1 to 4 Months Old:
- shows general distress and excitement
- cuddles when held (relaxes)
- responds to adults other than parent
- shows pleasure when touched (looks in direction of touch)
- has regular sleep pattern
- towards end of this stage they may begin to notice and smile at other babies
- no tears appear when child cries
- laughs aloud
- makes pleasant sounds in response to feedings, being talked to, played with or held
- responds to adults with smiles and laughter
- tears appear when crying
- begins to use different cries for different types of distress
- respond to the speech of others
- reaches out to be held
- express joy, surprise, and happiness as adults play with them
- shows fear of strangers (Stranger Anxiety - look in social development)
- snuggles/ is held by caregiver for 5 to 10 with "love exchanges" (this shows a stable attachment to caregiver)
- can begin to show distress or anger when caregiver leaves (Separation Anxiety - look in social development)
9 to 12 Months Old:
- shows anger when goals are blocked (YES THIS IS A GOOD THING!)
- recovers from anger after a few minutes
- shows a wide variety of emotions through the day (usually in response to the environment)
- shows anxiety about future events (i.e. anticipating a parent leaving)
- shows pride in accomplishments
- smiles at self in mirror
- imitates the complex emotions and actions of others
- gives kisses
- uses words to complex gestures to indicate desire for closeness
- cares for baby doll or stuffed toy
- communicates emotions through facial expressions
- begins to say "no" - this is because of an understanding that they can make things happen (called self-awareness)
- can show anger and frustration when unable to control what happens
- displays temper tantrums when they do not get their way
- cannot separate pretend from reality
