How to Support Your Child's Learning Process
Repeat the sounds and words your child uses and have talk to your baby often.
Making eye contact and changing your tone of voice will help your baby know what you are saying. Even though they can't talk back, your baby is taking in all that you say and do.
Read, sing, and tell stories. These are fun ways to help your child understand the meaning of new words and ideas.
Encourage your child to explore toys in different ways by touching, banging, stacking, shaking.
Use words to help your child understand his feelings. “You are really mad because we have to leave the park.”
Stay calm when your child is upset. This helps him feel safe and get back in control.
Developmental Milestones
Social and Emotional Development
Begins to develop a social smile
Enjoys playing with other people and may cry when playing stops
Becomes more communicative and expressive with face and body
Imitates some movements and facial expressions
Physical Development
Raises head and chest when lying on stomach
Supports upper body with arms when lying on stomach
Stretches legs out and kicks when lying on stomach or back
Opens and shuts hands
Pushes down on legs when feet are placed on a firm surface
Sucking and grasping reflexes develop
Is able to focus and follow objects with eyes
Brings hand to mouth
Takes swipes at dangling objects with hands
Cognitive & Language Development
Watches faces intently
Follows moving objects
Recognizes familiar objects and people at a distance
Starts using hands and eyes in coordination
Smiles at the sound of your voice
Smiles and coos in response to others
Begins to imitate movements and facial expressions (sticking out tongue)
Begins to babble
Begins to imitate some sounds
Turns head toward direction of sound
needs for children 3-6 months
How to support Your Child's Learning Process
Your newborn baby loves to be touched, held, comforted, and talked to. Laugh and smile with your baby. By 3 months, your baby will be able to return your smile!
Your child will begin to recognize voices and sounds. Your baby especially loves the sound of your voice. Feeding times, diaper changes, and bath times are wonderful moments to talk to your child about what you are doing together. Your voice is reassuring and familiar.
To help your baby develop language skills, play music for your newborn to stimulate hearing. Read to your child and name objects as you point to them in books.
Provide toys with different textures to encourage your child to explore with her fingers.
Place your infant on her tummy while she is awake to develop neck and back muscles.
Between 3 and 6 months your baby will begin learning to comfort herself and to stay calm after waking or when going to sleep. Forming a secure relationship with your baby helps her learn that you will be there if she needs you.
Developmental Milestones
Social and Emotional Development
Begins to display a social smile – your baby is learning to recognize familiar faces and is eager to greet them
Enjoys playing with others and may cry when playing stops
Expressive and communicates more with face and body
Drawn to image of self in mirrors
Begins to learn how to comfort herself
Physical Development
Raises head and chest when lying on stomach
Supports upper body with arms when lying on stomach
Stretches legs out and kicks when lying on stomach or back
Opens and closes hands
Can sit with and, later, without support
Pushes down on legs when feet are placed on a firm surface
Brings hand to mouth
Takes swipes at dangling objects with hands
Cognitive & Language Development
Watches faces closely
Responds to her own name
Follows moving objects
Recognizes familiar objects and people at a distance
Starts using hands and eyes in coordination
Smiles at the sound of your voice
Begins to babble