Week 17 old
Week 17: your baby is more social and alert, naps are settling, and the 4-month checkup is right around the corner. Here's what's typical.
In short
At 17 weeks, many babies feed about 4-6 oz every 3-4 hours, sleep roughly 14-15 hours a day across 3-4 naps, and are increasingly smiley, chatty, and curious about the world.
🍼 Feeding
Around 4-6 oz of breast milk or formula every 3-4 hours, roughly 24-32 oz total per day. Solids aren't recommended yet — most babies are ready closer to 6 months.
😴 Sleep
About 14-15 hours total, often 3-4 naps a day with wake windows of roughly 1.5-2.5 hours. Some babies start linking longer night stretches. Always back to sleep, on a firm flat surface with no loose bedding, pillows, or bumpers.
What's happening this week
- •Around this age, many babies hold their head steady and push up on their forearms during tummy time.
- •Lots of babies start grabbing for toys and bringing hands (and everything else) to their mouth.
- •Many are babbling, cooing, and laughing out loud in response to your voice and face.
- •Some babies are beginning to roll, often tummy-to-back first, though this varies widely.
- •Vision is sharpening, so high-contrast patterns and faces are especially interesting now.
Milestones to keep in mind
- ✓By the 4-month checkup, many babies smile on their own to get your attention and coo or babble back when you talk.
- ✓Around the 4-month mark, many babies hold their head steady without support and may push up on their elbows during tummy time.
- ✓Many babies bring hands together and reach for toys around this age, but the range is wide — don't compare to other babies.
- ✓Milestones are skills to watch for over a window, not a weekly checklist; share any concerns at the 4-month visit.
Growth
💡 Tip for this week
Now that hands grab everything and head to the mouth, double-check that nothing small or loose is within reach, and keep crib and play areas clear of cords and soft objects.
⚠️ When to call your pediatrician
Call your pediatrician for a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, fewer wet diapers than usual, poor feeding or no weight gain, a baby who still can't hold their head steady at all by the 4-month checkup, or who never smiles, makes sounds, or follows objects with their eyes.
Frequently asked
How much should a 17-week-old eat?
Most babies this age take about 4-6 oz of breast milk or formula every 3-4 hours, totaling roughly 24-32 oz a day. Feed on demand and follow your baby's hunger and fullness cues.
Is my 4-month-old ready for solid foods?
Probably not yet. Most babies are ready for solids closer to 6 months, when they can sit with support, hold their head steady, and show interest in food. Talk to your pediatrician before starting.
How many naps does a baby take at 17 weeks?
Around 3-4 naps a day is typical at this age, with wake windows of about 1.5-2.5 hours between sleeps and a total of roughly 14-15 hours of sleep in 24 hours.
Looking for the bigger picture? See the month 4 overview →
General guidance, not medical advice. Every baby develops at their own pace — talk to your pediatrician with any concerns.