In the context of infant development, “leaps” refer to significant and sudden periods of change in a baby’s mental and physical abilities. These leaps are developmental milestones that mark new stages of cognitive, emotional, and physical growth.
During a leap, a baby may show more fussiness, clinginess, and crying than usual, which can be challenging for parents but are signs of important brain development and learning. After a leap, parents often notice their baby has acquired new skills, such as better visual tracking, increased vocalization, improved motor skills, or a deeper understanding of cause-and-effect relationships.