The 10 tiger jumps baby goes through

Tiger jump: development stage and safety

Children develop in spurts. Development can happen so quickly from one day to the next that both child and parent find it difficult to keep up. These stages of development are also called tiger leaps. With each new step, the child discovers something new about the world and himself, which he must learn to understand anew.

As a parent, the best thing you can do is to give your child plenty of encouragement to get to know the new world – and provide plenty of reassurance and closeness when he "returns home" for comfort.

Tiger jumping increases the need for closeness and security

It is both a wonderful and an overwhelming time when the world changes for the little one. New discoveries are made, but these can also make the child insecure and sad.

You will often find that your child becomes extra reassurance-seeking, fusses, cries more and demands more attention up to a new stage of development. As the child gets older, he may also react with anger; appetite and sleep may be affected.

Patience, love and comfort

Sometimes it feels like no matter what you do, security isn't enough. The child clings to you and wants to be carried. Here it is important to comfort and provide the closeness that is needed.

A confident child meets the world with greater confidence and curiosity

As the child seeks reassurance, the need to pacify may increase, and some begin to use their thumb as a substitute for the breast – a habit that can be difficult to break. Offer a pacifier instead: The pacifier is designed to provide the feeling of security and comfort that the child longs for. All pacifiers at Littledeluxe.dk are free of harmful substances, so you can confidently choose the right pacifier.

Learn more about pacifiers in the article: How to choose the right pacifier for your child

How many tiger jumps does my child have to go through?

According to researchers Xaviera Plas-Plooij, Frans X. Plooij and Hetty van de Riijt, children go through 10 developmental stages during the first 20 months of life – often at roughly the same times.

All children are different; the length of each jump depends both on the child and on the jump itself. Some jumps can be experienced as "skipped".

You typically calculate the time of the tiger jump based on the due date. If the child is born two weeks before the due date, the first jump is seen around seven weeks; born at term, it is often seen after five weeks.

The 10 tiger jumps

1. The world of the senses – 5 weeks
   The senses develop and the child begins to be able to see colours, look and listen more attentively. This is where the first smile often comes.
   
   
2. A world of patterns – 8 weeks
   Better body control; the child discovers his voice, hands and feet. You may experience screams of joy and the child pushing things.
   
   
3. A world of smooth transitions – 12 weeks
   Now understand sliding transitions as shifts in pitch. Rattles and crackling toys excite; the child examines your face with his hands, for example. See our range of rattles.
   
   
4. A world of events – 19 weeks
   Simple contexts make sense; repeated play excites. Many begin to roll from stomach to back and vice versa.
   
   
5. A world of connections – 26 weeks
   Understand distances; fascination with putting things in and taking things out. Often begins to show interest in teddy bears and pets.
   
   
6. The world of categories – 37 weeks
   Examines everything thoroughly, categorizes (e.g. "can be eaten/not eaten"). The inner vocabulary is built up - speak and put words to everything you experience. Many begin to crawl.
   
   
7. The world of sequences – 46 weeks
   From taking apart to putting together: things are used in combination. Points, asks for names, and often wants to eat by himself. See dining accessories.
   
   
8. The world of programs – 55 weeks
   Understands the connection between action and consequence. More independence; the order of activities matters – can be frustrated by interruptions.
   
   
9. The world of principles – 64 weeks
   Can often walk without support. Further work with sequences and consequences; will is marked. After this jump, you can start setting up simple rules.
   
   
10. The world of systems – 75 weeks
    Early conscience and self-awareness are developed. Understands himself as part of the family, where everyone has roles.

If you want to immerse yourself, you can read the book Wonderful weeks by Xaviera Plas-Plooij, Frans X. Plooij and Hetty van de Riijt.