From an early age, babies are constantly exploring and developing. By six months old they are seasoned explorers. They have grabbed, fingered, mouthed, and dropped many objects, and they are beginning to get an idea of what their world is like.
After six months their explorations become more sophisticated. Their fine motor skills have improved, so that by nine months they can manipulate objects more carefully, turning then over and passing them easily from hand to hand.
 At twelve months, many are walking. The whole world looks different from this new ever-changing perspective.
By one year old, they will be able to use thumb and index finger in the pincer grip. |
These bigger babies are likely to hold on to things for longer, unlike younger ones, who will drop an item and demand another immediately.
Most one-year olds enjoy looking at pictures, not just in books, but catalogues and magazines.
 The development of self-image begins at birth and by twenty-one months, most babies can look in a mirror and understand that the reflection staring back is not another child, but an image of themselves.
At around two years, most children know whether they are a boy or a girl, by three they are aware of their age.
It is at this point that the foundation stage for early years education begins.
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