Communication & Social Skills

Your baby is 35 weeks old today and it is likely you have noticed some changes in his ability to understand what you are saying to him.  As he has become much more mobile since he’s learned to pull himself up to stand and crawl, there are times when your baby gets into something he is not supposed to.  And in that case, your baby is starting to understand what the word “no” means and he is responding to it.  Hopefully your home is baby-proofed, but sometimes there still are things that your baby wants to get into that you can’t baby-proof.  For example, I have a plant in my home that has some pebbles on the soil and the first thing my son wanted to do each morning (after having his bottle) was crawl over to the plant, pull himself up and grab the pebbles so he could put them in his mouth.  Needless to say, my son heard “no” many times in the morning. 

Another development in your baby’s language and communication is that he understands who mum and dad are and is responding to your names.  Let’s say you, mum, are holding your baby and dad walks into the room.  You might say, “oh look there’s daddy!” and baby looks up. That response demonstrates that he understands who you both are! 

Your baby’s social skills have had some developments this month, too.  There have been quite a few people who have come over to see your baby since the day he was born and up until now, he may have been fine with different people holding him or playing with him.  If that is starting to change, don’t worry, it’s natural! Baby’s fearful reaction to strangers is called “stranger anxiety” which is an important developmental milestone.  Stranger anxiety usually starts as early as six months old, but it is mentioned here as it may be really at its peak at this age.  Don’t worry, though, stranger anxiety won’t last forever!