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.
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.
