Social:

• Is shy or nervous with strangers
• Cries when parents leave
• Has favorite things and people
• Shows fear in some situations
• Repeats sounds or actions to get attention
• Puts out arm or leg to help with dressing
• Plays games such as “peek-a-boo”

Communication:

• Responds to simple spoken requests
• Uses simple gestures, like shaking head “no” or waving “bye-bye”
• Makes sounds with changes in tone (sounds more like speech)
• Says “mama” and “dada” and exclamations like “uh-oh!”
• Tries to say words you say

Problem Solving:

• Explores things in different ways, like shaking, banging, throwing
• Finds hidden things easily
• Looks at the right picture or thing when it’s named
• Starts to use things correctly; for example, drinks from a cup, brushes hair
• Bangs two things together
• Puts things in a container, takes things out of a container
• Pokes with index (pointer) finger
• Follows simple directions like “pick up the toy”

Movement:

• Gets to a sitting position without help
• Pulls up to stand, walks holding on to furniture (“cruising”)
• May take a few steps without holding on
• May stand alone

WHAT FAMILIES CAN DO

• Develop and maintain consistent routines.
• Help your baby learn limits by saying “no” in a firm quiet voice.
• Provide your baby with choices, such as, “Do you want to wear your red shirt or your blue shirt?”
• Give your baby lots of hugs and kisses.
• Say what you think your baby is feeling, such as happy, mad or sad.
• Play, sing and read to your baby.
• Talk to your baby about what you are doing such as, “I am changing your diaper.”
• Let your baby turn the pages when looking at a book together and take turns naming items in the pictures.
• Use words to tell your baby what comes next, such as “Mommy is putting on your socks and then we will put on your shoes.”
• Build on what your baby says or tries to say, or points to – if your baby points to a dog and says “da,” respond, “Yes, that’s a little, black dog.
• Play with blocks, shape sorters and other toys that encourage your baby to use his/her hands.
• Give your baby crayons and paper and let him/her draw freely.
• Hide small toys and have your baby find them.
• Name body parts out loud.
• Sing songs with actions like “The Itsy-Bitsy Spider” and “Wheels on the Bus”; teach your baby the actions.
• Child-proof your home: lock up household cleaning, laundry, lawn care and car care products; use safety gates; and lock doors to outside and basement.
• Provide push toys such as a car or wagon.