Early Intervention Support

Child Development: Cognitive

 

Developmental Red Flags
to Emotional, Cognitive and Behavior Skills

Red Flag

As your baby grows, it's only natural to wonder if everything is okay. How can you tell what your baby should be able to do and when?

How can you tell if your child is on target to develop her emotional, cognitive, and behavior skills? Look for the red flag in each age group. If you notice these behaviors with your child, discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Therapy Options

Baby with teething ring

Thankfully, there are many ways to deal with delays in child development and behaviors.

These include in-home services, outpatient (you take your child to a clinic), inpatient (following injury or surgery) and school based services. Which type of therapy should you choose?

Visit our Therapy Options area to learn more.

Ask a Therapist

Group of Therapists

We understand developmental milestones and the challenges of Special Needs children.  We spend a great deal of time with families understanding the inner workings of childhood routines and interactions.  Ask us about your child today!
 
Ask a Therapist

Cognitive Development
Under 4 Months

 

When your baby is under four months, she'll enjoy looking at herself in a mirror. Hold her in front of a mirror and see if she smiles and makes noises at herself.

Feet are fun! Put a brightly colored sock on your baby's foot. This will encourage her to look at her feet and pull at them and catch a foot. This game will also help your baby discover parts of her own body.

Make funny faces. Sometimes your baby will be staring intently at your face, taking in every detail. Make an 'oh' face; stick out your tongue or pucker your lips. Hold that expression and see if your baby imitates it. Smile if your baby copies you!

Play the tickle, tickle feather game. Lightly stroke your baby with a feather or even a cotton ball. She'll enjoy the sensation as she learns to isolate different body parts. Talk to your baby softly. Describe what she is feeling.

At this age, it is normal for your baby to demand attention, like interactive play, and enjoy repeating activities.

Cognitive Skills by Age Group

Cognitive Skills under 4 Months
Cognitive Skills 4 to 8 Months
Cognitive Skills 8 to 12 Months
Cognitive Skills 12 to 24 Months
Cognitive Skills 24 to 36 Months
Cognitive Skills 36 to 48 Months
Cognitive Skills 48 to 60 Months
Developmental Delays in Premature and Late Preterm Babies

Contact Information

To find Early Intervention Support contacts in your State, visit our Contacts by State page.  If you have a question or comment for us, please visit our Contact page.

Return to Top