Your baby's social skills can be difficult to measure. In fact, PBS states that social skills are harder to identify than physical skills. As your infant navigates his way through his first year of life, he will become adjusted to his environment and learn to interact with those around him. It is important to become aware of his social development milestones and ways to best encourage his social skills.
Birth to Three Months
An infant age birth to three months has limited social development and is learning to adjust to her new surroundings. She will be able to be comforted and respond to touch, and she will cry in order to communicate. According to the American Pregnancy Association, she may become quiet when she hears a voice and look at you when you talk to her. Toward three months of age, she will be able to smile in response to things, recognize familiar people and may even begin babbling.
Four to Six Months
During four to six months of age, an infant is beginning to expand his interaction with others. He may begin laughing and pay attention when he hears his name. He will continue to smile and babble sounds, and he may be able to imitate your noises and facial expressions. He can also start to tell family members and strangers apart at this age and develop a strong preference for people he knows.
Seven to Nine Months
An infant age seven to nine months can respond to her name and will enjoy making noises while others are talking. At this stage of development, she wants to please her parents. You may notice that when you express happiness or pride in some of her actions, she tries to repeat them. She may be able to wave, give kisses and high-fives. According to Babycenter, stranger anxiety develops around this age, so your baby may be uncomfortable around new people and in new situations.
10 to 12 Months
At age 10 to 12 months, an infant can play interactive games such as "pat-a-cake." He will enjoy being read to and will show affection. He will likely continue to cling to his parents when he is scared, and he will repeat almost anything that gets him attention. He may also bring you his toys to initiate play.
Encouraging Development
Although Babycenter states that children typically do not interact and play with each other until they become toddlers, you can still encourage your baby's social development yourself. The University of Illinois Extension states that your baby will develop trust as you meet her needs, so respond to her cries with diaper changes, food, cuddling or whatever her need appears to be. Interact with her often through playing and reading books, and take her around friends and family members so she can become accustomed to other people. If you notice that your baby is not reaching social development milestones, it is not necessarily a cause for concern. She will develop at her own pace. If you are concerned, discuss it with her doctor. Definite social delays could indicate problems with hearing, vision or emotional and cognitive development.
