PHYSICAL HEALTH
I can sit up and try to move.
I learn by doing. Give me toys I can hold and a safe place to move around.
SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL
I like familiar people best.
Have the same people take care of me. This helps me feel safe and loved.
HOW I LEARN
I like to play with toys.
Play with me using toys with different textures, sounds, and shapes.
THINGS I KNOW
I am interested in people.
Show me people in pictures and books. Look in the mirror with me.
LANGUAGE
I babble and try to talk.
Read books with me. Name and help me point to things in the pictures.
Early Relationships Matter
The relationships your baby forms with you and other caregivers will affect the rest of his or her life. Your baby needs adults who have close, caring relationships with him or her and that meets your baby’s physical needs. Remember your baby:
• Has feelings and needs to feel loved, wanted, welcome, and special.
• Needs caregivers to respond quickly when crying.
• Learns by playing and interacting with the adults who take care of him or her.
Each baby develops at his or her own pace. You know your baby best. If you have questions or concerns about his or her development, talk with your doctor or nurse. You may also call the Help Me Grow WA Hotline at 1-800-322-2588. They will connect you with a family resource coordinator in your area to help you with your concerns and to find local services to check your baby's progress. (PDF).
Encourage your baby to move
Crawling, rolling, and wiggling across the floor builds your baby's brain and muscles. Give your baby plenty of supervised tummy time and play with him or her on the floor. Put toys just out of reach so your baby can try to move toward them. Your baby may take longer to crawl or move on his or her own if your child spends a lot of time in play seats, playpens, car seats, strollers, or swings.
Help your baby fall asleep
A regular bedtime routine may help your baby settle down more easily. For example, give your baby a bath, change his or her diaper, play quietly, or read a book. Cuddle your baby and put him or her in the crib before he or she gets too tired. Your baby may like to suck a pacifier for comfort. If you give your baby a bottle in bed use only water. Other liquids (even formula and breastmilk) may cause cavities if left in your baby’s mouth while sleeping.
To help prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), everyone who cares for your baby should put him or her to sleep on his or her back at nap and bed times.