#1 Tummy Time & Head Control
0-6 moRole Model: Laa-Laa
Resource: "What to Expect the First Year" by Heidi Murkoff
Why This Early?
Tummy time builds the neck, back, and shoulder muscles needed for all future motor development. Babies who get regular tummy time roll, sit, and crawl earlier. It also prevents flat spots on the head from too much time on their back.
Teaching Tips
- •Start tummy time from day one - even a few seconds counts
- •Do tummy time when baby is alert and happy, not tired or hungry
- •Use high-contrast toys and your face to encourage lifting
- •Aim for 15-30 minutes total per day by 2 months
Recommended Toys
Oball Classic Ball
Kids II
Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy
Manhattan Toy
Penguin Music Wobbler
Hape
Progressive Sub-Goals
1
Introduction0-1 months
Tolerates brief tummy time (1-2 minutes) with support
💡 Start on your chest, skin-to-skin. Place colorful toys at eye level. Keep sessions short and positive - stop before fussing.
2
Developing2-3 months
Lifts head 45 degrees and holds briefly
💡 Use a rolled towel under the chest for support. Get down at their level and talk to them. Use mirrors to encourage looking up.
3
Mastery4-6 months
Holds head steady when supported upright, pushes up on arms
💡 Practice during feeding, burping, and play. Support the neck less as control improves. This is the foundation for sitting.
Click to see details, teaching tips, & toys
#2 Grasping & Reaching
0-9 moRole Model: Dr. Jeffrey Lockman
Resource: "The Montessori Baby" by Simone Davies
Why This Early?
Grasping is the foundation of all fine motor skills - writing, using tools, self-feeding. The progression from reflexive to intentional grasping represents major brain development. Each grasp builds neural pathways.
Teaching Tips
- •Provide objects of different textures, weights, and sizes
- •Let them mouth objects - this is how babies explore
- •Avoid battery-powered toys that do the work for them
- •Simple wooden rattles and fabric toys are ideal
Recommended Toys
Oball Classic Ball
Kids II
Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy
Manhattan Toy
Penguin Music Wobbler
Hape
Progressive Sub-Goals
1
Reflexive Grasp0-2 months
Reflexively grasps objects placed in hand
💡 Place your finger or a rattle in their palm. The grasp reflex is automatic at first - let them feel different textures.
2
Reaching & Batting3-4 months
Reaches for and bats at hanging toys
💡 Hang toys within reach on a play gym. Choose high-contrast colors. Celebrate when they make contact - even accidental!
3
Intentional Grasp4-6 months
Deliberately grasps and holds objects
💡 Offer rattles, teethers, and safe objects. Let them explore with hands AND mouth. Transfer between hands comes next.
4
Hand Transfer6-8 months
Transfers objects hand-to-hand smoothly
💡 Offer objects that are easy to pass between hands. This bilateral coordination is important for brain development.
5
Two-Handed Exploration7-9 months
Uses two hands together to explore objects
💡 Provide objects that require two hands: larger toys, containers with lids. This builds coordination.
6
Emerging Pincer Grasp8-10 months
Begins using thumb and finger to pick up small objects
💡 Offer small, safe foods like puffs or soft fruit pieces. Supervise closely. This grasp is essential for self-feeding.
7
Purposeful Release9-12 months
Deliberately releases objects, places or drops intentionally
💡 Play "drop and pick up" games. Provide containers to drop objects into. This control is a major milestone!
Click to see details, teaching tips, & toys
#3 Rolling Over
3-6 moRole Model: Bluey
Resource: Pathways.org developmental resources
Why This Early?
Rolling is the first form of independent mobility. It requires coordination of multiple muscle groups and body awareness. Babies who roll early often crawl and walk earlier too.
Teaching Tips
- •Provide plenty of floor time on a safe, flat surface
- •Place toys just out of reach to motivate movement
- •Never leave a rolling baby unattended on elevated surfaces
- •Celebrate this milestone - it's their first independent movement!
Recommended Toys
Oball Classic Ball
Kids II
Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy
Manhattan Toy
Penguin Music Wobbler
Hape
Progressive Sub-Goals
1
Introduction3-4 months
Rolls from tummy to back with momentum
💡 This often happens accidentally at first! Place toys slightly to the side during tummy time to encourage turning.
2
Developing4-5 months
Rolls from back to tummy intentionally
💡 This is harder and comes later. Place interesting toys just out of reach to motivate. Help by gently guiding the hip.
3
Mastery5-6 months
Rolls both directions freely to move around
💡 Give them floor time on a safe surface. They'll use rolling as their first form of mobility. Baby-proof the area!
