Just as your baby's language and motor skills develop, so does your baby's sense of self.
Now your baby may be very interested in her lower body. This is a big step in the development of
self-awareness. You may have already noticed your baby gazing intently at her hands. She may also
kick her legs and watch them move. Your baby may also grab a foot and try to eat it! Mirrors are
very interesting to babies at this age. Your baby may gaze intently at her reflection and tap
the image to try to figure out who that is! Babies have different styles. A quiet baby may gaze
intently at her image in the mirror; a more active baby may bang and hit at her image. As you
and your baby grow together, you will discover the special ways your baby responds to the world.
You will also develop your own ways of responding to your baby.
Encourage your baby to explore her body in play. After a bath or diaper change, while your
baby is on her back, help your baby reach her legs by gently flexing them. Attach a foot rattle or
colorful sock and make a game of "catching toes."
Adapted from Healthy Steps. Edited and Compiled by the Center for Promotion of Child Development Through Primary Care 2011
