Use 10-20 words including names
Your baby has been listening to lots of conversations and is now beginning to build up a vocabulary bank of their own. The words they are using will be words that they have heard frequently or will relate to familiar people, objects or phrases heard in everyday life. Your baby will be able to understand much more than they can say at this stage. When they first start to talk, their words may not always make sense to those unfamiliar to them, this is because they are still learning how to articulate different sounds.
Waits in Ready, Steady, Go Games
Your baby will have been watching you and working out the developing rules for interaction. By now, they are able to engage in serve and return styles of conversation, using their knowledge of eye contact, facial expressions, gestures, babbling, words, or touch to keep the conversation going. They are becoming more knowledgeable about the idea of play and may been enjoying interactive games such as peek-a-boo, and copying actions and noises when playing.
Interested in playing tickling games might be quite rough at first
Tickling is something you’ve likely not given that much thought to before. But there is a lot of neuroscientific research that explains the tickling phenomena and there are lots of questions to be answered about tickling.
Makes themselves dizzy by spinning or leaning down and getting up again
Your toddlers vestibular (balance) system started to develop before they were born and was stimulated by movements when they were in the womb. As they have developed their physical control and strength their balance system will have helped them to maintain their posture and to act against gravity to hold their head upright.[1] Your toddler is probably moving more confidently now as they have developed the balance and core strength to control their posture as they move. You might notice that they explore ways of making themselves dizzy by spinning or tipping themselves upside down.
Cries or is unsettled when their nappy is dirty
Even when your baby was much younger you might have changed their nappy when you were working out the reason for their discomfort. However, some researchers suggest young babies do not recognise the sensation of a wet or dirty nappy. Now, your baby is becoming more aware of the sensations both inside and outside their body, so they may begin to notice a wet or dirty nappy.
Joins in with familiar songs by making sounds that follow a similar pattern
Your baby's wonderful gurgles and noises have been helping them develop their vocal cords and interpret language. They will have begun to discriminate between pitch and tone, and they will likely use a variety of sounds when babbling and interacting with others. As they experiment with their own emerging sounds, the sounds they generate when communicating are beginning to sound more like singing.
Takes one or two steps between objects that they are using for support
Your baby will have been experimenting with using objects, like items of furniture, to stand up and prop themselves against. The strength in their legs and trunk has further developed and they are now able to coordinate standing and moving at the same time.
Begins to move in a more purposeful way, has a preferred way of moving; e.g., crawling or scooting
Your baby has been learning how to use their muscles and how to coordinate their body in order for them to move. They may have started to crawl, bottom shuffle or scoot around, enjoying their new mobility.
Pulls themselves into a standing position
Your baby has been experimenting with moving and has most likely been weightbearing on their feet, whilst an adult holds them in position. Their muscles are becoming stronger and they are probably keen to elevate themselves into a standing position without support.
Sits confidently, does not usually need arms for support and can lean forward to reach an object
Your baby has been learning to control various parts of their body for the past few months, which is now helping them to learn how to sit and reach. Their eyes can now focus more effectively, allowing them to concentrate on a person or object, which has assisted them in gaining head stability. [1] By experiencing tummy time, their neck, back and head muscles will have strengthened, and they may have thrust up onto their elbows into an elevated position, like a mini push up. All this hard work has developed the strength in their head and trunk, making them stronger and more balanced, improving their posture.
