PHYSICAL HEALTH
I can roll over.
I love exploring on the floor. Put toys near me and I’ll reach for them.
SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL
I show my feelings.
Notice my feelings. Respond to my sounds and moods in a reassuring way.
HOW I LEARN
I like to hold things.
I like to see and touch everything. Help me play with safe toys.
THINGS I KNOW
I notice routines.
Cuddle me and sing quietly to me before bedtime.
LANGUAGE
I make and respond to sounds.
I learn words before I can talk. Tell me the words for things we see and do.
Sleep and Your Baby
Most babies this age wake up two or three times a night. Some wake up more, some less. This is normal, but may be hard for new parents. This pattern of sleeping and waking helps your baby's brain grow and develop and keeps him or her safe and healthy. In a few months, your baby will start to sleep longer without waking. Some babies naturally need more or less sleep than others. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends for parents to:
- Sleep in the same room as their baby, but on a separate sleep surface, for at least six months or for up to one year.
- Place baby on his or her back in crib with tight-fitting sheet.
- Avoid using soft bedding in crib.
- Avoid your baby’s exposure to smoke, alcohol and drugs.
Your family and your baby will develop your own sleep pattern. Start a positive bedtime routine at the same time every night. This may include a bath and diaper change and reading a book. Avoid loud noises and bright lights before bed. Lay your baby down on his or her back while your baby is drowsy but awake. This gives your baby practice falling asleep in bed. Don't worry if he or she wakes up right away. Soothe your baby and try again when he or she is ready.
Learn how to check your baby's development from three to six months (PDF).
Prevent your baby from getting a flat head
Your baby might get a flat spot on his or her head from lots of time spent laying on his or her back. This is because your baby's skull is soft and neck muscles are weak. Flattening usually goes away on its own. Give your baby plenty of "tummy time" when he or she is awake and you can watch. This will help keep your baby from getting a flat spot. It also helps make your baby stronger. Hold your baby in your arms often. If your baby is bottle fed, hold him or her on your right side for one feeding and on the left side for the next. If your baby is breastfed, he or she gets switched from side to side as you move him or her from one breast to the other.