Week 27: The Learning Loop
At 27 weeks, your baby is deep in a cycle of try, test, repeat. They are learning with intensity and joy — not just by watching, but by doing. Every action is a lesson. Every repetition is a rehearsal. And every response from you reinforces their understanding of the world.
This week, you may feel like your baby is constantly practising — whether it's making the same sound over and over, reaching for the same toy, or insisting on dropping things from their highchair again (and again). It’s not just play. It’s how their brain builds connections.
Development
Your baby’s physical skills are more refined and purposeful now. Many are:
Sitting with confidence, twisting at the waist to reach for toys
Starting to rock on hands and knees (pre-crawling behaviour)
Exploring objects with both hands and transferring between them
Beginning to pivot in circles on their tummy or roll in both directions with ease
They’re not just exploring movement — they’re discovering cause and effect. “When I do this, that happens.” It’s a powerful discovery.
Cognitively, you might notice:
More focus during play
Babbling with varied sounds and intonations
Recognition of routines (bath, book, bed)
Anticipation — they may lean in for kisses or giggle before a tickle
Their brain is building patterns — and you're their favourite partner in every one.
Sleep
Sleep may still fluctuate. If your baby is learning new motor skills like sitting, pivoting, or pushing up, they might wake more often — especially at night or during nap transitions.
Sometimes, babies wake and want to practice — you may find them babbling, rolling, or sitting up during the night. It’s normal. And temporary.
Continue to offer reassurance and connection. Your baby isn’t “testing” you — they’re processing a lot of change.
You might notice:
Naps beginning to consolidate (2–3 per day)
Bedtime becoming more predictable (especially with a calming routine)
Increased need for comfort with overnight wakes
Follow your baby’s cues — not the clock. Their rhythm is still unfolding.
Feeding
Whether you’ve just started solids or are a few weeks in, mealtimes are a messy joy.
Your baby might:
Gum and mouth a wider range of textures
Begin to grasp soft foods with more control
Drop or throw food for fun (and science!)
Laugh or frown depending on taste
Remember: exploration comes before nutrition. Breastmilk or formula remains their main food source.
If you’re offering finger foods, be mindful of shapes and textures your baby can hold and gum safely. If using pre-loaded spoons or mashed foods, let your baby guide the process.
This week, some babies become more eager to participate in family meals — not just watching, but joining in. That’s a good thing. Offer food slowly and responsively, and let them lead the pace.
Play and Interaction
Play this week is repetitive, purposeful, and relational. Your baby might:
Shake toys and watch your reaction
Babble at you and wait for a reply
Imitate sounds or actions (like clapping or head tilts)
Show early preferences for particular songs, toys, or people
This is also a week where joint attention begins to emerge. Your baby may start to follow your gaze, look where you point, or share interest in what you're doing — a key part of early communication.
Try offering:
A treasure basket of household objects with different textures
Safe containers with lids to explore open/close
Silly songs and face games
Soft blocks or stacking toys
You're not just playing — you're co-creating meaning.
Top Tip of the Week
“Repetition isn’t boring — it’s building brains. Every drop, shake, and squeal is part of the learning loop.”
Real Life Reflections
The repetition can be draining. So can the constant movement. And the mess.
It’s okay to feel touched out, needed too much, or overwhelmed by another meal thrown to the floor. That doesn’t mean you’re not grateful. It just means you’re human.
This week is full of learning — for your baby, and for you. You’re learning how to meet their needs and your own. How to hold space for their joy and your limits. That’s the real work of parenting.
Take breaks. Ask for help. Keep it simple. You don’t need to be endlessly interesting — just emotionally available.
Looking Ahead
In the next few weeks, your baby may:
Begin crawling
Show stronger attachment behaviours (especially around unfamiliar people)
Babble with more purpose
Play longer on their own
But right now, they’re doing exactly what they need: repeating, exploring, connecting — with you at the centre.
Further Reading:
Babies Do Not Need Rice Cereal Explore why rice cereal may not be necessary for your baby's diet and how to introduce solids that align with their developmental readiness.
Parents Need Sleep Too! Discover practical strategies for parents to manage sleep deprivation and prioritize rest during the demanding early months of parenting.
Waistband Placement: Why It Matters in Babywearing Learn how proper waistband placement in soft-structured carriers can enhance comfort and support for both you and your baby during babywearing.
