Review the physical, mental and social abilities and interests for younger infants aged 0-6 months. Note that these lists indicate average development - the age range at which the 'average' child can he expected to achieve a particular skill or develop a specific interest. The ages in the text are only approximate. Children develop skills at uneven rates - any one child may be 'above average' in one skill and 'below average' in another skill. For an individual child, the parent is the best judge of the child's abilities and interests at any point in his or her development. Be sure to talk to your pediatrician or an early childhood development expert if you have any concerns about your child's development.
Physical Development
- visual focus matures - follows objects with eyes.
- learns to localize sounds and turns to see.
- gains control of hands - learns to bat, then reach and grasp objects.
- discovers feet - brings feet to mouth and explores with feet.
- begins to sit with support.
- large muscle play may include rolling, scooting, rocking, bouncing.
Mental Development
- explores world with eyes and ears and begins to explore with hands and feet and mouth.
- enjoys creating effects in the environment by own actions.
- begins to recognize familiar people, objects and even events - then to anticipate them.
- becomes aware of novelty and strangeness in people, objects and events.
- develops definite preferences for certain people, objects and events.
- may imitate simple movements if in own repertoire.
- does one thing at a time.
Social Development
- special interest in people (faces and voices especially).
- begins to smile at faces, voices and mirror image.
- quits crying when sees face or hears voice.
- begins to seek attention and contact with people.
- distinguishes among familiar people and has preferences.
- begins to coo and gurgle, babble and laugh aloud, play with sounds.
- listens to voices and may imitate sounds already in own repertoire.
