8-12 Months: Child to Child -- Observation Record

How does the baby show awareness of other children?

Babies explore as they look, watch, smile, gesture, and touch one another. Although they are interested in other babies at this age, they tend to get more involved with adults, toys, or older children who know how to include them in their activities.

The baby might do one or more of the following:

• Peer at peers–watch as several other children pull blocks off a shelf.
• Get caught in the fun–laugh along with other children who seem to be having a hilarious time together.
• Poke a peer–jab at the mouth or eyes of a nearby baby.
• Take another's toy–reach for a squeaky toy that another child is playing with.
• Do as she sees–push the wheeled toy back and forth as she sits beside another child who is doing the same.

How does this baby respond to other children? (Include dates.)