ASQ Helpful Learning Activities for Infants 1-4 Months Old
Focus on: Cognitive Development

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Following Movement.
Put a puppet or small sock on your finger. Say your baby's name while moving the puppet or sock up and down. See whether he follows the movement. Now move your finger in a circle. Each time your baby is able to follow the puppet, try a new movement.

With your baby on her back, hold a brightly colored stuffed animal above her head, in her line of vision. See if she watches the stuffed animal as you move it slowly back and forth.

Following Noise.
Hold your baby in your lap and softly shake a rattle on one side of his head, then the other side. Shake slowly at first, then faster. Your baby will search for the noise with his eyes.

Imitating Faces and Movements.
Hold your baby closely, or lay him down on a soft, flat surface. Be close enough (8"-12") so that he can see you. Face to face, start with small movements (stick out your tongue, open your mouth with a wide grin). If you are patient, your baby may try to imitate you. As he gets older, you can try larger body movements with your head, hands, and arms. You can also try to imitate your baby.

Narrate a Nature Walk.
In nice weather, take your baby on a nature walk through a park or neighborhood. Talk about everything you see. Even though she might not understand everything, she will like being outside and hearing your voice.

A New Perspective.
Rest your baby, tummy down, on your arm, with your hand on her chest. Use your other hand to secure your baby - support her head and neck. Gently swing her back and forth. As she gets older, walk around to give her different views.

Simple Conversations.
Take turns with your baby when he makes cooing and gurgling sounds. Have a "conversation" back and forth with simple sounds that he can make.

Stimulating Patterns.
With white paper and a black marker, create several easy-to-recognize images on each piece of paper. Start with simple patterns (diagonal stripes, bull's eyes, checkerboards, triangles). Place the pictures so that your baby can see them (8"-12" inches from her face). Tape these pictures next to her car seat or crib.

Taking a Look in the Mirror.
Place a shatterproof mirror close to your baby where she can see it. Start talking, and tap the mirror to get her to look. The mirror will provide visual stimulation. Eventually your baby will understand her reflection.

Adapted from ASQ-3TM User's Guide by Squires, Twombly, Bricker, & Potter. © 2009 Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.