Click to see details, teaching tips, & toys
#4 Sitting Up
6-9 moRole Model: Margaret Tiger
Resource: "Baby-Led Movement" resources
Why This Early?
Sitting frees the hands for exploration and play. It's a major cognitive milestone because babies can now see the world from a new perspective and manipulate objects more easily.
Teaching Tips
- •Don't prop babies in sitting before they can get there themselves
- •Let them develop core strength through tummy time first
- •Surround with pillows when practicing for soft landings
- •Independent sitting usually develops around 6-8 months
Recommended Toys
Oball Classic Ball
Kids II
Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy
Manhattan Toy
Penguin Music Wobbler
Hape
Progressive Sub-Goals
1
Supported Sitting5-6 months
Sits with significant support (pillows, hands)
💡 Use a Boppy pillow or sit them between your legs. Keep sessions short - their core tires quickly.
2
Tripod Sitting6-7 months
Sits with minimal support, catches self when tipping
💡 The "tripod sit" (hands on floor for balance) is normal. Place toys in front to encourage reaching while sitting.
3
Independent Sitting7-9 months
Sits independently and plays with toys
💡 Once sitting is stable, they can use both hands for play. This opens up a whole new world of exploration!
Click to see details, teaching tips, & toys
#5 Crawling & Mobility
6-12 moRole Model: Bluey
Resource: Pathways.org developmental resources
Why This Early?
Crawling develops cross-lateral brain connections that support reading and writing later. It builds core strength, coordination, and spatial awareness. Babies who crawl extensively often have better motor planning.
Teaching Tips
- •Avoid walkers and containers that limit floor time
- •Create safe, baby-proofed spaces for exploration
- •Some babies skip crawling - that's okay, but encourage it
- •Crawling develops cross-body coordination crucial for reading
Recommended Toys
Oball Classic Ball
Kids II
Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy
Manhattan Toy
Penguin Music Wobbler
Hape
Progressive Sub-Goals
1
Rocking6-7 months
Rocks on hands and knees, may scoot backward
💡 Backward scooting is normal! They're building strength. Place toys just out of reach to motivate forward movement.
2
Army Crawl7-8 months
Army crawls or belly crawls forward
💡 Any forward movement counts! Some babies skip traditional crawling. Create safe spaces to explore.
3
Hands & Knees Crawl8-10 months
Crawls on hands and knees with coordination
💡 Set up obstacle courses with pillows. Let them explore different surfaces. Crawling is crucial for brain development!
4
Efficient Crawling9-12 months
Crawls efficiently or uses alternative locomotion
💡 Some babies develop their own style - scooting, bear crawling. Any efficient movement is great!
Click to see details, teaching tips, & toys
#6 First Foods & Self-Feeding
6-12 moRole Model: Daniel Tiger
Resource: "Baby-Led Weaning" by Gill Rapley
Why This Early?
Self-feeding develops fine motor skills, independence, and a healthy relationship with food. Babies who feed themselves are more likely to try new foods and develop better eating habits long-term.
Teaching Tips
- •Wait until 6 months and signs of readiness before starting solids
- •Offer food, don't force it - let baby lead
- •Gagging is normal and different from choking - learn the difference
- •Eat together as a family - babies learn by watching
Recommended Toys
Oball Classic Ball
Kids II
Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy
Manhattan Toy
Penguin Music Wobbler
Hape
Progressive Sub-Goals
1
Interest in Food5-6 months
Shows interest in food, opens mouth for spoon
💡 Watch for signs of readiness: sitting with support, interest in your food, loss of tongue-thrust reflex (around 6 months).
2
First Tastes6-7 months
Accepts purees or soft foods from spoon
💡 Start with single-ingredient foods. Watch for allergic reactions. Let baby set the pace.
3
Finger Foods7-8 months
Picks up soft foods and brings to mouth
💡 Offer soft finger foods: banana, avocado, steamed vegetables. Expect mess! The pincer grasp develops with practice.
4
Texture Tolerance8-10 months
Tolerates different food textures without gagging
💡 Gradually introduce varied textures. Some gagging is normal as they learn. Offer lumpy, soft, and crunchy foods.
5
Self-Feeding Mastery10-12 months
Self-feeds a variety of textures using pincer grasp
💡 Offer variety: soft, crunchy, different shapes. Let them explore. By 12 months, they should be eating family foods.
Click to see details, teaching tips, & toys
#7 Cup Drinking
6-12 moRole Model: Maria Montessori
Resource: "The Montessori Baby" by Simone Davies
Why This Early?
Open cup drinking develops oral motor skills better than sippy cups or bottles. It also builds independence and fine motor control. Montessori environments offer open cups from 6 months.
