CHILD SAFETY (Tibetan/English)

0 - 3 Months

Activities

The activities below let babies have fun while helping them develop physically, cognitively and socially. Do not force baby to do an activity if she doesn’t like it. You can always try it again later.

MILESTONES (3 months)

Here’s what most (not all) kids can do by 3 months. Be patient and allow the baby to set the pace as they learn new physical and cognitive skills. Every child develops at a different pace!

Physical Development

while on belly, raise head two to three inches (may be able to push herself up while on belly)
turn head from side to side
kick legs and wave arms (not quite rolling around yet)
open and close hands; bring hands to mouth hands together
make a loose fist
bring hands to mouth
reach out for objects placed near face (may be able to grab or shake them)

Cognitive/Language Development

follow moving object with eyes
turn to look when parent or nanny is speaking; watch parent and nanny’s face as they talk
coos, gurgles, makes “ah” sounds
recognize parent or nanny’s voice
startled by loud noises
enjoy listening to music

Social/Emotional Development

calms down when spoken to or held
more socially responsive (e.g., smiling, cooing)
responds to changes in tone of voice
enjoy looking in mirror
tries to imitate sounds
enjoys playing with people and may cry when play stops

TIPS

make lots of eye contact with baby
talk, sing and read to the baby (board book with large, clear illustrations (black & white or high-contrast colors)
play with sensory toys sensory (toys that squeak, tweet, rattle or make music)
hold & cuddle baby
gently move babies arms and legs (helps build strength & coordination)
respond promptly to baby’s cries
establish consistent feeding & sleeping routine
speak “parentese” with child (higher pitched, sing-song voice; slow speech; short sentences; emphasize & repeat words & sounds)
“tummy time” with baby (up to 6 months)
let baby stand for a few seconds with help from adult

CITATIONS
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2015). Developmental Milestones: 3 Months.
www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/month-by-month/month-3.aspx
www.nytimes.com/2020/04/18/parenting/milestones/3-month-old.html
www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/baby-development-3-months#1
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Developmental Milestones.
Kuhl, P. K. (2010). Brain mechanisms in early language acquisition. Neuron, 67(5), 713-727.
Sroufe, L. A. (2005). Attachment and development: A prospective, longitudinal study from birth to adulthood. Attachment & human development, 7(4), 349-367.

3- 6 Months

ACTIVITIES

The activities below let babies have fun while helping them develop physically, cognitively and socially. Do not force baby to do an activity if she doesn’t like it. You can always try it again later.

MILESTONES (6 Months)

Here’s what most (not all) kids can do by 6 months. Be patient and allow the baby to set the pace as they learn new physical and cognitive skills. Every child develops at a different pace!

Physical Development

hold head up without support
roll from stomach to back
sit without support (if adult places baby in sitting position) & sit well in high chair
reach for and grab objects, puts objects in mouth
support herself when held in a standing position
bring hands together, bring hands to mouth
grab and shake toys within reach (not too small)
pass things back and forth from one hand to the other
hold her own bottle

Cognitive/Language Development

recognize familiar faces and may respond to her own name
turn head toward a sound, including a human voice
understand the word “no”; understand their own names
respond to changes in adult’s tone of voice
babbles and imitate sounds
begin to understand "object permanence" (an object still exists even when not in view)

Social/Emotional Development

enjoy playing with parents and nanny
shows preference for familiar people
smile, laugh, and make eye contact to initiate and maintain interactions
express a range of emotions (joy, anger, sadness)
begin to develop object attachment (e.g. favorite blanket or stuffed animal)

TIPS

maintain predictable feeding, sleeping, and playtime schedules
continue speaking “parentese” with baby (make lots of eye contact!)
speak, sing and make funny noises for baby (make sure she can see your face)
use baby’s name a lot when you speak to her
respond to the baby's cues and vocalizations (is she hungry? tired? over-stimulated?)
put safe, stimulating toys nearby to grab and shake
“tummy time” with baby (usually up to 6 months)
read books and sing songs (big board books only!)
show baby how you use index finger and thumb to hold things (she will copy you later!)
introduce simple games like peek-a-boo
play hiding games (e.g. hide toys under a blanket)
show baby her reflection in the mirror
create a consistent sleep and feeding schedule.
provide comforting techniques, such as rocking, gentle touch, or soothing sounds, to help baby self-regulate.
introduce comfort objects, like a favorite blanket or stuffed animal, to help the baby self-soothe.

CITATIONS:
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2015). Developmental Milestones: 6 Months.
www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/month-by-month/month-6.aspx
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-6mo.html)
www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/baby-development-6-month-old#1
Kuhl, P. K. (2010). Brain mechanisms in early language acquisition. Neuron, 67(5), 713-727.
Sroufe, L. A. (2005). Attachment and development: A prospective, longitudinal study from birth to adulthood. Attachment & human development, 7(4), 349-367.

6 - 9 MONTHS

The activities below let babies have fun while helping them develop physically, cognitively and socially. Do not force baby to do an activity if she doesn’t like it. You can always try it again later.

ACTIVITIES

milestones (9 months)

Here’s what most (not all) kids can do by 9 months. Be patient and allow the baby to set the pace as they learn new physical and cognitive skills.

