. Some will still topple over quickly — others are starting to balance for longer stretches.
Their fine motor skills are more deliberate. Your baby might reach with one hand, hold an object in both, or carefully study something before bringing it to their mouth. Objects are no longer just grabbed — they’re explored.
You’ll likely notice an increase in vocalisation too. Babies around this age begin stringing together vowel and consonant sounds — you might hear “ba,” “da,” “ma,” or variations of these. They’re experimenting with pitch and volume, testing how their voice works — and how you respond.
Socially, your baby may show stronger preferences for familiar people, become clingy when you leave the room, or reach for you with outstretched arms. These aren’t habits to worry about — they’re healthy signs of attachment and cognitive growth.
Sleep
Your baby might be finding sleep trickier again. Some wake more often at night or resist naps, especially if they’re busy mastering new skills. Learning to sit, roll, and babble can lead to temporary sleep disruption — not because anything’s wrong, but because their brain is simply too active to switch off easily.
You might notice your baby wants more contact, especially during the evening or overnight. This is normal. The more the world opens up, the more they check that you’re still close.
Contact naps, bed-sharing (following safe sleep guidelines), or babywearing can help your baby feel secure while their nervous system works hard to process all this change.
Feeding
Feeding may be energetic right now. Your baby might latch and unlatch repeatedly, feed briefly then stop to look around, or grab at your hair, your face, your clothes. Feeding in a calm environment or offering more skin-to-skin time may help reduce distractions.
If your baby is still waking frequently at night, feeding more often, or wanting to feed for comfort — this is not a step backward. It’s a sign they are growing, connecting, and navigating change.
You might also notice increased excitement during family mealtimes — watching, reaching, or mimicking. You may be close to beginning solids soon, especially if your baby is sitting well and showing developmental readiness. You’re not behind if you’re still exclusively breastfeeding — milk continues to meet all your baby’s needs at this stage.
Play and Interaction
Your baby loves repetition and rhythm right now. Simple songs with actions, peekaboo games, and daily routines help build memory and predictability.
You may notice them:
Pausing before a familiar line in a song
Laughing when you repeat a silly sound
Initiating “conversations” with babble and waiting for a response
They are learning that relationships are reciprocal — that they can interact and influence the people around them. Your reactions matter deeply.
Offer a few open-ended toys — soft blocks, textured rings, or safe household items — and plenty of space to roll, reach, and sit. But remember, you are still their favourite thing to watch and respond to.
Top Tip of the Week
“Your baby doesn’t need to be taught to talk — they learn to communicate by being heard, seen, and answered.”
Real Life Reflections
This stage can be incredibly rewarding — but it’s also full-on. You may feel touched out, talked at, and completely overstimulated by the end of the day.
It’s okay to take breaks, even from your baby. Safe arms can belong to others too. You don’t need to be the one doing everything all the time. Responding with love doesn’t mean running on empty.
Let the floor stay messy. Let the texts go unanswered. Let your baby roll around with a wooden spoon while you breathe and make a cup of tea.
Looking Ahead
In the coming weeks, your baby may begin sitting unassisted, trying new consonant sounds, and becoming more emotionally expressive — both in joy and frustration.
Their body is stronger, their voice louder, and their need for you… just as deep as ever.
Further Reading:
Baby-Led Weaning: Keep It Simple Discover how baby-led weaning can be a straightforward approach to introducing solids, allowing your baby to explore family foods at their own pace.
Naptime: What You Need to Know Understand the importance of daytime sleep and how room-sharing during naps can support your baby's safety and sleep development.
The Anatomy of a Soft-Structured Carrier Learn about the components of soft-structured carriers to ensure a comfortable and secure fit for both you and your baby.
