4-8 Months: Baby Discoveries -- Observation Record

How does the baby explore and pay attention to what is happening around him?

The world of discovery for babies has expanded to include the things they can now reach and grasp. Babies continue to inspect and explore things, trying to figure out how these objects work. They show that they recognize familiar things, and they examine the details of new things.

The baby might do one or more of the following:

• Make an inspection–explore with intensity a small toy he is holding in his hands.
• Check out feelings–react to the facial expressions of his caregiver, such as a frown, scowl, or smile.
• Respond to a call–look toward the sound of his caregiver's voice calling from the other room.
• Study it carefully–shake a rattle or turn a bell over and over as he listens to the sound.
• Play a game–respond to the words "Peekaboo, I see you."

How does this baby show interest in things? (Include dates.)

How does the baby show he is beginning to remember things?

Babies are beginning to demonstrate their memory ability by searching for familiar objects in their environment and showing that they expect certain things to happen.

The baby might do one or more of the following:

• Take action–pull back when someone approaches with a tissue in his or her hand.
• Look upward–look toward the sky when he hears the sound of an airplane going by.
• Look overboard–search over the edge of the high-chair tray, looking for the piece of toast that disappeared.
• Notice when someone leaves–look all around for his caregiver after he or she has left the room.
• Protest what's coming next–start to fuss when he hears the water running in the tub, because he is playing with his brother and doesn't want to stop for a bath.

What are some of the ways this baby shows he remembers things? (Include dates.)

How does the baby show he is able to make things happen?

Babies use familiar behaviors to try new things. They take great delight in the effects of their actions, although they may not understand what they did to make something happen.

The baby might do one or more of the following:

• Keep up the noise–pat or hit a squeaky toy over and over, figuring out how to get it to make noise.
• Get busy–touch and push the keys on the toy without really understanding that he is the one making the noise happen.
• Dip and taste–put his finger in the applesauce, lick it off, and try it again.
• Enjoy his own music–bang his spoon on the high-chair tray, smiling at every bang.
• Protest–shriek to get your attention when there is no more food on his tray.

What are the ways this baby makes things happen? (Include dates.)