Your 20-Week-Old Baby

Who’s that Baby in the Mirror?

Standing in front of a mirror with your baby is a great activity that helps boost budding social skills and cognitive development. Plus, there are few things more joyful than watching a baby see their reflection in the mirror.

At 20 weeks old, they’re not quite old enough to realize they’re looking at themselves, but babies delight in seeing animated expressions. Encourage this exploration by making silly faces, singing songs and pointing to different parts of your baby’s face.

Try This: Mirror Peek-a-Boo!

There are lots of infant toys made with soft, shatterproof mirrors. The Skip Hop Silver Lining Cloud Activity Mirror props up for playtime on the activity mat, or can be hung from two straps. Crinkle fabric, ribbons and an attached teether add to the multisensory experience.

Play “where’s the baby” by helping your little one cover their eyes and then reveal their face, or move the mirror in and out of their sight.

That’s a Wrap: Transitioning Out of the Swaddle

Swaddling helps newborns feel snug and secure while they sleep. But once they start rolling, it’s crucial that their arms are free so they can safely reposition themselves when they turn onto their tummies in their sleep.

So if your kiddo is still using a swaddle and is ready to roll, it’s time to make the transition to a sleep sack. Sleep sacks are cozy, but give babies’ legs and arms room to move. (Picture a wearable blanket that zips up and has arm holes.) Plus, they’re a zillion times easier for parents to maneuver during a middle-of-the-night diaper change.

Prep your baby for a sleep sack by swaddling them with one arm out for a few nights so they get used to having an arm free. Then, try both arms. It can be nerve-wracking to switch up your baby’s sleep routine (especially when it works like a charm!), but babies are often way more adaptable to change than we think, and it’s important to keep them safe.

Say Cheese: Baby Photos

In case you missed the boat with professional newborn pics or want to a pro capture the super-cute 5-month-old stage, now is a perfect time to schedule a family photo session.

Your baby is full of personality, smiles and spunk at this age. They probably can keep their head lifted, rock tummy time and sit up nicely in your lap. Since they aren’t mobile yet, it’s easier to snap some great family shots compared to when they’re on the move and itching to crawl or toddle away. And you’ve all been hopefully getting more sleep, so you may look more rested than you did during those first few weeks.

Be sure to schedule your photo session early in the morning or after a good nap so your little star is ready to ham it up. And be sure to feed baby before your photoshoot. Everyone makes a better photo subject with a full tummy. Get more tips on how to photograph kids here.

To-Do: Get a First Aid Kit

While you’d much prefer your baby never got a boo-boo or came down with a bug, it’s always best to be prepared. Rather than frantically digging through the grown-up medicine cabinet, it’s a lot easier to reach for a baby-specific first aid kit packed with all the essentials so you can tackle almost any situation.

Kits usually include things like bandages, ointments, a thermometer, nasal aspirator, saline spray, medicine dispensers and even grooming gear.

Here are first aid kits that’ll help you make those boo-boos better, fast.