Teaching Tips
- •Skip sippy cups - they delay open cup skills
- •Use small cups with small amounts of liquid
- •Practice at every meal for consistency
- •Expect and accept spills - they're part of learning
Progressive Sub-Goals
1
Introduction6-7 months
Drinks from an open cup held by caregiver
💡 Start around 6 months with a small shot glass amount of water. Hold the cup and tip gently. Expect spills!
2
Assisted Drinking8-9 months
Holds cup with both hands and drinks with help
💡 Use a small, weighted cup. Guide their hands. Practice at every meal - consistency builds skill.
3
Brings Cup to Mouth9-11 months
Brings cup to mouth with help, some independent sips
💡 Let them try holding the cup themselves. Keep amounts small. Celebrate attempts!
4
Independent Drinking11-12 months
Drinks from open cup independently (with spills)
💡 By 12 months, many babies can drink from an open cup. Keep amounts small. Sippy cups delay this skill.
Click to see details, teaching tips
#8 Sleep Independence
0-12 moRole Model: Bingo
Resource: "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" by Marc Weissbluth
Why This Early?
Sleep independence is a learned skill. Babies who learn to self-soothe sleep better throughout childhood. Good sleep supports brain development, immune function, and emotional regulation.
Teaching Tips
- •Establish consistent sleep routines from early on
- •Put baby down drowsy but awake when possible
- •Create a sleep-friendly environment: dark, cool, quiet
- •Every family's approach to sleep is different - find what works
Progressive Sub-Goals
1
Routine Establishment0-4 months
Falls asleep with consistent routine and some soothing
💡 Establish a predictable bedtime routine: bath, book, song, bed. Consistency is more important than the specific activities.
2
Self-Soothing Emerging4-8 months
Self-soothes with minimal intervention
💡 Put baby down drowsy but awake. Give them a chance to settle before intervening. A lovey or pacifier can help.
3
Independent Sleep8-12 months
Falls asleep independently in own sleep space
💡 By 12 months, many babies can fall asleep on their own. This skill supports better sleep throughout childhood.
Click to see details, teaching tips
#9 Communication & First Words
0-12 moRole Model: Dr. Laura Mize
Resource: "It Takes Two to Talk" by Hanen Centre
Why This Early?
Language development begins at birth. Babies who hear more words develop larger vocabularies. The "30 million word gap" research shows that early language exposure predicts later academic success.
Teaching Tips
- •Talk, sing, and read to your baby constantly
- •Respond to babbling as if it's conversation
- •Use simple signs to bridge the gap before words
- •Point and name objects throughout the day
Recommended Toys
Browse all toys →Progressive Sub-Goals
1
Cooing2-3 months
Coos and makes vowel sounds
💡 Talk to your baby constantly - narrate your day. Respond to their sounds as if having a conversation. This builds the foundation.
2
Babbling4-6 months
Babbles with varied consonant sounds (ba-ba, da-da)
💡 Repeat their sounds back to them. Vary your pitch and tone. Babbling is language practice!
3
Gestures7-9 months
Uses gestures (waving, pointing) and understands simple words
💡 Teach simple signs: more, all done, milk. Point and name objects. Read books daily. Receptive language comes before expressive.
4
Responds to Directions9-11 months
Responds to simple directions (come here, no)
💡 Use simple, consistent phrases. Pair words with gestures. Celebrate when they follow directions!
5
Imitates Sounds9-12 months
Imitates simple words or sounds
💡 Model words clearly. Repeat words they attempt. Don't correct - just model correctly.
6
First Words10-12 months
Says 1-3 words with meaning (mama, dada, ball)
💡 First words often come around 12 months. Celebrate attempts! Don't correct - just model the correct word back.
Click to see details, teaching tips, & toys
#10 Social Smiling & Bonding
0-6 moRole Model: Elmo
Resource: "The Whole-Brain Child" by Daniel Siegel
Why This Early?
Secure attachment in the first year predicts emotional health, relationships, and even academic success later in life. Responsive caregiving literally shapes brain architecture.
Teaching Tips
- •Respond promptly to baby's needs - this builds trust
- •Make lots of face-to-face time without screens
- •Play simple interactive games daily
- •Secure attachment is the foundation for all future relationships
Progressive Sub-Goals
1
Eye Contact6-8 weeks
Makes eye contact and shows social smile
💡 Get face-to-face with your baby. Smile, talk, make faces. The social smile (around 6-8 weeks) is a major milestone!
2
Laughing3-4 months
Laughs, shows excitement, recognizes familiar faces
💡 Play peek-a-boo, make funny sounds, be silly! Babies love repetition. Stranger anxiety around 8 months is normal.
