Hudson Valley Parent

HVParent.com Q Hudson Valley Parent 9 During this time: Offer them a few playthings at a time so they won't be overwhelmed. Choose a variety of shapes and colors for manipulating. They especially like toys that make sounds as they wave them about. Month Four Roll from stomach to back and back to stomach Hold their head steady when held in sitting position Grasp and shake a rattle independently Increases their sound repertoire by blowing raspberries, shrieking and chuckling Fascinated by and enjoys exploring their own hands During this time: Introduce simple games like "this little piggy," "pat-a-cake" and "counting toes." Imitate their sounds to encourage language development. They will enjoy it and reciprocate with sound play. Month Five Your baby recognizes unfamiliar faces and demonstrates the first signs of stranger anxiety With increasing frequency baby is able to reach for, grasp and bring objects to their mouth for oral exploration Does modified push ups and make swimming motions with their arms Vocalizations increase with new inflections Is able to sit, lean forward less and keep a straighter back During this time: Help them stay balanced while sitting. Place a favorite toy or book in front of them to explore. Read lots of books with large, bright illustra- tions especially simple poems and nursery rhymes as this will foster language skills. Month Six Turns towards sounds mitates sounds Rolls over in both directions Can pass objects from hand to hand During this time: If baby can sit well, and can hold his head in a steady and upright position, he may be giving clues that he's ready to try solid foods. Month Seven Able to stand with support Go from sitting to crawling position Pulls themselves up to standing position using furniture for support Able to communicate some of their basic needs Shows preference to feed themselves with their hands During this time: Give them a lot of room to roam and explore. Offer them soft rubbery toys to chew on to ease teething discomfort. Month Eight Turns accurately to sound of voice Demonstrates a wide range of facial expressions Able to bring thumb and forefinger together in what is known as the "pincer" grasp Begins to respond to their name and understands some simple requests During this time: Continue to provide them with plenty of room to explore and for safety keep tables clear and cabinets locked. Month Nine Able to crawl up stairs Able to feed themselves finger food Responds to their name Understands "no" Starts to search for hidden objects During this time: Let them hold on to your fingers while they take baby steps. Introduce more complex toys like stacking cups and shape sorter. Month Ten Able to stand with little support Sit down from a standing position Actively searches for an object if they see it hidden Imitates sounds and gestures Able to wave "bye-bye" During this time: Practice finding objects that are hidden to increase memory. Make a variety of silly sounds and gestures to imitate. Month Eleven Drops objects for someone to pick up Drinks independently from a cup Takes first steps without holding onto anything for support Says first words like "mama" and "dada" Gives affection to favorite people and objects During this time: Take falls in stride and encourage your baby's movement by responding with great enthusiasm and joy for each step they take. Month Twelve Able to point to objects they want Uses some combination of standing, cruising and walking to get around Starts to initiate play During this time: Applaud their efforts to walk independently toward your arms. Mastering this is your baby's top priority now. Dawn Marie Barhyte is a freelance writer. She lives in Warwick. 3 simple steps to improve your child's hand-eye coordination! hvparent.com/coordination Heads up!

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