Your Baby Week 30
Your 30 week old is now beginning to understand dimensional space. You may see her try to sort toys and blocks by size. She is probably also fascinated with her reflection and games like peek-a-boo, where people or her favorite toys disappear and reappear.
To test whether or not your little one understands how mirrors work, try this game. Sit with her in front of a mirror while she is looking at her reflection; hold her favorite toy slightly above her head, so that she can see it in the mirror. Wait and see whether she points in the mirror or whether she turns around to grab it.
Your little one is also growing stronger each week. You can see evidence of this not only in her crawling and movement, but also when you attempt to do something she is opposed to, like putting her into the stroller or changing her diaper. She can probably also now straighten her back and twist her trunk when she sits. Her increased strength and ability to move means keeping a closer eye on her and making sure to take all safety precautions. Use the straps on high chairs and strollers to ensure she doesn’t take a spill.
You may also notice that she is becoming more emotionally in touch with the people around her; laughing when other people laugh and crying when she sees other people cry. This is the first evidence of her developing sense of empathy. She is learning how to assess and imitate the moods of those around her, all skills that are an important part of her social development.
Your little one will also learn a lot about the world through modeling your behavior. Children are like little sponges. Whatever they see, they are likely to repeat. This holds true for actions and words, so you might want to start practicing being on your best behavior in front of her. Even small things, like opening packages with your teeth or shouting when you are upset will make a big impression on your little learner.
It’s important to keep in mind that all babies reach developmental milestones at their own pace. If your infant isn’t yet sitting up confidently, or cruising around the room, don’t worry. She should be up and around in no time. If you do have any developmental concerns, be sure to discuss them with your pediatrician.