3
Interactive Games5-6 months
Shows clear attachment to caregivers, plays interactive games
💡 Pat-a-cake, peek-a-boo, "So Big!" - these games build social connection. Secure attachment is the foundation of all relationships.
Click to see details, teaching tips
#11 Object Permanence
4-12 moRole Model: Jean Piaget (developmental psychologist)
Resource: Montessori object permanence boxes
Why This Early?
Object permanence is a fundamental cognitive milestone. Understanding that things exist even when unseen is the basis for memory, planning, and symbolic thinking.
Teaching Tips
- •Play peek-a-boo - it's object permanence practice!
- •Hide toys under blankets and help them find them
- •Montessori object permanence boxes are excellent tools
- •This cognitive milestone usually develops around 8-12 months
Progressive Sub-Goals
1
Visual Tracking3-4 months
Tracks objects with eyes as they move
💡 Slowly move a toy across baby's field of vision. Use high-contrast objects. This visual tracking is the foundation.
2
Partial Search6-8 months
Looks for partially hidden objects
💡 Partially cover a toy with a cloth. They'll pull the cloth to find it! This shows emerging object permanence.
3
Full Search8-10 months
Searches for completely hidden objects
💡 Play hide-and-seek with toys. Use object permanence boxes. By 12 months, they know hidden objects still exist.
4
Advanced Search10-12 months
Looks for hidden objects in multiple locations
💡 Hide toys in different places. They'll search systematically. This shows advanced cognitive development!
Click to see details, teaching tips
#12 Sensory Exploration
0-12 moRole Model: Curious George
Resource: "The Out-of-Sync Child" by Carol Kranowitz
Why This Early?
Sensory experiences literally build brain connections. Babies learn about the world through their senses. Rich sensory environments support cognitive development across all domains.
Teaching Tips
- •Provide objects of different textures, weights, and temperatures
- •Mouthing is normal and important - ensure safety
- •Name sensory experiences: soft, rough, cold, heavy
- •Messy play is valuable - embrace it!
Recommended Toys
Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy
Manhattan Toy
Penguin Music Wobbler
Hape
The Play Gym
Lovevery
Progressive Sub-Goals
1
Mouthing3-6 months
Explores objects with hands and mouth
💡 Provide safe objects of different textures, temperatures, and weights. Mouthing is how babies learn! Ensure everything is safe to mouth.
2
Purposeful Exploration6-9 months
Shows preferences and explores purposefully
💡 Offer sensory bins with safe materials: water, rice, fabric scraps. Supervise closely. Name what they're experiencing: "That's cold!"
3
Varied Sensory Play9-12 months
Engages in varied sensory play with different materials
💡 By 12 months, offer more complex sensory experiences: playdough, finger painting, sand. Messy play is brain-building play!
4
Small Object Control9-12 months
Explores small safe objects with control
💡 Provide small, safe objects to manipulate. Supervise closely. This builds fine motor skills and concentration.
Click to see details, teaching tips, & toys
#13 Cause & Effect Understanding
6-12 moRole Model: Mouse
Resource: Simple cause-and-effect toys
Why This Early?
Understanding cause and effect is the foundation of scientific thinking. Babies who experiment with actions and observe results develop problem-solving skills and curiosity.
Teaching Tips
- •Provide toys that respond to actions
- •Tolerate repetitive behaviors - they're learning!
- •Narrate cause and effect: "You pushed it and it rolled!"
- •Simple toys often teach more than electronic ones
Recommended Toys
Oball Classic Ball
Kids II
Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy
Manhattan Toy
Penguin Music Wobbler
Hape
Progressive Sub-Goals
1
Accidental Discovery4-6 months
Accidentally discovers actions have effects
💡 Provide toys that respond: rattles that make noise, balls that roll. Watch for the moment they realize THEY made it happen!
2
Intentional Repetition6-9 months
Repeats actions intentionally to see effects
💡 They'll drop things repeatedly, bang toys, push buttons. This "annoying" behavior is actually important learning!
3
Experimentation9-12 months
Experiments with different actions to see different results
💡 Provide toys with multiple effects. Let them experiment. Ask "What happens if...?" even before they can answer.
4
Problem Solving9-12 months
Repeats actions to produce desired results (cause & effect mastery)
💡 They understand that their actions cause specific outcomes. Provide opportunities to practice this understanding.
Click to see details, teaching tips, & toys
#14 Music & Rhythm Response
0-12 moRole Model: Ella Jenkins
Resource: "Music Together" classes
Why This Early?
Music activates multiple brain regions simultaneously. Early music exposure supports language development, emotional regulation, and social bonding. Babies are born musical - nurture it!
