Your baby wants to join everyday routines
Participation is becoming part of how they learn
By The Millie's Team · Parenting Notes
Around week forty-five, your baby may want to be part of what you are doing. Cooking, getting dressed, brushing hair and tidying up can suddenly look very interesting from their point of view.
What is happening
Watching has been important for a long time. Now your baby wants to take part. Reaching for the spoon, holding a sock, or trying to help close a drawer are all ways of joining in.
Is this normal
Yes. Wanting to participate is a healthy sign of confidence and connection. Some babies are very keen to help, others prefer to watch and copy later. Both are normal.
What you may notice
- Reaching for the spoon at meals
- Trying to hold their own clothes during dressing
- Wanting to bang on the keyboard or push buttons
- Copying small parts of what you are doing
What helps right now
- Letting them join in safely where you can
- Slowing down a little to allow them to try
- Naming what you are doing as they watch and help
- Accepting that things take longer when shared
What to expect next
Over the coming weeks, participation often becomes a bigger part of daily life. Your baby will start to anticipate what comes next and try to take their small part in it.