Motor development

• Look for your baby to begin sitting briefly by himself. He can now use both arms to prop himself  up. Can sometimes slump or topple over in this position so watch carefully.
• He may reach out for toys using a raking motion with hands. This is yet another step along the path to the development of the pincer grip.
• May use toes and hands to push himself along on his tummy to an interesting toy.
• Enjoys playing with feet.
• Can roll from back to tummy - May roll over in both directions: front to back and back to front.
• When held in the standing position your baby should be able to support their weight on both legs.

Language and intellectual development

• Learning the idea of cause and effect. For instance, if I shake this rattle it makes a noise.
• Your baby may be spending a lot of time experimenting with sound such as squealing and babbling.
• New sounds can now be made as your baby learns to change the shape of his mouth when vocalizing - you  may even hear 'mama' 'papa' or 'dada' or 'baba'.
• Learning the concept of object permanence by looking for toys which have been dropped or partially hidden.
• Will pay attention to small details in toys and surroundings.

Social and emotional development

• Stranger anxiety may emerge around this month. Stay close to your baby when in a new or strange place.
• Very social at this age - delights in playing simple games such as peek-a-boo.
• Beginning to understand some of what is being said.
• Expresses excitement at the introduction of a new toy or game

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