The Wonder Weeks

Nurturing Your Little One Through the Glowlet Years

At Little Everything Ltd, we know that the first two years of life are a whirlwind of discovery, growth, and magical moments. These years, which we lovingly call the Glowlet Years 0-2, are full of tiny milestones and big leaps. Behind much of this early development lies the fascinating concept of The Wonder Weeks. Understanding these leaps helps parents and caregivers support little ones with empathy, patience, and plenty of love.

What Are The Wonder Weeks?

The Wonder Weeks is based on research by Dutch pediatricians Frans Plooij and Hetty van de Rijt, who observed patterns in infant development over many years. They found that babies go through predictable periods of rapid brain growth, called “leaps.” During these leaps, babies may seem clingy, irritable, or restless, yet these challenging moments are signs that their brains are wiring for amazing new abilities.

The Wonder Weeks give us a roadmap for understanding why your baby might suddenly change behaviour, and how to respond with reassurance and support.

The 10 Leaps 

Here’s a look at all ten leaps, with weeks and approximate ages in months, plus examples from the book:

Leap 1 – The World of Changing Sensations

 

Weeks: 5 Approx. Age: 1 month - Babies start noticing patterns in sights and sounds. They may be more alert or fussy as their senses expand.

 

Leap 2 – The World of Patterns

Weeks: 8 Approx. Age: 2 months - Your baby begins recognising familiar faces and routines. They may smile more intentionally or show excitement when parents enter the room.

Leap 3 – The World of Smooth Transitions

Weeks: 12. Approx. Age: 3 months - Babies explore their hands and connect movement with intention. They might kick, wave, or reach, discovering cause and effect in their own bodies.

Leap 4 – The World of Events

Weeks: 19. Approx. Age: 4–5 months - Babies become aware of sequences and surroundings. One action can lead to another, like shaking a rattle to make noise.

Leap 5 – The World of Relationships

Weeks: 26. Approx. Age: 6 months - Babies start understanding how objects relate to each other. Dropping toys, stacking blocks, or fitting shapes into holes becomes fascinating.

Leap 6 – The World of Categories

Weeks: 37. Approx. Age: 8–9 months - Early classification emerges. Babies can sort objects, recognise differences, and begin grouping items (soft vs. hard, big vs. small).

Leap 7 – The World of Sequences

Weeks: 46. Approx. Age: 10–11 months - Problem-solving and understanding sequences develop. Your little one may anticipate what comes next in routines or enjoy step-by-step games.

Leap 8 – The World of Programs

Weeks: 55. Approx. Age: 12–13 months - Symbolic thinking begins. Objects can represent ideas, like using a block as a pretend phone, sparking imagination and creativity.

Leap 9 – The World of Principles

Weeks: 64. Approx. Age: 14–15 months - Early understanding of cause and effect in more complex situations. Babies may test rules, experiment with boundaries, and notice patterns in relationships.

Leap 10 – The World of Systems

Weeks: 75. Approx. Age: 17 months - Complex problem-solving and early logic emerge. Your toddler may sort, categorise, plan actions, and show increased independence in exploring the world.

Where to Find The Wonder Weeks

The book is available online and in bookstores worldwide. It’s a wonderful guide to help you navigate the first 20 months, providing practical tips for each leap.

Even better, you can follow The Wonder Weeks online via their official website and social media channels. They share helpful updates, advice, and insights, something wonderful to enjoy and share with your fellow Glowlet parents!

The Glowlet Years: Leaps Rooted in Love

At My Little Everything Ltd, the Glowlet Years are about more than milestones, they’re about nurturing potential. Every leap, day or night, is a chance for babies to grow, explore, and take flight, supported by the love and care around them. We see each Glowlet ready to glow and flourish, whether it’s a first word, a wobbly step, or an imaginative play session.

By understanding The Wonder Weeks, parents and caregivers can celebrate both the challenges and the magic of early childhood, knowing that every leap is building the foundation for a lifetime of learning, curiosity, and wonder.