• Child Development Activities (Tibetan/English)

  • 0 - 3 Months

  • 3 - 6 Months

  • 6 - 9 Months

  • 9 - 12 Months

  • 12 - 36 Months

• Child Safety (Tibetan/English)

CHILD SAFETY (Tibetan/English)

• SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME

• SAFE SLEEPING

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.

• Speak “Parentese” (0 - 12 months)

• Tummy Time for Younger babies (0 - 3 months)

• Wiggle Worm (0 - 3 months)

• Bumble Bee (0 - 4 months)

• Mouth Music (0 - 6 months)

• Glove Puppet (0 - 6 months)

• Where Is It? (0 - 9 months)

• Peek-A-Boo (0 - 12 months)

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.

• Baby Ball (3 - 12 Months)

• Story Time (infants) (3 - 12 Months)

• Sing & Clap (0 - 12 Months)

• Mirror Game (0 - 12 Months)

• Spotlight (3 - 12 Months)

• Tummy Time for Older Babies (4 - 6 Months)

• Noise Makers (3 - 9 Months)

• Sticker Face (3 - 12 Months)

• Watch & Talk (3 - 12 Months)

• Fishing Trip (3 - 12 Months)

• Play with Hats (3 - 12 Months)

• Kick Ball (3 - 12 Months)

• Puppet Show (3 - 12 Months)

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

• Indoor Zoo (6 - 12 Months)

• Squish Squish (6 - 12 Months)

• Baby Drums (6 - 12 Months)

• Happy Song (6 - 12 Months)

• Bathtub Ice Game (6 - 12 Months)

• Pick Up Peas (6 - 12 Months)

• Silly Spot (6 - 12 Months)

• Sink or Float (6 - 12 Months)

• Squeeze! (6 - 12 Months)

• Tunnel Trip (6 - 12 Months)

• Upstairs/Downstairs (6 - 12 Months)

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.

• Tunnel Crawl (9 - 18 Months)

• Find the Bells (9 - 18 Months)

• Push & Pull (9 - 18 Months)

• Stuffed Shirt (9 - 18 Months)

• Where Did It Go (9 - 18 Months)

• Texture Trip (9 - 12 Months)

• Knock the Blocks (9 - 24 Months)

• Follow the Toy (9 - 24 Months)

• Sing Body Parts (9 - 24 Months)

• Nesting Bowls (9 - 24 Months)

• Obstacle Course (Over the River) (9 - 24 Months)

• Windy Day (9 - 24 Months)

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.

• Baby Cruise (12 - 15 months)

• Song Patting (12 - 15 months)

• Fill Up (12 - 15 months)

• Sing Not Say (12 - 15 months)

• Tube Talk (12 - 24 Months)

• What's That Noise? (12 - 24 Months)

• Play Drums! (12 - 24 months)

• Magnet Play (12 - 24 months)

• Drawing Time (12 - 24 months)

• Puppet Talk (12 - 24 months)

• Paper Play (12 - 36 months)

• Sock Ball (12 - 36 months)

• Laundry Basket Fun (15 - 24 months)

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.