Normal Development:

• Becomes aware of strange situations or environments (2–6 months)

• Shows excitement for things that are about to happen (3–4 months)

• Laughs when their head is covered and uncovered with a cloth (for example during a game of peek-a-boo) (3–5 months)

• Squeals with delight (3–5 months)

• Can show surprise (3–5 months)

• Begins to understand your expressions and will look worried if you look angry or upset (3–5 months)

• Begins to tell the difference between strangers and familiar people (3–8 months)

• Likes to smile at strangers (3+ months)

• Is interested in mirrors (4–7 months)

What You Can Do:

• Play peek-a-boo

• Face-to-face eye contact (imitate your baby’s facial expressions)

• Sing to your baby

• Show your baby mirrors (especially on the floor during tummy time)

• Make a photo album of familiar people in your baby’s life

• Read to your baby

Our Advice:

• Try not to overstimulate your baby with too many  social  events

• Try not to fight with others in front of your baby—babies can understand when there is conflict and they find it frightening.

• Remember that your baby is still very young—try not to expect him to be able to do things beyond what’s normal for his age.

Try not to compare yourself to other parents, or your baby to other babies. Every family is different.

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