Find out how your baby is developing this week, plus which toys to buy for them, activity ideas, and information on how to spot an issue with their eyesight.

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Your baby is almost six months old! Can you believe your little one has been around for almost half a year? As they approach the six-month mark, there's lots more development to come. Here's what to expect this week...

Your 25-week-old baby: development

Your baby's physical and mental capabilities will have been developing a whole lot over the past few weeks, meaning they're able to do more and more.

You might notice that your baby is able to sit up on their own now. If not, you can help them on their way by placing their legs in a V position, and putting lots of cushions around them for support.

They might also be able to roll over ! Again, if not, you can help them along by waving a toy out of their reach while they're lying on their tummy – that way, they'll reach out for the toy and might manage to roll! Of course, this means you need to make sure not to leave your baby unattended on any surfaces, so take the opportunity to get clued up on all aspects of babyproofing here .

Your baby will also be busy babbling away, so make sure you're chatting to them in full sentences and that you give them time to reply, as responding to any noises they make. Find more advice on how to talk to your baby here .

You can help your baby's development with different toys – making things fun for the both of you. Here are some of our favourites to help your little one flourish...

Toys for your 25-week-old baby

Teething toys

It's likely that your baby will have started teething by now, and if not then those little baby teeth should be on their way soon! A teething toy will help to soothe your baby's gums, and there are plenty of fun options out there. Plus, a colourful teething toy can help to stimulate their vision, too. Take a look at the best teething buys for your baby here , and read up on the signs of teething here .

Sensory books

You can help to develop your little one's sight, hearing and touch with fun sensory books full of different materials to feel, plus lots of colours and even some sounds (think jingly bells or crinkly paper). If you don't have a book to hand, don't worry; you can still create a sensory experience for your baby using simple household objects. Things like a hard wooden spoon or crinkly kitchen foil will work well, and you can hold them out for your baby to touch. Check out our tips for the ultimate sensory baby treasure basket .

Toys that move and roll

Now that your baby can move around more (they might be able to roll over, and they may even be crawling or shuffling on their bum), it makes sense for them to have toys that can move with them! Try toys that roll, like ball or cylinder shapes, or toys that move, like a wooden train on wheels.

Bath toys

Once your baby is able to sit up, you might want to bring some more toys into the bath, now that they able to sit and play a little bit better. There are lots of fun colourful and squeaky bath toys out there that will help to stimulate your little one's senses. Otherwise, you'd be surprised at how much your baby loves everyday household items! A Tupperware container or a plastic jug will be fun to fill with water, while a sieve makes a simple but effective bath toy. Take a look at our favourite bath toys here .

Get ready for weaning

Plus, remember that it's time to start weaning from around next week! Of course, exactly when you start will depend on when your individual baby is ready. Get organised by reading up on everything you need to know about starting weaning .

Your baby's health this week

Your baby's vision

Your little one's vision is constantly developing, and it will do for the first seven years of their life! Every baby develops at their own pace, but there are still certain milestones they should reach by a particular age – and not doing so could potentially be a sign that there's a problem with their eyesight.

According to the NHS , by around six months, your baby should be able to:

• Be visually aware of activities at all distances
• Follow toys and objects in all directions
• See and reach for a small toy
• Be aware of objects and people moving at either side.

Their eyes should also look straight and should move together.

If your baby isn't able to do the above, this could be a sign that there's something wrong with their vision. The sooner you get any possible issues checked out, the sooner your little one can benefit from medical help, if they need it.

Other signs of a problem with your baby's eyesight may include:

• Extreme light sensitivity
• Poor focusing
• Poor visual tracking (following an object)
• Their eyes not pointing in the same direction.

If you're concerned about your baby's eyesight, make sure to speak to a GP or your health visitor.

Your life as a parent

Activities to do with your baby

Having a young baby means you probably feel as though you're spending tonnes of time in the house (and who can blame you when there's so much that needs to be done?). Still, if you find yourself wanting to take yourself and your baby out more, there are plenty of baby-friendly activities to choose from.

Take a look at some ideas below...

• Go to the park. Getting out into green space is great for both you and your baby! Fresh air and exercise can work wonders, and your baby can take in all the new sights, sounds and smells. Take them for a walk in their pram, or sit down on the grass for a picnic. Plus, if you've got other parent friends with babies, a park date is the perfect play date.
  
• Feed the ducks. Similarly, taking your baby down to visit the ducks, or to watch you feed them, is a great way of introducing them to a new environment.
  
• Visit a petting zoo/animal farm. You might also like to take your baby down to visit animals at a farm or petting zoo. At this age, they're better off just looking at the animals rather than touching them, though. Alternatively, even just taking your baby to the local pet shop is a great way to show them some animals.
  
• Join a parent and baby group. A parent and baby group is the perfect activity for you and your little one to do together. You'll be able to make new parent friends, while your little one can interact with fellow babies. Plus, a regular group means you'll have a weekly event in the calendar, making you more likely to actually go! Search the best parent and baby groups in your area here , or find tips on setting up your own group here .
  
• Start a baby sensory class. Similarly, a baby sensory class is a great opportunity for you and your baby to meet new people. Plus, it'll help to develop your baby's five senses, and you'll be able to get ideas for activities to try at home.
  
• Try a parent and baby exercise class. Who said your baby can't join in with your bootcamp class? Bring your baby along for the fun with a parent and baby exercise class. Think: lunges with your pram or yoga with your little one. Search all the fitness classes in your area here .
  
• Go swimming. The NHS says you can take your baby swimming at any age. Of course, they won't be able to actually swim for a good few years yet. However, you can still hold your baby in the water and see if they like the sensation. Take a look at the swimming pools in your area here .

For more ideas, take a look at the top baby activities in your area here – from baby massage to baby music classes.

Your feelings as a new parent

While you're already almost six months into your baby's life, it's still important to check in with your feelings and to be aware of the signs of postnatal depression (PND).

It's still possible for PND to develop at any point for up to a year after your baby is born, and it can affect mums, dads and partners, so make sure you're aware of the symptoms and know where you can get help.

You can read more about postnatal depression (PND) and the symptoms to look out for here .

There's lots of help and support out there, and remember that you're not alone! If you're worried, you can speak to a friend, family member, your health visitor or GP.

You can also get support and advice from others in the same situation on our PND support forum , and you can learn more about PND in dads and partners here.

Looking for more information on your 25-week-old baby and what to expect as a parent? Check out our other articles below or chat to parents in our forum.

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