Skill· 6mo–12mo· 2 min
Mirror play
Parent holds baby in front of a mirror. Agent guides playful discovery of self and other. Baby won't know the reflection is 'self' until ~18 months, but the shared looking builds joint attention and shared joy. Observations track parent-naming and baby's response to the reflected caregiver.
Free to do together whenever you like.
What you'll need
A full-length mirror or a big hand mirror works. Sit or kneel close enough that your child can see both of you clearly.
How it works
The 3-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneResponds emotionally to othersHeart· 1mo–13mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneImitates facial movementsMind· 4mo–8mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneDeveloping the ability to follow others’ body language, including pointing and gesture.Mind· 10mo–15mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneMirror interestHeart· 4mo–8mo· stretch· Steps 1, 2
- MilestonePoints and gazes to share attentionHeart· 8mo–2y· stretch
Visual example
Coming soon