Teaching Tips
- •Sing to your baby daily - your voice is their favorite
- •Play varied music: classical, folk, world music
- •Dance and move together to build rhythm sense
- •Provide simple instruments to explore
Recommended Toys
Penguin Music Wobbler
Hape
Wooden Baby Rattle Clutching Toy
HABA
Take Along Tunes Musical Toy
Baby Einstein
Progressive Sub-Goals
1
Calming Response0-3 months
Calms or becomes alert in response to music
💡 Sing to your baby from birth. Play varied music. Notice how different music affects their mood and alertness.
2
Movement Response4-6 months
Bounces or moves to music
💡 Dance with your baby! Bounce them to the beat. Clap their hands to rhythms. Movement and music together build brain connections.
3
Imitation7-9 months
Imitates actions (clapping, tapping, gestures)
💡 Clap, tap, wave during songs. They'll start to imitate! Songs with actions like "Itsy Bitsy Spider" are perfect.
4
Active Participation9-12 months
Attempts to "sing" along and plays simple instruments
💡 Provide shakers, drums, xylophones. Sing songs with actions. By 12 months, they may babble along to familiar songs.
Click to see details, teaching tips, & toys
#15 Book Exploration
0-12 moRole Model: LeVar Burton
Resource: "Read-Aloud Handbook" by Jim Trelease
Why This Early?
Reading aloud from birth builds vocabulary, attention, and a love of books. Babies who are read to daily enter school with larger vocabularies and stronger pre-reading skills.
Teaching Tips
- •Read aloud from birth - it's never too early
- •Let babies explore books physically
- •Point to and name pictures
- •Read the same books repeatedly - babies love repetition
Progressive Sub-Goals
1
Looking0-3 months
Looks at high-contrast images in board books
💡 Start with black and white books for newborns. Hold books 8-12 inches from their face. Read aloud - your voice matters more than the words.
2
Reaching4-6 months
Reaches for and mouths board books
💡 Board books are meant to be chewed! Let them explore books physically. Point to pictures and name them.
3
Recognition7-9 months
Recognizes familiar objects or people in books
💡 Point to pictures and ask "Where's the dog?" They'll start to look! Use books with familiar objects.
4
Page Turning9-12 months
Turns pages and points to pictures
💡 By 12 months, they may have favorite books. Read the same books repeatedly - repetition builds language. Let them "help" turn pages.
5
Labeling & Repetition9-12 months
Engages in book reading with labeling and repetition
💡 Point and label pictures repeatedly. Ask simple questions. They're building vocabulary even before they can speak!
Click to see details, teaching tips
#16 Standing & Cruising
9-12 moRole Model: Bluey
Resource: Pathways.org motor development resources
Why This Early?
Standing and cruising build the strength, balance, and confidence needed for walking. Babies who have opportunities to pull up and cruise develop these skills naturally.
Teaching Tips
- •Provide stable furniture for pulling up
- •Avoid walkers - they don't help and may delay walking
- •Let them go barefoot for better balance feedback
- •Falls are part of learning - baby-proof the environment
Recommended Toys
Oball Classic Ball
Kids II
Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy
Manhattan Toy
Penguin Music Wobbler
Hape
Progressive Sub-Goals
1
Pulling to Stand8-10 months
Pulls to standing using furniture
💡 Provide stable furniture to pull up on. A low coffee table or couch is perfect. Stay nearby for safety but let them try.
2
Standing with Support9-10 months
Stands while holding on to furniture
💡 Once standing, they'll hold on and look around. Place interesting toys at standing height to motivate.
3
Cruising9-11 months
Cruises along furniture sideways
💡 Arrange furniture so they can cruise from piece to piece. Place toys along the route to motivate movement.
4
Brief Standing10-12 months
Stands momentarily without support
💡 They may let go briefly while cruising. Celebrate these moments! First steps usually follow within weeks to months.
5
Assisted Walking10-12 months
Walks with assistance (holding hands)
💡 Hold both hands and let them practice stepping. This builds confidence for independent walking.
Click to see details, teaching tips, & toys
#17 Sound Awareness
0-6 moRole Model: Maria Montessori, Evelyn Glennie
Resource: The Sound and Music Workshop for Babies, Music for Babies by The Vienna Philharmonic
Why This Early?
Developing sound awareness in the first year is crucial for language acquisition and cognitive development. It lays the foundation for understanding speech and music later in life.
Teaching Tips
- •Expose your baby to a variety of sounds, from soft whispers to gentle music.
- •Use toys that make different sounds, like rattles, crinkly books, and soft bells.
- •Talk and sing to your baby regularly, varying your pitch and tone.
Progressive Sub-Goals
1
Startle Response0-2 months
Baby startles or turns head towards a new sound
💡 Expose your baby to a variety of sounds, from soft whispers to gentle music.
