Wonder Weeks: The 10 Developmental leaps

Your children’s development might occur quite suddenly, from one day to the next, making it difficult to keep up. As the babies grow, they go through several stages of development, called wonder weeks, each unveiling new insights into the world around them. 

Through this period, your child will experience both wonderful and overwhelming changes. By making new discoveries, certain insecurities may arise. As a new developmental leap occurs, the need for additional attention and reassurance grows. 

In the meantime, your kid might experience uncontrollable bursts of crying, surge of violent anger, and changes in appetite and sleep.

According to the Dutch researchers of children’s developmental leaps, Xaviera Plas-Plooij, Frans X. Plooij & Hetty van de Riijt, most children go through the same 10 leaps during their first 20 months of life. However, all children differ thus each leap’s length will depend on the child. 

In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to the 10 development leaps that kids experience, between 5-75 weeks old. 

1. The World of Senses (5 weeks)

Baby’s first leap – Their senses develop, allowing them to see colors and hear sounds better. At this point you’ll get the first adorable smile.

2. The World of Patterns (8 weeks)

Quality time together is valuable as your child begins to recognize patterns and rhythms in everyday activities. You will notice the babies prefer taking part in chores e.g cooking rather than trips and events, as they feel like they are contributing as well as getting the peace and closeness they need.

3. The World of Smooth Transitions (12 weeks) 

Your child will begin to notice smooth transitions, such as changes in pitch, and will enjoy exploring things with their hands.

4. The World of Events (19 weeks)

This is when children start to understand the connections between actions. Simple games that are continuously repeated makes them happy, as they celebrate exciting developmental milestones like rolling over from stomach to back and vice versa. 

5. The World of Connections (26 weeks) 

The environment becomes more fascinating as your child explores objects more actively. They are now interested in teddy bears and pets. 

6. The World of Categories (37 weeks) 

The children now start to examine everything thoroughly, using all of their senses. This is the time to add words in the things they explore, as they build their inner vocabulary. The baby will also start crawling during this leap.

7. The World of Sequences (46 weeks)

This leap allows the child to understand how to use certain things, by putting them together instead of tearing them apart. The baby will be curious about things, pointing towards them for you to name them. Prepare to give them more independence in certain activities, such as eating. 

8. The World of Programs (55 weeks)

The concept of action and consequence becomes clearer, as your child requires more independence. They are now able to understand the order of things and might get mad if you disturb them or take away their independence. 

9. The World of Principles (64 weeks)

Finally walking without support marks the 9th leap, accompanied by a better understanding of sequence and consequence. Don’t be surprised if your child starts to disagree with your way of doing things, however you are now able to set certain rules.

10. The World of Systems (75 weeks)

During this final leap, your child develops an early sense of conscience and self-awareness. They are finally ready to grasp their role within the family.

Navigating these leaps can be very challenging, to the point that you may feel that no matter what you do, you can’t provide the necessary reassurance. It is vital that you understand these changes and try to provide the security and closeness the baby needs. The more the confidence, the more the ability to explore and satisfy their curiosity. 

When in need of reassurance, the need of sucking increases. This is why you might notice your child sucking on their thumb, as a substitute for the mother’s breast. This is, unfortunately, a difficult habit to break, however a FRIGG pacifier can give them the sense of comfort they long for, easing the transition through each leap.

Whatever the circumstances, embrace each leap, knowing it brings your child closer to understanding the world and themselves.

Read more about the 10 developmental leaps in the book “The Wonder Weeks” by Xaviera Plas-Plooij, Frans X. Plooij & Hetty van de Riijt.