EXPECTED TASKS
* highly sociable - most adults love to play with infants
* laughs and giggles
* almost mature seeing ability - follows moving objects in all directions
* uses hands for reaching and exploring
* drops objects from hands - not on purpose
* experiments with sounds
* starts to roll over
TOYS AND ACTIVITIES
* continue with enthusiastic talking, touching and affection
* offer small (greater than 1 1/2 inch) toys to grab, hold and suck
* place on tummy on blanket with nearby toys
* unbreakable mirrors continue to be a favorite
* crib gym can be of interest
* infant seats are a good way to let baby watch you work
* walks in stroller
NEEDS
* daily routine of naps, bath, etc.
* quiet place to sleep
* introduction of cereal, then vegetables and fruits
* still needs to be held while taking a bottle
SLEEP
* Infants this age do not require night feedings, though they may still desire them. It's really up to you how long you wish to continue the routine. If you wish to stop, attend to baby quickly when he cries, but just stroke and talk to him briefly then leave the room. Repeat this every 5 to 15 minutes until he settles. It usually takes a few nights to do this if you stay with the routine. If you feed him or pick him up you will have to start all over again. You want to make him feel secure without needing food or you in the night. This system can be used at older stages, too.
Ted Humphry, M.D.
822-2441