2
Recognition2-4 months
Baby shows recognition of familiar voices and songs
💡 Use toys that make different sounds, like rattles, crinkly books, and soft bells.
3
Imitation4-6 months
Baby begins to imitate sounds and babbles in response to music
💡 Talk and sing to your baby regularly, varying your pitch and tone.
Click to see details, teaching tips
#18 Rhythm Response
3-12 moRole Model: Émile Jaques-Dalcroze, Mickey Hart
Resource: Gymboree Play & Music, The Music Class
Why This Early?
Early exposure to rhythm helps develop motor skills, coordination, and a sense of timing. It also supports the development of language patterns and mathematical concepts.
Teaching Tips
- •Gently bounce or sway with your baby to the rhythm of songs.
- •Clap your hands or tap on a surface to a steady beat for your baby to hear and feel.
- •Use simple percussion instruments like shakers or drums for your baby to explore.
Recommended Toys
Penguin Music Wobbler
Hape
Wooden Baby Rattle Clutching Toy
HABA
Take Along Tunes Musical Toy
Baby Einstein
Progressive Sub-Goals
1
Awareness3-5 months
Baby shows excitement or quiets down in response to music
💡 Gently bounce or sway with your baby to the rhythm of songs.
2
Movement5-8 months
Baby moves body, arms, or legs in response to a steady beat
💡 Clap your hands or tap on a surface to a steady beat for your baby to hear and feel.
3
Participation8-12 months
Baby attempts to clap or bounce along with the music
💡 Use simple percussion instruments like shakers or drums for your baby to explore.
Click to see details, teaching tips, & toys
#19 Musical Bonding
0-12 moRole Model: Yo-Yo Ma, Fred Rogers (Mister Rogers)
Resource: Lullabies: An Illustrated Songbook, Music Together
Why This Early?
Musical bonding strengthens the attachment between caregiver and infant, promoting a sense of security and trust. It also provides a joyful and emotionally rich way to communicate before language develops.
Teaching Tips
- •Sing to your baby during daily routines like feeding, bathing, and diaper changes.
- •Hold your baby close and dance to gentle music.
- •Create your own simple songs about your baby and your day together.
Recommended Toys
Penguin Music Wobbler
Hape
Wooden Baby Rattle Clutching Toy
HABA
Take Along Tunes Musical Toy
Baby Einstein
Progressive Sub-Goals
1
Soothing0-3 months
Baby is soothed by the sound of a caregiver's singing voice
💡 Sing to your baby during daily routines like feeding, bathing, and diaper changes.
2
Engagement3-6 months
Baby makes eye contact and smiles during musical interactions
💡 Hold your baby close and dance to gentle music.
3
Anticipation6-12 months
Baby anticipates familiar songs and musical games
💡 Create your own simple songs about your baby and your day together.
Click to see details, teaching tips, & toys
#20 Responds to Name
6-12 moRole Model: Dr. Laura Mize
Resource: "It Takes Two to Talk" by Hanen Centre
Why This Early?
Responding to name is a critical social-communication milestone. It shows that baby recognizes their name and can shift attention - both important for language development and social interaction.
Teaching Tips
- •Use their name frequently throughout the day
- •Make eye contact when saying their name
- •Celebrate when they respond to their name
- •Call their name from different locations to practice
Progressive Sub-Goals
1
Occasional Response6-7 months
Occasionally looks when name is called
💡 Use their name frequently throughout the day. Get their attention first, then call their name.
2
Consistent Response8-9 months
Consistently turns toward name when called
💡 Call their name from different directions. Celebrate when they respond! This is a key milestone.
3
Response When Distracted10-12 months
Responds to name even when engaged in play
💡 Practice calling their name during play. They should look up even when focused on something else.
Click to see details, teaching tips
#21 Joint Attention
6-12 moRole Model: Daniel Tiger
Resource: Pathways.org developmental resources
Why This Early?
Joint attention is a foundational social-cognitive skill. It's the ability to share focus with another person and is crucial for language learning, social development, and later academic success.
Teaching Tips
- •Point to interesting things throughout the day
- •Follow your baby's gaze and comment on what they're looking at
- •When they point, respond with enthusiasm
- •Use pointing during book reading to share pictures
Progressive Sub-Goals
1
Follows Gaze6-8 months
Follows caregiver's gaze to look at objects
💡 Look at interesting objects and say "Look!" Baby will start to follow your gaze.
2
Follows Pointing8-10 months
Looks where caregiver points
💡 Point to objects and name them. "Look at the dog!" They'll learn to follow your point.
