Tanya Altmann, MD:
Between four and seven months babies really turn on the charm – they begin to giggle – and truly grasp the wonder of play. We keep you on track during this rapid period of development step by step.
Mom:
Kisses ... Kisses for Momma! Yeah! Beautiful kisses … kisses smack!
Tanya Altmann, MD:
These moments are priceless – as infants begin to; roll over; reach up, out – and over; then, sit up!
Ladies:
oh my goodness, look at him, yessssss
Tanya Altmann, MD:
Where's Logan going – go Logan go! When they start to crawl, you might even get to capture it on camera as we did with little Logan here….
Mom:
This is great … Come on, come back
Tanya Altmann, MD:
Encourage them to spread out. The floor is the safest place to practice plenty of tummy time on soft, quilted blankets or bright, colorful activity mats.
Pillows help surround and support little ones as they learn to sit.
Whatever you have on hand will do, but there are plenty made especially for babies – the best sellers are soft but structured and semi-circular.
Playpens or portable play yards offer a safe space for amusement and movement
Some babies seem to love them – while others prefer not to be confined. As with any baby furniture check for consumer warnings and watch out for recalls.
Mom:
We're just four days apart – isn't that cool? Wow
Tanya Altmann, MD:
At this age and stage, babies are alert for longer stretches of time. Brain or cognitive development is moving at a rapid pace.
Infants should be; grasping for out-of-reach objects; picking things up; and transferring them from one hand to another.
Sales Woman:
It has light, it has music
Tanya Altmann, MD:
Toys are important tools in this learning process. Select a variety of safe playthings that are colorful, musical, textured, and travel ready.
Above all, they should be unbreakable, lightweight and large enough not to be swallowed.
Baby:
eh! Arrrh!
Tanya Altmann, MD:
Teething rings serve double duty – fun to play with and mouth as those pearly whites come in.
Babies delight in games that show cause and effect. There are plenty of pint-sized musical instruments on the market.
Or improvise with what's already on hand – kitchen containers, pots and pans and big spoons are always a big hit.
Infants now have: full color vision; the ability to view longer distances; and improved eye tracking.
That means they can see – and start to comprehend – more of the world around them.Be spontaneous. Get outdoors. Share in your little one's joy of discovery. Birds, breezes, clouds – warm sunshine!
Remember, this is all new to your baby.
Mom and Baby:
Who's this in the mirror? Who's this handsome man? Who is that?
Tanya Altmann, MD:
At home, offer visually stimulating toys and unbreakable mirrors. Babies are increasingly mesmerized as they begin to recognize their own image.
Baby:
Blah blah blah blah
Tanya Altmann, MD:
This is also the age when babies begin to listen up and become more vocal.
They; react to the word no; understand tone of voice; imitate sounds; and laugh out loud!
Mom and Baby:
Baby – Blop Blop! Mom – Blop Blop? I don't know that word
Tanya Altmann, MD:
Engage in conversation by talking, listening and babbling back.
Mom and Baby:
Blup blup ya ya Hic! Yeah, talk to me! Go ahead. You can express yourself ...
Tanya Altmann, MD:
It's fascinating to see language skills unfold as Infants begin to respond to their names – and form their first words.
Mom and Baby:
Ooo! Having the poop of the night…
Tanya Altmann, MD:
They also love the rhythms and sounds of music. So sing! Babies really won't mind if you're a little off key.
Mom Reading to Baby:
I'm a grasshopper
Tanya Altmann, MD:
Reinforce the habit of reading together. Just-their-size books made of cloth, vinyl or heavy cardboard entice infants to touch, hold and eventually turn pages.
Remember, the magic of everyday moments like bath time and meal time. Don't miss out on opportunities to share in their discoveries through simple daily routines.
There is so much going on with your baby's growth and development in such a short span of time.
Keep in close touch with the pediatrician to monitor and make sure all the amazing milestones are on track – step by step. For WebMD, I'm Dr. Tanya Altmann.
