Tiger leaps, or also referred to as developmental leaps, are completely natural periods that many babies will experience.
These are periods where there is extra speed in some developments for the child, which causes the baby to be extra fussy, tired, and can change moods very quickly.
Such tiger leaps can be frustrating for new parents who just want the best for their little one. However, there is no danger involved, and the best thing you can do is provide calm, security, and presence.
What development occurs during a tiger leap?
A tiger leap will involve different developments depending on the child's age, and it will elicit different reactions from the baby.
When entering the world, one has to learn everything anew, and it can be very overwhelming for the little one to, for example, be able to see all colors.
The ten tiger leaps
There are 10 well-known tiger leaps, each representing a new mental development for the child.
Their onset is defined according to the due date, so some may experience that their baby starts a bit earlier or later than peers. It thus has something to do with when the child is born in relation to the due date.
The ten tiger leaps are distributed unevenly after the due date approximately as follows:
- 1st tiger leap: 5 weeks
- 2nd tiger leap: 8 weeks
- 3rd tiger leap: 12 weeks
- 4th tiger leap: 19 weeks
- 5th tiger leap: 26 weeks
- 6th tiger leap: 37 weeks
- 7th tiger leap: 46 weeks
- 8th tiger leap: 55 weeks
- 9th tiger leap: 64 weeks
- 10th tiger leap: 75 weeks.
The weeks are of course indicative, but many parents will notice that their little one is particularly restless during a period when a tiger leap is experienced. It can be a great relief to know that one is not failing as a parent, but there are some mental things that the child is going through, and this makes the baby extra fussy.
It is not uncommon for the baby to also be particularly clingy during the time just before and after a leap. For example, the 2nd tiger leap occurs at 8 weeks into the baby's life, but there can easily be signs of it in the days leading up to and following it. It is just an adjustment for the little one, who is learning to know the whole world.
Duration of a tiger leap
A tiger leap varies greatly in length, depending on which leap it is. Some last only a few days, while others can take up to about 5 weeks. Most children experience all ten developmental leaps during their first 2 years of life, but there is a significant difference among all babies. One can often see a pattern that fits the above, but it is not a definitive guide.
There is also a great difference in reactions from the children along the way, and nothing is more or less normal.
Ready for the big world
The tiger leaps indicate a significant mental development, and all of this helps to prepare the little person to understand the big world around them.
However, babies learn differently, and there will be traits that are easier for some than for others. This should not cause concern. A motorically adept baby will learn to observe and focus, and one should simply see it as the little person developing their unique personality.
Tiger leaps can be tough, but hopefully, it can be comforting to know that it is just the baby's way of learning everything.
