Baby’s steadily getting better at sitting up—and might be practicing every chance they get. Here’s what else is happening in your busy 25-week-old’s development.

25-Week-Old Baby Milestones & Development

Growth

At 25 weeks old, baby girls in the 50th percentile weigh about 15.9 pounds, while baby boys clock in at about 17.3 pounds. The average length (aka height) is around 25.7 inches for girls and 26.5 inches for boys. By 6 months of age, baby’s birth weight will likely double. But every baby has their own growth curve—check in with your pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns.

Emerging skills

Baby is continuing to learn to sit independently, possibly by leaning on their arms in what’s called the “tripod” position. When baby’s on their tummy, they might be pushing up with straight arms: This helps them roll from belly to back, which is another important skill they’re working on. Baby is also becoming more interactive with each day, taking turns making sounds with you, blowing “raspberries” and making (hilarious) squealing noises. At this age, they’re starting to recognize familiar people—and they love their own mirror image.

25-Week-Old Baby Health

Feeding

While solids could be on the menu soon (if they aren’t already), breast milk or formula are still the most important source of food for baby. Aim for between 24 and 32 ounces of milk per day. Breastfed babies are likely to be eating five to six times a day; bottle-fed babies, around four to five times a day.

If you’re introducing solids now, baby oatmeal thinned with breast milk or formula is a great way to start the day with an iron boost. (If you breastfeed, the iron stores baby was born with start to deplete by 4 to 6 months, so it’s important to make sure baby gets the recommended 11 milligrams of iron daily.) A variety of fruit and vegetables is also important. You don’t need to introduce foods in a certain order—but you might want to introduce one new food at a time to watch for any adverse reactions.

Sleep

Baby needs about 12 to 16 hours of sleep a day, including at least two naps. If your little one is still taking three naps a day, they may be ready to drop one—the average age is between 6.5 and 8 months, although it can happen earlier. Watch for signs like having trouble falling asleep at naptime or bedtime, more night wakings, refusing naps and short naps.

Common ailments

Ear infection
Ear infections are extremely common, with more than 80 percent of children getting at least one by the time they’re 3 years old. Look for fussiness, fever, decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping and ear-tugging as signs. It’s tough to completely prevent them, but good hygiene, staying up-to-date on baby’s vaccinations and breastfeeding for as long as possible can help prevent them. Make sure to call your pediatrician if you suspect an ear infection.

25-Week-Old Baby FAQs

Does my 25-week-old have separation anxiety?

Typically, babies are around 9 months old when separation anxiety hits hard, but it can happen as early as 4 or 5 months of age—basically whenever they begin to understand object permanence, and recognize that you’ve left. It may be heart-wrenching to leave baby with another caregiver when they’re crying and reaching for you, but it’s normal baby behavior. They’ll likely calm down quickly once you’re out of sight.

Why is my 25-week-old so fussy?

Baby could be hungry or overtired. If baby is unusually fussy and you notice them drooling, chewing on their hands and rubbing their ears, they’re likely teething. Their first choppers are due any moment, most likely their upper or lower incisors. Try and ease their discomfort with cold (but not frozen!) teething rings or a cold, clean washcloth. Sometimes, rubbing your fingers over their gums or letting them gum your hand will help for a bit.

Timely 25-Week Topics

When can baby drink water?

When your child was an infant, drinking water wasn't part of their diet—but now that baby is eating solids, it's time to start offering some H20. They probably won't take more than a couple sips at a time, and that's fine. Baby is still drinking plenty of breast milk or formula, so giving them water at this point is mostly about getting them used to the taste and instilling healthy habits early on. You can offer the water in a bottle, sippy cup, straw cup or even tiny sips from a regular cup—whatever you (and baby) prefer.

Brushing teeth

Any day now, you might spy baby’s very first tooth start to poke through! And as soon as that first tooth erupts, it’s time to start brushing. If they don’t have teeth, don’t worry! Every baby is different, but on average, babies tend to start showing teeth around 6 months old. When that happens, their mouth will be sensitive, so remember to be gentle when brushing. Use a tiny bit—we’re talking pea-size amount—of baby toothpaste (the American Dental Association recommends fluoride, to prevent cavities), and remember to brush their tongue too. Make brushing baby’s teeth part of their bedtime and morning routines—and make it fun! Sing songs and brush in front of the mirror so your little one can watch.

Parent Tips

• Consider pelvic floor therapy. If you’re experiencing regular pain or discomfort down there, if it hurts during sex or if you’re having issues urinating or with bowel movements, you might want to ask your provider about pelvic floor therapy. Pelvic organ prolapse, which happens when the muscles surrounding your pelvic organs weaken during delivery, is not uncommon. A pelvic floor therapist can help by suggesting exercises and other treatments.

Products You Need at 25 Weeks

• Feeding bib. Grab a catch-all silicone bib to make mealtime mess cleanup a breeze. A wide pocket will catch all sorts of drips and spills. When you’re done, just wipe it down or pop it in the dishwasher.
• Baby toothbrush and toothpaste. You’ll want to be ready for whenever that first tooth comes in. Pick up a baby toothbrush that’s designed to clean tiny mouths, and a ADA-approved baby toothpaste to keep early cavities at bay.
• Pelvic floor trainer. If you're focused on regaining strength in your pelvic floor, a Kegel trainer can help. It's designed to aid you in contracting your pelvic floor muscles correctly (which, if you've tried Kegels, you know can be easier said than done!).

Weekly Activity for Your 25-Week-Old Baby

Make your own baby blocks! Collect different-sized cartons, boxes and toilet paper rolls. Stuff them with newspaper or tissue paper, then fold down and tape the ends to create blocks and cylinders. Use lots of fun colors and textures, and watch baby enjoy a fun sensory experience!