Infant: Social/Emotional Development |
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1-4 Months
Social emotional development is linked to the attachment and bonding between parent and child as well as other caregivers. Your baby responds to gentle touches by smiling or cooing. She discovers that her fingers and toes are extensions of herself. She can return your smile and recognizes faces, voices and smells of familiar people. To strengthen her sense of security respond to her cries with warmth and consistency. Your baby is trying to communicate her feelings such as discomfort, excitement or hunger.
You can also model for other children in the family the best way to interact with a very young baby.
You can also model for other children in the family the best way to interact with a very young baby.
5-8 Months
By this stage of development your baby has developed a strong attachment to you (mother) and shows fear of strangers. Your baby can express her desire to be picked up and can also calm herself by sucking her fingers, thumb or hand. She also will initiate social contact; however, she will interact and respond differently to other children and adults.
9-12 Months
Your baby has a strong attachment to her primary caregiver. She has developed fear of strangers, separation from parents, unfamiliar objects and places. She understands the emotions of others and can imitate facial expressions, actions and sounds. She shows preference for people, toys, food, activities, etc. She enjoys repeating an activity that elicits positive response from others. She can play well for a brief time in groups of two or three children. She uses a blanket or soft toy for comfort.
12-18 Months
Your baby recognizes herself in pictures and likes looking into a mirror and making faces. Loves being read to by others and enjoys simple make believe. At this stage your baby may still become upset when you leave them with a caregiver. Your baby tries to comfort others in distress.
18-24 Months
Your baby is now beginning to resemble a toddler as she begins to show pride in her accomplishments. She can listen quietly to a story, music, or TV show. She enjoys the attention from adults and uses “please” and “thank you” and may need reminding. She is learning to also say “no”! She also has difficulty sharing toys and uses “me” and “mine” frequently. She can imitate others and will ask for assistance when having difficulty with an activity.