3
Pays Attention When Caregiver Points9-11 months
Pays attention when caregiver points or looks at something
💡 Use pointing throughout the day to share experiences. This builds shared attention.
4
Points to Share Interest10-12 months
Points to share interest with caregiver (not just to request)
💡 When they point, respond enthusiastically! "Yes, I see the bird!" This encourages more sharing.
Click to see details, teaching tips
#22 Position Transitions
6-12 moRole Model: The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Resource: Pathways.org motor development resources
Why This Early?
Position transitions require core strength, coordination, and motor planning. Babies who can move fluidly between positions can explore their environment more effectively.
Teaching Tips
- •Provide plenty of floor time for practice
- •Place toys to motivate movement between positions
- •Let them figure out transitions on their own when safe
- •Celebrate their problem-solving as they learn to move
Progressive Sub-Goals
1
Lying to Sitting6-7 months
Moves from lying to sitting with help
💡 Help them practice moving from back to sitting. Support as needed but let them do the work.
2
Sitting to Crawling7-9 months
Transitions between sitting and crawling position
💡 Place toys just out of reach to motivate transitions. They'll learn to move from sitting to crawling.
3
Floor to Standing9-11 months
Moves from floor to standing using furniture
💡 Provide stable furniture to pull up on. This transition requires strength and coordination.
4
Fluid Transitions10-12 months
Moves fluidly between all positions (floor, sitting, crawling, standing)
💡 Create spaces where they can practice all transitions. This mobility is key for exploration!
Click to see details, teaching tips
#23 Separation Tolerance
6-12 moRole Model: Daniel Tiger
Resource: "The Whole-Brain Child" by Daniel Siegel
Why This Early?
Separation anxiety is a normal developmental stage that shows healthy attachment. Learning to tolerate brief separations builds resilience and trust that caregivers will return.
Teaching Tips
- •Separation anxiety peaks around 8-10 months - this is normal
- •Always say goodbye - don't sneak away
- •Keep goodbyes brief and positive
- •A comfort object or lovey can help with transitions
Progressive Sub-Goals
1
Awareness6-8 months
Shows awareness when caregiver leaves (may show distress)
💡 Separation anxiety is normal and healthy! It shows secure attachment. Comfort them when you return.
2
Comfort Seeking8-10 months
Can be comforted by familiar caregiver when primary caregiver leaves
💡 Practice brief separations with trusted caregivers. A comfort object can help.
3
Brief Tolerance9-11 months
Tolerates brief separations with comfort object or familiar caregiver
💡 Keep goodbyes brief and positive. Always say goodbye - don't sneak away.
4
Separation Practice10-12 months
Practices separation tolerance with increasing confidence
💡 Gradually increase separation time. They'll learn you always come back!
Click to see details, teaching tips
#24 Emotional Expression
6-12 moRole Model: Daniel Tiger
Resource: "The Whole-Brain Child" by Daniel Siegel
Why This Early?
Emotional expression is the foundation of emotional intelligence. Babies who learn their emotions are valid and will be responded to develop better emotional regulation later.
Teaching Tips
- •Name emotions throughout the day
- •Validate all emotions - even difficult ones
- •Model healthy emotional expression yourself
- •Respond consistently to their emotional cues
Progressive Sub-Goals
1
Basic Emotions0-6 months
Shows basic emotions (joy, distress) clearly
💡 Respond to all emotions - this teaches them their feelings matter. Name emotions: "You're happy!"
2
Varied Emotions6-9 months
Expresses a range of emotions (joy, frustration, fear, excitement)
💡 Validate all emotions. "You're frustrated because you can't reach it." This builds emotional vocabulary.
3
Clear Expression9-12 months
Expresses emotions clearly (joy, frustration) so caregivers understand needs
💡 By 12 months, they communicate emotions clearly. Continue naming and validating their feelings.
Click to see details, teaching tips
#25 Seeks Comfort from Caregivers
6-12 moRole Model: Daniel Tiger
Resource: "The Attachment Parenting Book" by William Sears
Why This Early?
Seeking comfort from caregivers is a sign of healthy attachment. Babies who learn their caregivers will respond develop secure attachment, which predicts positive outcomes throughout life.
Teaching Tips
- •Respond promptly when baby seeks comfort
- •Physical comfort (holding, rocking) is important
- •Be their "safe base" for exploration
- •Consistent responsiveness builds secure attachment
Progressive Sub-Goals
1
Calms with Contact0-6 months
Calms when held by familiar caregiver
💡 Hold and comfort your baby when they're distressed. This builds trust and security.
2
Seeks Proximity6-9 months
Seeks proximity to familiar caregivers when upset or tired
💡 Be available when they need comfort. They're learning you're their "safe base."
