FirstWeeksYour baby at 43 weeks: copycat
Medically-informed · Sources: CDC · Updated June 2026
Imitation becomes the main learning engine: your baby copies your phone-to-ear, your cup-sip, your fake cough — and studies your reactions like a scientist.
What’s happening
Imitation is the curriculum
Copying actions with objects (stirring, brushing, phoning) is commonly seen around now — it's how tool use and social behavior download.
Reaction testing
Dropping food and watching your face, the fake cough for attention — Your baby is mapping what moves you. Boring responses to unwanted behavior work better than lectures.
First pretend glimmers
Holding a toy phone to the ear or 'drinking' from an empty cup — the first sparks of pretend play.
What to do
- Play copy-me games: clap, pat head, wave
- Give real-life props: cup, spoon, brush, toy phone
- Respond big to sounds-like-words — reinforcement grows them
When to check in
Molar-teething season may add drooly cranky days — same rules: no gels, no necklaces, cold teethers and patience.
This is exactly what FirstWeeks shows you — matched to your baby
Week 43 guidance, skills to watch, and answers that know your baby’s age and log.
