1.1
Babies at birth
Physical development
Reflexes
Swallowing and sucking – ensures baby can feed and swallow
Rooting – baby will move to find nipple or teat if its cheek or mouth is touched
Grasp – baby will automatically wrap their fingers around an object placed in their hand
Startle - if babies hear a sudden noise or sudden bright light they will stretch arms out and clench fists
Walking and standing – when babies are held upright they will usually make stepping movements
Intellectual/ cognitive development
Babies will recognise the smell of their mother and the sound of her voice
Communication
Babies will cry when hungry, tired or distressed
Babies at 1 month
Social, Emotional and behavioural
Babies will start to settle into a pattern
Start to make fleeting smiles
Communication
Parents may start to recognise the different cries signalling different needs
Will respond to familiar voices – stop crying, feel reassured
May coo when contented
Physical
Will gradually start to spend longer periods awake
Will try to focus on the face of whoever is holding them
Will look less curled up
Babies at 3 months
Social, emotional and behavioural
Some babies have learnt the difference between night and day, and may sleep through the night
May take enjoyment from activities such as bath time
Communication
Most babies cry less as carers learn to distinguish different needs from cry
Smile at sound of parents/ carers voice
Smile back when see a smiling face
Physical
Sleep a little less
Lift and turn heads
Cognitive
Far more alert
Notice objects around them – mobiles, toys.
Babies at 6 months
Cognitive/ physical
Much more alert- turns head to see what is happening
Start weening, exploring food, spoons etc.
Social, emotional and behavioural
Take enjoyment from play time and shows this by smiling and squealing...