Being the parent of a newborn can be hard. You’re sleep-deprived, totally wrapped up in your new bundle of joy and worried about whether you are doing the right thing by them and whether they are doing well or not. So, let’s try to put you mind at rest (even if your body isn’t) by looking at some key signs your baby is thriving:

1. The Great Poop Parade

Let’s start with something every parent can relate to: poop. Yep, that’s right. If your baby’s diaper is filling up regularly, you’re on the right track. In the weird, wild world of parenthood, poop is a sign of health. Whether it's the mustard-yellow newborn variety, or the more mature (and frankly, horrifying) solid food poops, regular bowel movements are the body’s way of saying, “We’re open for business!”

Sure, no one enjoys changing a diaper bomb, but the next time you’re gagging while wrestling with a particularly offensive one, remember: that stinky little package means your baby is getting the nutrition they need and their digestive system is working like a charm. So, while it may be gross, it's also a cause for celebration. Just, you know, maybe celebrate with some heavy-duty air freshener.

2. The Sleepy Slumber Success

You’ve heard the phrase “sleeping like a baby,” right? Whoever coined that term clearly never had a baby. Because babies, bless their tiny hearts, sleep like... well, not like anything on this planet. But here’s the kicker: whether your little one is doing marathon sleep sessions or taking cat naps, it’s all good.

If your baby is sleeping (and by sleeping, I mean at all), they’re thriving. Newborns sleep in cycles that would make even the most ardent napper jealous—though those cycles can feel like they last about five minutes. As they grow, their sleep patterns change, and you might find yourself with a little sleep champion who actually gives you a few solid hours to yourself. And those tiny stretches of peace? They’re your baby’s way of growing and developing. So, when you catch yourself marveling at how adorable they look in those fleeting moments of sleep, pat yourself on the back. You’re doing great!

3. Speech Milestones: Babbling with Purpose

If your baby is making noise, even if it’s just a series of incoherent “ba-ba-bas” and “goo-goos,” congratulations—you’ve got a communicator on your hands! Early speech milestones are not about saying “mama” or “dada” (though those moments will come, and you’ll definitely cry). It’s about the babbling, the cooing, the random squeals that seem to occur at the most inconvenient times (like during an important Zoom meeting).

When your baby starts playing with sounds, they’re doing more than just making noise—they’re experimenting with language. Each babble is a stepping stone to actual words. So, next time your little one launches into a monologue that only they understand, just remember: this is their way of telling you, “Hey, I’m figuring this out!” And that’s definitely something to smile about (even if you have no idea what they’re saying).

4. The Grasp and Grip of Greatness

Do you remember the first time your baby wrapped their tiny hand around your finger? That’s not just an “aww” moment; it’s a sign of serious development. Grasping and holding onto things (including your hair, glasses, or that expensive necklace you totally forgot to take off) is a major milestone.

A strong grip shows that your baby’s muscles are developing, and their coordination is improving. It’s also their way of saying, “Hey, I like you. I’m going to hold on to you, forever.” Or at least until something more interesting comes along—like a shiny object or a new toy. But in those moments of death-grip cuddles, know that your baby is showing you just how strong they’re getting. So, if they’re clutching onto things, from toys to your heartstrings, rest assured: they’re thriving.

5. Social Butterfly in the Making

Is your baby smiling back at you? Making eye contact? Mimicking your expressions? Congratulations! You’ve got a social butterfly in the making! One of the most heartwarming signs that your baby is thriving is their growing interest in the world around them—especially when that world includes you.

Babies are natural people-watchers (let’s be honest, they’ve got nothing else on their schedule), and they love studying faces. When they start smiling at you or mimicking your expressions, it’s their way of saying, “I see you! I’m connecting with you!” This kind of social interaction is crucial for their emotional and cognitive development. So, keep those silly faces coming—they’re more than just fun; they’re helping your baby thrive!

6. The Rolling, Crawling, and Scooting Circus

Remember when you could lay your baby down and they’d stay put? Ah, those were the days. Now, if you turn your back for a second, they’ve managed to roll across the room or start scooting toward something dangerously off-limits (like your perfectly organized stack of papers).

Rolling over, crawling, and scooting are all signs that your baby is on the move—literally and figuratively. These milestones are your baby’s way of exploring their environment and gaining independence. Sure, it might mean more baby-proofing for you, but it’s also a sign that your little one is curious, strong, and ready to take on the world—one roll at a time.

7. The Curious Case of the Everything-In-The-Mouth Phase

You’ve probably noticed that your baby loves to put everything—and I mean everything—in their mouth. Toys, fingers, toes, your car keys... if they can grab it, it’s going in. While it might seem like a recipe for disaster (and trust me, it sometimes is), this is actually a good thing.

Babies explore their world through their senses, and taste is a big one. When they put objects in their mouth, they’re learning about texture, shape, and taste. It’s their way of saying, “What’s this? Let’s find out!” Of course, you’ll want to make sure that what they’re putting in their mouth is safe, but this behavior is a clear sign that your baby is curious, engaged, and thriving.

8. Laughing at the Absurd

Is there anything better than a baby’s laugh? Whether it’s a full-on belly laugh or a little giggle, those sounds are pure joy. And guess what? Laughing is a major sign that your baby is thriving.

When your baby laughs, they’re not just reacting to something funny (though let’s be honest, you’re hilarious). They’re also showing that they’re comfortable, happy, and secure in their environment. A baby who laughs often is a baby who feels safe and loved—and that’s the ultimate sign of thriving. So, go ahead, make those silly faces, dance like no one’s watching, and revel in those giggles. They’re music to your ears and proof that you’re doing something right.

9. The Foodie in Training

Food is an important indicator of whether your baby is thriving. Whether it be breast milk, bottles of their first solids, if your baby is eating well, it is a good sign that they are thriving well too. Putting on weight might not be ideal as an adult, but if your bay is racking up those pounds, then you’re on the right track!

Introducing solids to your little one can be especially fun, even if it can also get very messy. There’s nothing quite like the simple joy of watching your baby’s face as they eat something new for the first time, and as they start to show preferences, it’s a sign that their taste buds (and their personality) are developing. Sure, they might throw a few meals on the floor, but that’s all part of the process, and at the end of the day, a baby who loves to eat is a baby who’s thriving, right?

If your baby is here, growing and learning, then at the end of the day, that is the best sign you can have that they’re thriving, so try not to sweat the small stuff, and if you have any worries, talk to the doctor!