Six weeks to ten months is a wonderful time of discovery for an infant. Your baby will move from exploring his or her own toes, fingers, and feet to being delighted by the ability to create response to an environment. Babies learn that kicks may make a mobile shake, waving arms can make noise when holding a rattle, and that Mom, Dad, and caregivers may smile back when grinned at. Seeking responses is a natural phase for infants, and helps them learn more about their world. With consistent interaction, your child will learn to recognize voices and faces. The responses from parents and caregivers help children develop their communication skills. At these ages, you can expect crying to signal discomfort from hunger, pain, or fear. Your baby will also begin babbling that sounds very expressive, with inflections resembling questions or even commands. Smiles, frowns, and laughter are how children this age communicate and express their feelings. It's a good idea to discuss with the caregiver the type of interaction that will foster your child's emotional development.
