If you’re in your twenties right now, trust me — I know what a strange era it can be. Maybe you’re a current college student balancing a busy class schedule. Maybe you’re approaching your senior year, or you’re embarking on postgrad life, all while trying to have a work-life balance and navigate the wild world of adulting. Whether it’s realizing you’re getting older and you still don’t know how to use a hair wand or being reminded that it’s now your responsibility to get your own phone plan, being in your twenties isn’t always easy, and it’s natural to yearn for simpler times.
In the “Just A Baby” TikTok trend, creators just want to stay young forever. And honestly, I don’t blame them: I, for one, will never forget turning 26 and immediately being kicked off of my parent’s health insurance, or having the startling realization in high school that I had to make my own doctor’s appointments and do other common, yet weirdly terrifying things. The “Just A Baby” TikTok trend uses a funny soundbite from creator @little.blooming.women and her adorable toddler Coco, who, when asked a question, sassily says to mama: “I’m just a baby!” Creators are using the audio to remind people that sometimes, you just don’t want to grow up.
Here’s what you need to know about the “Just A Baby” TikTok trend and how to try it yourself.
The “Just A Baby” TikTok trend was inspired by a cute mother-daughter moment.
According to her bio, TikTok creator @little.blooming.women is a Midwest-based mama to four adorable girls, one of whom is now the inspo behind the “Just A Baby” TikTok trend. The creator’s original video captures a conversation with one of her young daughters. In case you haven’t heard the soundbite on your For You Page yet, the convo goes a little something like this:
“Coco, when Mommy says ‘stop,’ you say ‘okay.’”
“…I’m just a baby!”
“But you still have to say ‘okay, Mommy.’”
“I’m just a baby!!!”
The video is delightful, and Coco’s sassy response captures the essence of young children and their shenanigans all too well. Clearly, little Coco is not about to listen to her mama’s rules, and as she would argue, rightfully so! After all, she is just a BABY!
TikTok creators are using the trending audio for moments when they don’t want to grow up.
Many lighthearted TikTok trends involve grabbing a catchy, entertaining soundbite and using it in a clever way. Remember: Viral trends are all about poking fun at yourself and making light of everyday situations that we all find ourselves in. The “Just A Baby” TikTok trend is no different. This original sound is humorous and versatile enough to inspire many punchlines, whether it’s the fact that your precious golden retriever pup won’t wear a harness or you’re having a lighthearted tiff with your boyfriend after he denies one of your requests.
In true TikTok fashion, creators have approached the “Just A Baby” trend in a variety of ways. For example, Zara’s mom insists that she learns how to cook for herself, but Zara isn’t having it. When Bob’s dad says it’s time to arrange his own health insurance, Bob responds “I am just a baby.” Even though the “check engine” light just came on in Ana’s car, taking it to the shop feels way too “adult” for her, and Amber will do anything to avoid ordering food for herself at the drive-through. Whether it’s a simple, everyday activity or a task that feels way too daunting, the “Just A Baby” sound is the perfect way to tell the world, “Respectfully…no.”
The “Just A Baby” trend is all about poking fun at relatable, everyday moments.
In another version by TikToker Halle, her SO won’t stop asking for back scratches every five minutes because he is, clearly, just a baby and needs some love. Customers keep asking Cam, a bartender, about the best drinks on the menu despite the fact that she’s only 20 years old — AKA, a baby. Emily is 22 but can’t resist using tiny silverware (c’mon, it’s the cutest) and Alisha is devastated that she’s not getting an Easter basket this year as a grown adult. TikToker Matthew is over the fact that he has to work even though it’s absolutely not enjoyable, and Taylor is 23 but just wants someone to go in the store with her. Bestie, you are not alone.
Whether your parents volunteer you to start driving during family road trips or your mom insists that you pay for your own clothes at the mall, it’s normal to want to resist adulthood sometimes. In all seriousness, who actually enjoys putting gas in the car or draining their wallet for home decor? Not me.
To try the “Just A Baby” TikTok trend, save the trending audio here and think of a time when you simply didn’t want to do something, whether an adult-like task or otherwise. Then, film yourself lip-syncing to the conversation between @little.blooming.women and her daughter, and be sure to show your complete and utter frustration that you’ve been tasked with [thing you are dreading]. Then, post on TikTok and use the hashtag #JustABaby, which has over 223 million views and counting. If you’re in your twenties or navigating postgrad life right now, I get it: Adulting isn’t always easy. But at least we can make fun TikToks in the meantime.