Social and Emotional Development

The first six months are an important time for you and your baby. Take time to give love, hugs, smiles, and lots of reassurance. Can you spoil a baby? No. Research has shown that babies who are protected, supported, and responded to quickly and consistently do better in every way.

  • Rock, cuddle, and talk soothingly to your baby.
  • Have skin-to-skin contact with newborns.
  • Always respond to crying within one or two minutes.
  • Copy your baby's movements and sounds.

First month:

  • is alert 1 out of every 10 hours
  • enjoys eye contact
  • smiles at faces
  • recognizes parent’s voices
  • begins to trust caregiver
  • cries if under or over stimulated
  • persistent crying can start at about 2 to 3 weeks

Second month:

  • responsive smiling
  • communicates moods
  • enjoys visual stimulation
  • studies faces
  • your baby’s personality becomes more obvious
  • cries to have needs met
  • persistent crying usually peaks in the second month

Third month:

  • makes eye contact
  • smiles at faces and may laugh out loud
  • knows difference between parents and strangers
  • stops crying when you come into the room
  • persistent crying usually stops in month 3 or 4

Fourth month:

  • laughs hard when tickled
  • greets caregiver
  • starts social gestures
  • may move arms to signal “pick me up”
  • enjoys social interaction

Fifth month:

  • turns head toward speaker
  • watches your mouth movements
  • shows interest in colours
  • pushes away disliked actions

Sixth month:

  • mimics facial expressions
  • exhibits moods with varied sounds and body movements
  • may be shy or afraid of strangers
  • responds to her or his name
  • raises arms to signal she or he wants to be picked up
  • likes own reflection

holding a baby

Activities for Healthy Development:
  • Have skin‑to‑skin contact with newborns.
  • Always respond to crying within 1 or 2 minutes.
  • Look into your baby’s eyes; you will fall in love.
  • Talk to your baby soothingly.
  • Don’t feel rejected if your baby turns away from you – young babies get tired easily.
  • Plan daily quiet times with your baby.
  • Don’t jiggle crying babies – use slow, gentle motions.
  • Don’t over stimulate your baby.
  • Copy your baby’s movements and sounds.
  • Rock and cuddle your baby.
  • Do finger and toe playing.

For more suggestions, see Leap BC’s guide Move with Me from Birth to Three. This trusted guide contains 40 fun‑filled activities to support your child’s development from birth to age three.