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.
Recognises themselves in a mirror
Your toddler has probably been interested in their reflection for some time now they are developing their sense of themselves and will realise that the reflection in the mirror is them.
Experiences emotions with great intensity and might need support to calm
Your baby is developing their awareness of themselves, starting to want to do things for themselves and beginning to be able to think about different possibilities. This can lead to moments of disappointment or frustration and your baby will experience these emotions with great intensity. Your baby’s social and emotional skills are closely linked to their cognitive development. They will gradually develop the cognitive skills to think through situations that are disappointing or frustrating. Now, they will feel their emotions intensely but will not have the skills to think through the situation and regulate their emotions.
Plays with soft toys or dolls recreating real life situations
Your baby is interested in the people around them, and as their memory develops and they have a wider range of experiences you might notice them recreating familiar situations when playing with soft toys or dolls. This play is the first step towards pretend and fantasy play and supports your baby to explore familiar situations and think about the things they have noticed.
Watches you and copies your movements and gestures
Your baby has been interested in you and in other people since they were born. As their visual skills have developed, you might have noticed them watching you as you speak to them and move around. They will now have the memory and physical skills to copy more of your gestures, so you might notice them copying simple actions in songs and rhymes.
