This is a check list of milestones for social and emotional behavior. It is a guideline. It is NOT the be all and end all to what your baby should be doing. I see many moms, especially new ones, rush to the doctor as soon as their child has missed something a chart says they should be doing.
Childhood development is not an exact science. If little junior doesn’t hit a couple markers it’s probably not a big deal. In fact four of my five children have missed a few markers by months. Interestingly, they’ve hit a few markers a few months in advance as well. With that said, if your child is missing all of his/her markers or he/she is hitting all of them late, it is worth noting to your pediatrician.
3 Months
Emotional: From birth your little one experiences fear and contentment. What next develops is deliberate responses (anger, happiness, etc.) Infants also begin smiling at familiar faces around them.
Social: Your baby should turn to look at you when you make sounds and facial expressions.
Game to play: Talk to your baby as you move your face around to try to capture his/her attention. One of our favorites is “Near Far” where we move close to, and then away from the baby as we say the correct words.
5-6 Months
Emotional: Babies should display other emotions in a broader range, such as surprise, joy, and frsutration.
Social: Your baby should seem happy or pleased when he/she sees his favorite people.
Game to play: Sometimes less is more. Use facial expressions, singing or anything else to get your baby to break into a big smile.
10 Months
Emotional: Babies begin to follow their parents gazes to find out what they’re interested in.
Social: At this point your baby should be actively trying to engage you. Reaching out to be picked up, or initiating little games like peek a boo are good examples. It was around this age that my twins started playing “hid around the corner” so I could find them.
Game to play: Mirror your baby by noting the sounds and funny faces your baby makes. See what he/she does when you do them back to him.
18 Months
Emotional: Toddlers become more self-aware. They will likely begin to experience pride or defiance. Despite the cliché, the “terrible twos” likely will start well before 24 months.
Social: Your toddler should look for you to meet his needs. While he’s likely playing on his own more and more, he’ll still want you there to hold his hand, grab a sippy cup, or kiss a boo boo. I once heard someone describe this age as the “leaving the nest” age. Independence is a big deal, but they want to know that there is a safety net, or nest to come back to. Providing a balance between both will go a long way towards a socially well adjusted little tyke.
Game to play: Create a problem that your child needs to help solve. Or, create a story that your child needs to finish. Create interest by involving his favorite toy.
Related Articles:
The Inner Workings of Baby’s Minds Part i
The Inner Workings of Baby’s Minds Part III
The Inner Workings of Baby’s minds Part II
Socializing the Stay at Home Baby