Look What I Can Do!

Little ones go though so many developmental stages during their first years of life, it can seem like they're learning, and doing new things almost every day sometimes.

Just in the first year of life, a typically developing baby will learn to: (http://www.nncc.org/Child.Dev/mile1.html)

• drink from a cup with help
• feed him/herself finger food like raisins or bread crumbs
• grasp small objects by using her thumb and index or forefinger
• use his/her first finger to poke or point
• put small blocks in and take them out of a container
• knock two blocks together
• sit well without support
• crawl on hands and knees
• pull to standing or take steps holding onto furniture
• stand alone momentarily
• walk with one hand held
• cooperate with dressing by offering a foot or an arm
• copy sounds and actions 
• respond to music with body motion
• try to accomplish simple goals (seeing and then crawling to a toy)
• look for an object she watched fall out of sight (such as a spoon that falls under the table)
• babble, but it sometimes "sounds like" talking
• say his first word
• recognize family members' names
• try to "talk" with you
• respond to another's distress by showing distress or crying
• show affection to familiar adults
• show mild to severe anxiety at separation from parent
• show apprehension about strangers
• raise her arms when she wants to be picked up
• understand simple commands

...plus all of the developments that must precede these milestones, and more!

Babies will also likely get at least one tooth, experience a few illnesses, and take in an almost innumerable number of "first" experiences. Even more, Signing Smart families will notice even more advancements in their child's language and social skills development during this time.

Each time one of these new developments appear, you might notice some of your little one's signs and words disappear for a while.  Don't fret too much.  While it can be frustrating to lose your communication link for a while, it will come back after the development emerges.

• What new developments has your little one started showing off lately?
• Have you noticed your little one lose some of his or her language skills while going through a new development? Have you notice he or she also loses some of the other skills he or she had for a short while?
• What are you favorite ways to help yourself, your little one, and those around you handle the tough parts of reaching new developmental milestones?