Week 25: Stronger Every Day
At 25 weeks, your baby is more physically capable, emotionally expressive, and socially tuned in than ever before. They’re no longer content to simply watch the world go by — they want to reach, grasp, taste, and respond to it.
This week is often filled with energy, exploration, and louder communication. You may feel like your baby is on the brink of something new — because they are.
Development
Many babies are now sitting with increasing confidence — often without support for several minutes. They may use their hands to steady themselves or reach for a toy and return to balance. This core strength will be the foundation for crawling and other gross motor skills to come.
You’ll likely see a surge in fine motor coordination too. Your baby might rake small objects toward them, rotate a toy in their hands, or pass something back and forth. You may notice a clear “preferred hand” emerging for certain tasks — though true hand dominance won’t settle until much later.
Babbling becomes more structured this week. Expect a stream of “babababa,” “dadadada,” or “mamama” sounds. These aren’t true words yet — but your baby is experimenting with how language works, especially when it gets a smile or excited response from you.
Your baby is also recognising routines and predicting what happens next. They might get excited when you prepare to feed, pause during a song they know well, or reach for their sleep cue toy when you head toward the bedroom.
Sleep
Sleep patterns may be slowly shifting again. Some babies begin showing more consistency in naps — others stay variable, especially if they’re working on motor skills or going through emotional leaps.
Your baby might resist naps this week, especially if they’re on the move or deeply engrossed in play. Watch for subtle tired cues — zoning out, clumsiness, or changes in vocal tone — and offer rest before overtiredness kicks in.
Night waking remains normal. Many babies at this age continue to feed overnight and seek comfort during periods of physical or emotional growth. There is no one-size-fits-all sleep pattern — only what feels manageable and supportive for your family.
Feeding
If you’ve started solids, your baby might now:
Bring food to their mouth with control
Chew or gum new textures
Gag occasionally as they learn to manage food safely
All of this is normal. Eating is a complex skill — and right now, your baby is still mostly practising. Breastmilk or formula remains the primary source of nutrition.
If you haven’t introduced solids yet, that’s fine too. Watch for readiness signs (sitting with support, good head control, bringing food to the mouth) — and know there’s no rush. Follow your baby’s cues.
Feeding may still be distractible, especially during the day. Try offering milk in a calm space or during quieter moments. Evening or overnight feeds may still feel more settled and connected.
Play and Interaction
Your baby’s play is more purposeful now. They might:
Knock over stacked items
Tap toys together
Drop an object to watch you pick it up (again and again)
Babble at their reflection or at you in “conversation”
They may also start showing emotional preferences — fussing when you leave the room, smiling broadly at a favourite person, or laughing when they anticipate something funny.
Songs with actions, books with repetition, and real-world interactions (watching you fold laundry, exploring a wooden spoon, being sung to in the bath) are all powerful learning opportunities right now.
You don’t need a packed toy shelf. What your baby needs most is space to move, safe things to explore, and your attuned presence.
Top Tip of the Week
“Your baby isn’t trying to be ‘good’ — they’re trying to understand. Predictable rhythms and warm responses help the world make sense.”
Real Life Reflections
You might feel like you’re settling into a rhythm — only for it to shift again.
Some days your baby naps well, eats well, and plays independently. Other days they won’t be put down, fuss at every feed, and cry when you turn your back. That’s not a regression. It’s just growth, in all directions.
You are not behind. You are not doing it wrong. You are adapting, every single day, to the baby you have in front of you — and that is more than enough.
Looking Ahead
In the coming weeks, your baby may:
Sit fully unassisted
Begin rocking on hands and knees
Show stronger emotional responses and preferences
Begin to mimic some of your actions (clapping, shaking head)
They’re not just growing — they’re becoming. And you’re guiding them, gently and responsively, every step of the way.
Further Reading:
Make Compost – Not Landfill Explore how baby-led weaning can reduce single-use plastics by utilizing family foods, minimizing reliance on packaged baby foods, and promoting sustainable feeding practices.
Safer Napping Understand the importance of room-sharing during naps and how keeping your baby close during daytime sleep supports safety and bonding.
That's What They're For Learn about the various features of soft-structured carriers and how to adjust them for optimal comfort and support for both you and your baby.
