12-18 Months: Babies in Motion -- Observation Record

How does the baby show her growing ability to move?

Babies can move from place to place by crawling, walking, and climbing. They seem to be constantly on the move, although some show more caution than others. Since balance is still difficult, they stand with their legs far apart and walk with an awkward waddle.

The baby might do one or more of the following:

• Go down and up–squat to get crumbs she's discovered on the floor, then stand again.
• Get into position–climb up and turn around to sit in the chair at the table.
• Hear the noise–walk around in circles pushing or pulling a noisemaking toy.
• Walk up stairs with help–climb one step at a time up the stairs, putting both feet on each step, while holding someone's hand.
• Find a musical balance–stand with her feet wide apart and sway from side to side in time with the music.

How does this baby move around? (Include dates.)

How does the baby use her hands to do things?

Babies are able to do fairly complicated things with their hands, but their whole arm continues to be involved when they are using their hands.

The baby might do one or more of the following:

• Dump and fill–fill and empty containers with blocks, large beads, small figures, or any other nearby objects.
• Fit things together–try to fit graduated-sized cups inside each other, though not yet understanding the order.
• Use a pincer grasp–use her thumb and forefinger to pick up small things such as a crumb, a scrap of paper, or some cereal from the floor.
• Turn and point–turn the pages of a book and point to pictures as someone reads to her.
• Play with two hands–hold a toy in one hand, and touch and explore it with the other hand.

How does this baby use her hands to play with things? (Include dates.)

How does the baby begin to participate in self-help activities?

Babies are beginning to show an interest in helping in daily care tasks such as dressing, feeding, and bathing. They are even able to participate in everyday routines.

The baby might do one or more of the following:

• Hold it herself–hold her cup when drinking, or put both hands around a small plastic glass.
• Help with dressing–poke her arms through the sleeve of her shirt, and pull up her own pants.
• Undress herself–pull off her socks or her hat right after they were put on her.
• Be a helper–help her caregiver put the toys back on the shelves when playtime is over.
• Handle her spoon–use her spoon to feed herself, even though she may be awkward and there is a lot of spilling.

In what way does this baby take part in self-help activities? (Include dates.)