Your Baby Is 21 Weeks Old!

While baby still can't completely understand what you're saying when you talk, he's catching on. Play simple, repetitive games like peekaboo to help him keep learning and developing his verbal and cognitive skills. He's starting to grasp the concept of something existing without being in sight and enjoys round after round of "Where did baby go? There he is!"

save article

Updated March 2, 2017

Image: Christine Sandrock of Simply Bloom Photography / The Bump

Baby etiquette?
When to start solids?
TV okay for baby?
See all newborn Q&As

Showing a personality
Baby’s hearing and vision are continuing to develop, and he’s starting to turn in your direction when you say his name. He’s also beginning to display emotions like amusement, anxiety, and boredom. Separation anxiety often kicks in around this time; baby may cry and reach for you when he’s handed to someone else. If this is the case, just alert friends and family before you see them, and give baby extra time to adjust to new people.

To-do:

Keep playtime smart
Travel with baby
Read these reasons to exercise

[ tip ] Get your water tested for lead by your local water department or a private state-certified testing agency. The EPA estimates that tens of millions of American homes have water contaminated by lead pipes.