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Social skills start to form from the day your baby is born.  They are the skills that allow your baby to socialize with you and others.

They are also the skills needed to regulate emotions as your baby get older.  Do you know how to support social skills development?

In this post I will give you information about what social development 3-6 months looks like and how to encourage these skills throughout your daily routines and play.

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3-6 MONTHS SOCIAL SKILLS INCLUDE:

Awareness of New Situations

You use to be able to take your little one anywhere with not much fuss about being in a new place.

 Whether you were at the grocery store, restaurant, or your friend’s house your baby did not respond to the environment change.

You may notice now that your baby is not so oblivious to a scenery change these days.  

Their eyes may widen to take in the new surroundings or they may cry or show signs of fear.

You don’t need to stop taking your little one with you, but do try to make them comfortable in new environments if they appear to be upset.

 Bring a familiar toy or hold them to calm them down.

 Tell them about where they are and explain to them that they are in a safe space with you by their side.

Loves Social Play

Your baby’s new favorite toy is….YOU!  Your baby is now showing a lot of interest in you and enjoys your company.

 They love it when you are chatting with them or playing peek-a-boo during a diaper change.

 They love to look at your face and eye contact is present for brief times when playing and interacting.

Emotional development 3-6 months happens through the simple interactions that take place throughout your baby care routines.

Notices Unfamiliar Faces

When your baby was first born they did not care who was holding them, as long as they had a warm body!

 These days your little one may not be as comfortable with someone who isn’t mom or dad.

 Your baby is starting to recognize strange faces and new people.  

They may show some anxiety or cry if a new person is introduced.

How can I encourage social skills in my baby?

Play With Your Baby

Your baby is starting to crave social play so it is time to have some fun!

 Playing simple games like peek-a-boo is a great way to be social and have fun with your little one.  

Try this out during diaper changes or tummy time with your baby.

Mirrors (like this one) are a great way for your baby to discover themselves.  

If you are in the bathroom, let them see their reflection and talk about the beautiful baby in the mirror.

 If they are having some floor time take a non-breakable mirror and put it in front of them.

 They may only glance at the mirror at first, but soon they will be smiling at the new playmate in front of them.

Singing is  a Social Activity

Singing simple songs is a great way to connect with your baby.  Singing provides a perfect transition to bedtime and is a great way to greet your baby when they wake up.  

You can start with simple nursery rhymes or your favorite song from the radio, either way your little one will get the same benefit.

 If you know songs in multiple languages it is a great time to introduce those as well.

Reading is a Great Way to Connect

Reading with your baby provides lots of social interaction (click here to read more about early literacy skills).  

Explore soft squishy books (like these) together before bed or during play time.  Talk about the pictures and show your baby how to pat and point at what they see.

Label emotions that the characters are having in the story so your little one becomes more familiar with those words.

Talk about your own emotions as you read as well to help develop their emotional awareness.

 Let them know how happy it makes you to spend time with your favorite little human!

Keep Track of Milestones

An easy way to be PREPARED for you next well baby visit is to download the checklist below!  It is FREE and PRINTABLE.

 I know you have a lot going on with a new baby (I have been there too!) so print this off so you can EASILY keep track of all the exciting milestones your baby is doing!  

This includes milestones to look for from birth to 12 months.

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