3
Active Comfort Seeking9-12 months
Actively seeks comfort from familiar caregivers (reaches, crawls to)
💡 Respond when they come to you for comfort. This reinforces secure attachment.
Click to see details, teaching tips
#26 Assists in Dressing
9-12 moRole Model: Maria Montessori
Resource: "The Montessori Baby" by Simone Davies
Why This Early?
Participating in dressing builds body awareness, cooperation, and early self-help skills. It's the foundation for independent dressing later.
Teaching Tips
- •Make dressing a calm, interactive time
- •Name body parts and clothing items
- •Give them time to participate - don't rush
- •Celebrate their cooperation and assistance
Progressive Sub-Goals
1
Awareness6-9 months
Shows awareness during dressing (looks at clothes, body parts)
💡 Name body parts and clothes during dressing. "Here's your arm going in the sleeve!"
2
Cooperation9-11 months
Cooperates with dressing (holds arm out, lifts foot)
💡 Ask them to help: "Can you give me your arm?" Wait for them to participate.
3
Active Assistance10-12 months
Actively assists in dressing (pushes arms through sleeves, lifts legs)
💡 Let them do as much as they can. This builds independence and body awareness.
Click to see details, teaching tips
#27 Imitates Simple Actions
6-12 moRole Model: Ms. Rachel
Resource: Pathways.org developmental resources
Why This Early?
Imitation is how babies learn most skills. It requires attention, memory, and motor planning. Strong imitation skills predict faster learning across all domains.
Teaching Tips
- •Model actions slowly and clearly
- •Wait for them to attempt imitation
- •Celebrate all attempts, even imperfect ones
- •Songs with actions are great for imitation practice
Progressive Sub-Goals
1
Watches Actions4-6 months
Watches caregiver's actions with interest
💡 Let them watch you do simple actions. Babies learn by observing!
2
Attempts Imitation7-9 months
Attempts to imitate simple actions (banging, shaking)
💡 Model simple actions and wait for them to try. Celebrate attempts!
3
Imitates Gestures9-11 months
Imitates actions like clapping, waving, tapping
💡 Play imitation games. Clap and wait for them to clap. Wave bye-bye.
4
Complex Imitation10-12 months
Imitates more complex actions and sequences
💡 They'll start imitating household tasks! Let them "help" with safe activities.
Click to see details, teaching tips
#28 Sustains Attention
6-12 moRole Model: Michael Jordan
Resource: Montessori infant materials
Why This Early?
Attention span in infancy predicts later academic success. Babies who learn to sustain attention develop better focus, learning, and self-regulation.
Teaching Tips
- •Don't interrupt when baby is focused
- •Provide open-ended toys that encourage exploration
- •Limit screen time - it shortens attention span
- •A calm environment supports concentration
Progressive Sub-Goals
1
Brief Focus4-6 months
Focuses on objects or activities for brief periods
💡 Provide interesting objects to explore. Don't interrupt their focus!
2
Extended Focus7-9 months
Sustains attention on activities for 1-2 minutes
💡 Let them explore without interruption. Concentration is developing!
3
Sustained Attention9-12 months
Sustains attention for several minutes on engaging activities
💡 Protect their concentration. Don't interrupt when they're focused. This builds attention span.
4
Deep Concentration9-12 months
Shows deep concentration on containers, lids, and spatial relationships
💡 Provide containers with lids, nesting toys, and objects to put in and take out. These build concentration.
Click to see details, teaching tips
These carefully selected toys support the developmental skills for this age group. Click on a skill to find more toys that develop that skill.
Oball Classic Ball
Kids II
A flexible, easy-to-grasp ball with 32 finger holes, perfect for little hands.
Skills Developed
Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy
Manhattan Toy
A mesmerizing maze of soft, continuous tubes and a gentle rattle sound.
Skills Developed
Penguin Music Wobbler
Hape
A wobbly penguin that makes soothing, chime-like sounds when pushed.
Skills Developed
The Play Gym
Lovevery
An activity gym with five developmental zones and a guide for age-appropriate activities.
Skills Developed
Flip Fish Soft Baby Toy
Melissa & Doug
A crinkly, squeaky fish with multiple textures, tags, and a peek-a-boo mirror.
Skills Developed
Indestructibles: Baby, Let's Eat!
Workman Publishing
A chew-proof, rip-proof, and drool-proof book with colorful illustrations.
View on AmazonWooden Baby Rattle Clutching Toy
HABA
A classic wooden rattle with colorful beads, made with non-toxic, water-based stain.
Skills Developed
Take Along Tunes Musical Toy
Baby Einstein
A popular musical toy with classical melodies, a light-up display, and a caterpillar handle.
View on Amazon