Sunday, September 2, 2012

Expectations and Activities for Baby: 5-8 Months Old



At 5-8 months your baby can sit, roll over, and comfortably play while on her stomach. When on her stomach you might notice your baby reach for her toes and bring them toward her mouth.  Your baby is able to hold objects in both hands and transfer objects from one hand to another. Your baby will start holding her own bottle.  She is beginning to manipulate smaller objects with her hands and fingers. Your baby is able to see things at a distance and has become more aware of her environment and people. She is actively enjoying visual and auditory play. Your baby should be responding to her name. She’ll develop the skill of object permanence. This means knowing that something exists even when they don't see it. Along with this new discovery will come the development of stranger anxiety.

During this stage offer many opportunities for playing on the floor with varied toys and objects. Keep using the boppy c shaped pillow until you feel your baby is sitting by herself safely. Offer her socks with rattles on the bottom to further encourage toe grabbing and movement. Provide toys with strings to pull on and manipulative's such as blocks. Offer teething toys and objects your baby can safely mouth.  Toys with suction bases can be place on high chairs and carriages for your baby’s entertainment. Your baby will enjoy games like peek-a-boo and listening to you sing. Keep up those animated conversations with your baby.

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