Watches things that interest them for longer than things that they are less interested in
Your baby was able to notice differences in light before they were born. But the opportunities for visual stimulation before birth are limited and so their vision develops considerably after they are born as they experience new sights. Visual development involves developments in the eye, for example, those that give greater clarity of vision and the ability to see colours, shapes, textures and lighting levels more clearly. Visual development also involves development in the brain as your baby begins to understand what they see and link this to information from their other senses.
Looks for an object that they have dropped
Your baby has been exploring objects using their mouth and has started to look more closely at objects. They are beginning to show that they know an object still exists when they can no longer see it and will look for an object that they drop.
Picks up small objects using their thumb and index finger doesn’t use the tip of their thumb and finger yet.
Your baby will have started to develop more control of the movements of their fingers, and you might have noticed them bringing all their fingers and their thumb together to pick up an object. Now, as their control develops, they will begin to use their thumb and index finger to pick up small items, at first holding these with the pad of their thumb and index finger, rather than with the tip of their finger and thumb.
Picks up small objects between index finger and thumb first time
It is around this time that your baby has had a lot of experience of picking up and putting back objects. They will have explored different sizes, shapes, weight and textures whilst in this exploratory phase and they have been moving from using all their fingers to pick up objects. They are now able to tweak their fine motor skills to make more precise movements.
Takes objects out of a small container and replaces them carefully
Your baby will have been reaching for and grasping items for a little while now. They have been exploring reaching and grasping while trying to work out how to use their fingers more effectively.
Uses index finger to point
Your baby's arms and shoulders are growing stronger, and they've been experimenting with gravity by raising their arms and reaching for objects. Their little hands are developing and they may have been using their whole hand to point at things and as a method of communication.
Holds object with one hand and explores it with the other
Your baby’s fine motor skills have been developing and they can now accurately reach for and grasp an object. They will still explore objects with their mouth but as their fine motor skills develop, they will begin to explore objects with their hands and fingers.
Becomes upset when left alone and responds enthusiastically when you come back
Your baby is beginning to develop an awareness of themselves as a separate individual but remains dependent on others to meet their needs. As they develop this understanding of themselves, they will become more aware of when you leave and might become upset when you go away, or if you are out of sight for a few moments.
Uses their hands to move food or drink spilt on the table, watches their hands and the food as they move
Your baby’s senses started to develop before birth and as they have had more experiences your baby will be bringing together information from their senses to understand themselves and the world. You will notice this combining of information when you watch your child as they explore a new texture with their hands. They will watch the movement of their hands, the marks made as they explore, and move in different ways to see the effect. When they do this your baby combines information from their vision touch and proprioceptive (body) senses.
Looks at objects as they hold them and brings them to their mouth
Your baby will have been exploring objects with their mouth for some time and now. As their vision develops, they will start to bring together information from what they see and feel to understand objects.
