Skill· 4mo–6mo· 2 min
Pass the Ball with Friends
Parent and a familiar friend pass a ball back and forth while baby watches and participates. The agent coaches the parent to observe baby's social engagement, enjoyment of interactive play, and differentiated responses to familiar versus unfamiliar adults — building early social awareness and relationship skills.
Free to do together whenever you like.
What you'll need
Baby seated with cushion support on a soft surface (carpet, blanket). Parent and familiar adult sitting facing each other with baby between them or to the side where baby can see both. Soft ball within reach. Room should be calm and well-lit.
How it works
The 3-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneResponds differently to family and strangersHeart· 6mo–14mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneRecognizes unfamiliarityHeart· 5mo–12mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneRecognizes familiar caregiverHeart· 0mo–10mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneRecognizes familiar peopleHeart· 4mo–7mo· core
- MilestoneEnjoys the company of others and seeks contact with others from birth.Heart· 0mo–11mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneTracks a moving object across midlineBody· 2mo–5mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneSustains visual attention brieflyMind· 1mo–4mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneLaughs spontaneouslyHeart· 4mo–9mo· stretch
Visual example
Coming soon