0-4 Months: Baby Talk -- Observation Record

How does the baby respond to sights and sounds?

Babies are learning to respond to their caregivers' tone of voice, touch, and facial expressions. They begin to understand the world around them as they hear the words caregivers say while dressing them, changing their diapers, feeding them, and playing with them.

The baby might do one or more of the following:

• Listen to the familiar–get quiet when he hears his name or when someone says, "I'm coming."
• Show he understands–look toward the bottle when he hears someone talking to him as he or she brings his bottle to him.
• Have fun with words–laugh when someone plays "Ah-boo!" with him.
• Get excited–smile when someone talks excitedly to him about something.
• Reject the crib–cling to his caregiver and start to cry when he realizes that he is about to be put in his bed.

How does this baby react to what he sees and hears? (Include dates.)

How does the baby use sounds and movement to express himself?

Looking and crying are among the first ways babies communicate. Their cries might mean "I'm hungry," "I'm cold," or "I want some company." By paying attention and responding to babies' attempts to communicate, caregivers help them learn to express their wants and needs successfully.

The baby might do one or more of the following:

• Cry for a cuddle–shed tears as though trying to say, "Pick me up."
• Repeat himself–squeal again and again as he tries out making new sounds.
• Raise a ruckus–kick and cry while his diaper is being changed.
• Show he's feeling good–sigh or coo when he is picked up and held.
• Sound off about people–coo, smile, kick, or screech when other people are near, in order to be part of the action.

What are the ways this baby uses sounds to communicate? (Include dates.)