Developmental Milestones Washington DC

Motor development

• Look for your baby to begin sitting briefly by himself. He can now use both arms to prop himself  up. Can sometimes slump in this position so watch carefully and prop him back up again if necessary with pillows. He may reach out for toys using a raking motion with hands. This is yet another step along the path to the development of the pincer grip
• Starting to use fingers to point at things of interest
• Uses toes and hands to push himself along on his tummy to an interesting toy
• Rolls over in both directions: front to back and back to front

Language and intellectual development

• Learning the idea of cause and effect. For instance, if I shake this rattle it makes a noise
• New sounds can now be made as your baby learns to change the shape of his mouth when vocalizing
• Learning the concept of object permanence by looking for toys which have been dropped or which or slightly hidden
• Will pay attention to small details in toys and surroundings

Social and emotional development

• Stranger anxiety will most likely be expressed. Stay close to your baby when in a new or strange place
• Very social at this age - delights in playing simple games such as peek-a-boo
• Beginning to understand some of what is being said
• Expresses excitement at the introduction of a new toy or game