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The Time to Smile
Your baby is still adjusting to her new surroundings and trying to establish patterns, but has already realized that the loving people taking care of her are there to comfort her and meet her needs. On the interpersonal level, your baby is already spreading her wings and making connections with others and her surroundings.
Reaction and Interaction
Baby has already learned that someone out there cares about her . For example, when she cries in hunger, she will begin to calm down when she hears her mother or caregiver approaching – she has learned that the hunger will soon disappear. On the intrapersonal level, when you consistently meet her needs, you encourage her to express them in a more distinguishable way, such as specific types of cries for pain or hunger.
A Budding Self-Awareness
Baby starts to become aware of her own body, discovering the wonder of her hands. She begins to move them toward her mouth and, through her sense of touch, learns that her hands are a part of her. This is the very beginning of self-awareness. Other feelings emerge at this stage, such as sadness and dislike, as well as joy.
- Social smile appears (6-8 weeks).
- Feelings of enjoyment and joy appear – usually from the interaction with an adult.
- From the age of 2 months, babies react negatively to cold or unfriendly looks.
- Starts managing his feeling, i.e. turning his head away when he is over-stimulated.
- Recognizes familiar faces (third month).
- Hold you baby often and be attentive as he expresses his needs. Answering your baby’s unique needs is not spoiling. It is the cornerstone of his emotional development.
- Keep on trying even if you do not know what your baby needs. He understands you are trying, and this caring has value in itself.
- Respect the baby’s changing needs and do not force him to do something he is not up to at that moment.
