4-8 Months: Learning About Me -- Observation Record

How does the baby show her feelings?

Babies use their faces, voices, and bodies to indicate their feelings, needs, and wants. Some babies express themselves strongly; others show how they feel more quietly. Whatever the baby's style, adults have to figure out what babies mean and find ways to encourage them to express themselves.

The baby might do one or more of the following:

• Have fun with what's funny–smile and laugh when someone acts silly and pretends to sneeze.
• Show amazement–look surprised when a clown pops up on her toy box after she presses the button.
• Get cranky–fuss and whine when she becomes tired of lying still during a diaper change.
• Show you it's yucky–wrinkle her face at the taste of a new food.
• Sound upset–cry when she hears a loud noise, such as the vacuum cleaner.

How does this baby show what she feels? (Include dates.)

How does the baby cope with different situations?

Babies respond in their own way to new experiences, challenges, and frustrations. They use the familiarity of daily routines and adults they know and trust to help them make sense of different situations. When adults are helpful, babies can take pleasure in things that are surprising and can cope with the demands of new places and events.

The baby might do one or more of the following:

• Check in–look expectantly to her caregiver when there's a sudden crashing noise.
• Try it out–cough or dribble a little, but continue trying to drink water or milk from the cup you are holding.
• Settle down again–start to wake at night again, but settle easily when her parent arrives and reassures her with soft talk and pats.
• Get upset–startle and cry when an older child yells, "Peekaboo!" at her.
• Fuss in a strange place–fall asleep easily at home or at child care, but show distress and cry when put down for a nap in a new place.

What are some of the ways this baby shows she's learning to cope? (Include dates.)