Week 30: The World Within Reach
At 30 weeks old — almost seven months — your baby is stretching out in every way: reaching, rolling, crawling, and connecting. Their curiosity is matched only by their determination, and their favourite experiment is… everything.
This is a stage of active discovery. Your baby is realising that they can get to the things they want — and that those things have qualities to explore. Soft, hard, crinkly, noisy, squishy, shiny — each texture teaches something new. And of course, everything still ends up in their mouth.
They’re not just exploring objects — they’re exploring independence, confidence, and trust in the world around them.
Development
Many babies this week are:
Crawling, scooting, or attempting to move forward
Sitting confidently and using hands freely while playing
Reaching further, stretching across their body, or twisting at the waist
Using a raking grasp or starting to develop a pincer grip
This increase in movement brings new coordination, and new motivation. You may see your baby:
Follow a toy across the floor
Crawl toward a person or object
Become frustrated when they can’t reach something
Emotional awareness is growing too:
Your baby recognises familiar people
May show caution around strangers
Reacts to your emotional tone — laughter, sadness, stress
They're also starting to explore object permanence — the idea that something still exists even when out of sight. That’s why hiding games and peekaboo are such hits right now.
Sleep
As physical and cognitive leaps continue, sleep may still be unsettled — or it may improve slightly as naps consolidate.
You might notice:
Crawling practice during sleep or when trying to settle
More effort to resist naps or bedtime, especially if baby is overtired
Waking with urgency — calling out, sitting up, or crawling in their sleep
This stage benefits from a consistent, calming wind-down routine. Think: low lights, gentle voices, songs or stories, and a predictable flow from playtime to bedtime.
Connection and reassurance still matter more than any “schedule.” Babies this age are learning how to feel safe — even in moments of separation.
Feeding
Feeding is often messy, exciting, and unpredictable:
Some babies eat with gusto; others just poke and squish
Your baby might take more control — grabbing the spoon or feeding themselves
Finger foods and soft textures allow exploration of shape, size, and taste
You might start to notice food preferences emerging — but these can change daily. One day your baby loves sweet potato; the next they throw it on the floor. It’s all part of the process.
Continue to breastfeed or offer formula responsively. Solids are still complementary — not the main course.
Play and Interaction
This week’s play is dynamic and immersive:
Your baby may enjoy pushing, banging, and stacking objects
They explore texture, weight, and movement through hands-on play
Joint attention (looking at what you're looking at) continues to develop
They might also:
Babble more conversationally
Respond to their name
Use gestures or sounds to seek your attention
This is a beautiful time to:
Narrate what you’re doing during routines
Offer varied objects for exploration
Make time for silliness, laughter, and shared rhythms
Top Tip of the Week
“Your baby’s play isn’t about results — it’s about experience. Let it be messy, slow, and full of wonder.”
Real Life Reflections
With all this movement and learning, things at home can feel chaotic. Your baby might need more supervision, more redirection, more patience — from both of you.
It’s okay if the floor is a mess, if the laundry waits, if you haven’t showered before noon.
This is the season of exploration. And while your baby is learning about the world, you're learning how to hold space for it all: their frustration, their joy, their energy, and their need for you.
You don’t need to entertain your baby all day. You just need to be near, be kind, and be curious together.
Looking Ahead
In the weeks to come, your baby may:
Pull to stand
Begin to understand simple words
Show stronger emotional reactions
Practice cause-and-effect endlessly (drop it, pick it up, repeat!)
Their world is growing — and you are their guide. What a gift that is.
Further Reading:
Relax, It's Just Eating Food! Explore the philosophy of baby-led weaning and how to introduce your baby to family foods in a relaxed and enjoyable manner.
Night Weaning: Keeping It Real Understand the realities of night weaning and how to approach it in a way that respects both your baby's needs and your own well-being.
Facing the Facts About Facing Out Learn about the considerations and recommendations for forward-facing babywearing, ensuring comfort and safety for your baby.
