Skill· 0mo–6mo· 3 min
Face gazing
Parent holds baby 8-12 inches from their face and allows sustained mutual gaze. Agent's prompts are sparse — mostly permission to do less. Observations track reciprocal gaze and parent's comfort with silence.
Free to do together whenever you like.
What you'll need
Hold baby facing you, 8-12 inches from your face. Any stable hold — cradled, over your knees. Good light on your face helps.
How it works
The 3-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneLooks at and follows facesHeart· 0mo–12mo· core
- MilestoneSustains visual attention brieflyMind· 1mo–4mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneReciprocal social smileHeart· 1mo–4mo· stretch
- MilestoneResponds emotionally to othersHeart· 1mo–13mo· core· Step 3
- MilestonePlays simple back-and-forth gamesHeart· 6mo–14mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneChildren’s later writing is based on skills and understandings which they develop as babies and toddlers. Before they can write, they need to learn to use spoken language to communicate. Later they learn to write down the words they can say. (See the roots of Writing in Communication and language).Mind· 0mo–11mo· stretch· Step 1
Visual example
Coming soon