Leap 3: The world of smooth transitions

Question 1

Signs baby is beginning the leap (fussy phase)

Answer 1

• cry more often
• want parent to keep you occupied more than before
• lose their appetite
• are shyer with strangers than they were
• cling to parent more now
• want more physical contact during nursing
• sleep poorly
• sucks thumb, or do so more often than before.
• are less lively
• are quieter, less vocal.

Question 2

What happens during leap 3?

Answer 2

• Baby is able to recognize smooth transitions in sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and touch. Can register other people’s transitions and can learn how to make them themselves. Applies to their body, head, eyes, and vocal cords.
• Learns to swallow more “deliberately” and smoothly.
• Experiments with their own voice by gurgling and shrieking.
• Sight is almost like an adult’s. Will be able to follow something with their eyes in a controlled, well-coordinated manner. May even begin to do so without turning their head.
• They can make simple movements in one direction.
• There are too many smooth transitions throughout the day for baby to make sense of them all at once. They will choose the types of transitions that interest them and learn applicable skills.

Question 3

What brain changes occur during leap 3?

Answer 3

Around 10 to 11 weeks, your baby’s head circumference drastically increases.

Question 4

How to help baby during this leap?

Answer 4

• Encourage them and their interests.
• When chatting, let them lead. Don’t interrupt them. Topics don’t really matter but it’s better to stick to shared experiences and familiar subjects. Occasionally, try imitating the sounds they are making.
• Respond when they tell you how they’re feeling.
• Help your baby learn to grab by encouraging them when they miss and/or placing objects closer to make it easier. (after about 12 weeks, babies spend two-thirds of their waking time playing and experimenting with their hands).
• Teach baby to feel things if you notice they enjoy stroking stuff with their hands. Let baby examine you with their hands.
• Let baby play without clothes on in a warm environment. This allows baby to have more control over their body movements with less restrictions.
• Help baby learn to roll over by offering a finger to grasp while making the transition.

Question 5

What is observable during the easy period?

Answer 5

• Baby is much smarter now
• They act like a little person when carried around or sitting in your lap.
• They will immediately turn their head in the direction of something they want to see or hear.
• They laugh at everyone, and “answer” them when they are talked to.