1 to 4 Months Old:
- responds to adult faces and voices
- visually responds more to a person than an object
- calm's in response to a face, voice or being held when upset
- smiles selectively (has a "special" smile for familiar adults/primary caregivers)
- shows interest and curiosity; open to stimulation
- smiles in response to adult (smiles are less "at random)
- smiles and/or vocalizes to gain social attention
- content with a toy on own for a short period of about a minute
- can anticipate what is about to happen (gain understanding of routines) and can show anxiety, anger when anticipation is not fulfilled
- shows clear attachment for parent by showing preference of them over another adult and/or by responding to parent visually (infants by physically responds) and/or vocally when they enter the room
- plays social games; responds to games of peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake
- becomes upset when separated from familiar adult (this is called separation anxiety)
- tries to get responses to people through touch, "talk", smiles, etc.
- intensely preoccupied with with their primary caregiver (this can be a source of conflict as parents need space and separation at times)
- shows fear of strangers and/or acts subdued in new environments (this is called stranger anxiety and it can seem as though your very social infant who would let anyone hold him or her suddenly overnight becomes fearful of everyone)
- imitates another child (or familiar adult) at play
- explores environment, using familiar adults as a secure base (often "checking in" often)
- becomes eager to assert themselves
- plays in a focused, organized manner; can engage self in play
- engages in parallel play, which is when the child plays alone but close to other children (or caregiver) whom are engaged in similar play. No play takes place between the child and others.
- takes part in give/take games with adult such as rolling a ball back and forth
- does NOT understand sharing; likewise, turn-taking is difficult
- becomes more involved in dramatic play where adult roles can be tried out such as "cooking" and "caring for babies" (dramatic play is how a child works out situations in their environment; it is where they imitate others)
- greets familiar people when reminded
- waits for needs to be met for up to 3 minutes
- generally follows adult requests
- requests adults attention
- dramatic play becomes more elaborate as they work out adult roles and other situations in their environment (now instead of simply carrying around a baby and giving some hugs and kisses to the doll the child may pretend to feed the baby, cover it in blankets, dress it, sing to it, rock it, etc)
- can name self in portrait
- follows simple rules
- turn-taking is easier
