Did you find Leap 4 the hardest? Is it a myth?

[SpringTime2023]

Leap 4 is apparently one of the toughest development leaps and I do feel I've noticed a difference with my DC. It's been quite tough so far.

But am I reading into things? Did you find your DC was more clingy, cried more and generally more unsettled around 4 months?

I’ve never heard of ‘Leap 4’, but no, my baby was no different at 4 months.

You're asking two different questions - your thread title says is it the hardest - No, not in my experience.

Did I notice a change? Maybe. Wonder Weeks said there would be one, though, so it introduces an unconscious bias... you're looking for things. I stopped using it a while later and found everyone I knew said they'd done the same. It's an odd little app. Somehow helpful and also a major part of the problem.

I find the app really helpful for understanding where she is developmentally and how to help her, ideas for things to do to engage her etc. We do notice things in her interactions that reflect what the app says is happening developmentally / with her learning. But the windows for sunshine and storms haven't meant much for us. The red zone possibly was noticeable, she was a bit whiny around that time, but we haven't found the leaps hard as such. Best wishes for you and your LO x

Yes, it's causing me to read into things but also giving me comfort on why they may be grumpier than I'm used to. I think I'm just a bit taken aback as I'd been spoiled with behaviour previously that was easy to resolve (eg was tired, so shushed and patted) but now doesn't seem to work!

Thank you x

In our NCT group chat there was so much talk about leap 4 being the absolute worst! I actually found Wonder Weeks unhelpful & uninstalled it as it never seemed accurate for my DD. But I’ve since found out my DD has SEN so maybe that’s why. The majority of my group really noticed a difference & found things easier again at the end of the leap. So fingers crossed for you!

Thanks - it says there are 3 weeks remaining so I look forward to the rainbow at the end, haha.

🤞

Nothing prepares you for a hormonal teen.

Not sure what Leap that is, but just wait…

I do think it was a long one actually but no, it wasn't the worst. Whatever went on around 24/25 months seemed worse to me. A god way to look at it is that it is developmental. The 25 month one, for example, brought a huge Jump in speech and understanding. Another long one was to do with walking but soo big skills had a leap. It was useful to remember that during the tough times.

I think the leaps thing is interesting and can help understand what development is going on. Some of the things they said seemed ridiculous at the time, my 5 year old still hasn't tried to put on a sock for himself! There are times of obvious change later on. I think it is hilarious that my older one is now aware enough about social constructs to be embarrassed by his clearly ancient and clueless mum! So I don't think there are better or worse ones and every child is different.

What @Temporaryanonymity said. Just try to enjoy they baby Years. Go with the flow. Don’t stress. Carry them around like little handbags. Until you can’t.

Leaps are just made up things. Human beings grow and everything is a phase

Just remember that and you won't go far wrong

Babies really are just one phase after another. I ended up deleting the app, it wasn’t helpful.