Physical Development

crawl or scoot around to get to toys and explore
get into sitting position independently & sit without support
pull self up to a standing position using furniture, remain standing with support
pick up food and small objects with thumb and forefinger (“pincer grasp”)
pick up objects using four fingers (“rake grasp”)
may begin using spoon for self feeding
transfer object smoothly from one hand to the other

Cognitive/Language Development

point to what they want
understand simple words like "no" and "bye-bye" (may wave bye-bye when someone leaves the room)
respond to own name
babbles; understands simple words like "mama" or "dada"
looks at familiar objects or people when named
understand “object permanence” (object continues to exist even when out of sight)

Social/Emotional Development

develop attachment to stuffed animal or blanket
imitate gestures and actions by adults
develop stranger anxiety; prefer familiar people
engage in back-and-forth interactions and games
respond to simple, one-step requests (“Please give me the cup.”)
may cry when mom, dad or nanny leave
notice and react to other children
imitates simple actions and facial expressions

tips

aintain a predictable routine for sleep, feedings, and play
read, speak and sing to baby frequently (use her name frequently)
get on the floor with baby and play interactive games like “peek-a-boo”
let baby practice grabbing small objects (don’t let her put them in her mouth)
give baby lots of opportunites to crawl around, sit and stand up (watch her carefully!)
narrate your actions and name objects frequently
check to make sure environment is “childproof” so baby can freely explore and crawl around
read books and sing songs that involve lots of actions and hand motions

CITATIONS
www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-9mo.html
www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/month-by-month/month-9.aspx
www.nytimes.com/2020/04/18/parenting/milestones/9-month-old.html
www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/infant-development/art-20047086
www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/baby-first-year-milestones

9 - 12 MONTHS

Activities

The activities below let babies have fun while helping them develop physically, cognitively and socially. Do not force baby to do an activity if she doesn’t like it. You can always try it again later.

MILESTONES (12 MONTHS)

Here’s what most kids can do by 12 months. Be patient and let the child set the pace. Every child develops at a different pace!

Physical Development

sit up without support (can pull themselves into a sitting position)
crawl around quickly
pull to stand (stand unsupported for a moment)
“cruise” along furniture (small side-by-side steps while holding onto an object for support)
hold two objects in one hand; knock two objects together
put blocks into a container and take them out
drink from a cup & eat finger food
use a pincer grasp (thumb and forefinger) to pick up small objects
turn pages in a book
scribble with a crayon or pencil

Cognitive/Language Development

babble & imitate words spoken by adults
understand simple words and phrases
points to body parts nad. familiar objects or people when named
say first words like “book”, “ball”, “hi” and “bye.”
play interactive games like patty cake and peek-a-boo
responds to own name & say “dada” and “mama” to her parents (not just randomly use the words)
follow simple one-step instructions
start using objects correctly (cup for drinking, brush for hair, etc.)
imitate adult activities like using the phone or TV remote

Social/Emotional Development

interested in other kids (but play is still not coordinated
display attachment to parents/caregivers (may be shy with new people)
Imitate simple facial expressions and sounds
Shows preference for familiar people
Expresses a range of emotions (joy, anger, fear)

TIPS

Talk a lot with child! Name people, places and things that baby sees every day and points at
read lots of board books and let baby turn the pages
provide a lot of space to move around (HelpMeGrowMN)
play exploration games to encourage standing and walking
making obstacle courses
use crayons, sidewalk chalk and other art supplies (encourage creativity & fine motor) (whattoexpect)
use blocks (practice stacking one block on another)
slide down cushions and climb up cushions
play with toy that twist, turn, crank, dump & fill
play with toys that can be pushed & pulled
practice covering & uncovering boxes and containers

CITATIONS
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2015).
Developmental Milestones: 12 Months. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022)
Developmental Milestones Kuhl, P. K. (2010).
Brain mechanisms in early language acquisition. Neuron, 67(5), 713-727. [4]
Attachment and development: A prospective, longitudinal study from birth to adulthood. Sroufe, L. A. (2005)

12 - 36 MONTHS

activities

The activities below let babies have fun while helping them develop physically, cognitively and socially. Do not force baby to do an activity if she doesn’t like it. You can always try it again later.

MILESTONES (15 Months)

Here’s what most (not all) kids can do by 15 months. Be patient and let the child set the pace. Every child develops at a different pace!

Physical Development

walk independently
climbs onto and down from furniture unassisted
runs (unsteady!)
kick a ball
squat to pick up toys
pulls toys while walking
turn pages in a book
feed self with spoon and fork (messy!!!)
scribble with marker or crayon
try to turn knobs and twist lids
build tower of 2-6 blocks (every child is different!)

Cognitive/Language Development

follow 2-step instructions
name familiar objects
point to pictures in a book when named
identify body parts when named
combine 2 words to form phrases

Social/Emotional Development

become more independent
“parallel play” with other toddlers
expresses more emotions (happiness, fear, anger)
seek attention and approval from parents and nanny
imitate behavior of others, especially adults and older children

TIPS

let child walk, climb, and move around safely (double check home is “childproof”
provide toys and objects that let them turn knobs, twist lids, pull off lids, etc.
play games that involve following 2-step instructions, like "Bring me the ball and then put it in the box."
read books together and have the child point to pictures when named
name familiar objects and body parts to expand the child's vocabulary.
respond to the child's emotions with empathy and validation (don’t tell them they shouldn’t feel a certain way; it’s ok to have angry or sad feelings)
praise toddler and offer attention when she seeks your approval
find opportunities for play with other toddlers
maintain a predictable daily schedule to help the child feel secure and develop independence
involve the child in simple household tasks to build a sense of competence

CITATIONS
American Academy of Pediatrics (2015). Developmental Milestones: 15 Months
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022) Developmental Milestones
Hirsh-Pasek, K., & Golinkoff, R. M. (2006). Action meets word: How children learn verbs. Oxford University Press
Sroufe, L. A. (2005). Attachment and development: A prospective, longitudinal study from birth to adulthood. Attachment & human development, 7(4), 349-367.