Chapter 2 Learning About Children 59
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Place infants in safe, childproof places.
To
childproof
means to make an area safe
for children by keeping potential dangers
away from them. For instance, a baby
should not be left near stairs. A baby could
be badly hurt from a fall.
Reading
Review
1. What tasks can four-month-olds
perform that newborns cannot?
2. Why may six-month-olds become
upset around strangers?
3. How do eight-month-olds strengthen
their muscles? Give examples.
Nine to Twelve Months
From nine to twelve months, infants develop in many ways all at
once. At this age, many babies go from crawling to walking. They may
also begin talking. Some babies learn to walk and talk at the same time.
Others may not develop either skill until later. Each baby learns at a
different rate. See 2-8.
By nine or ten months of age, most babies can move by
themselves. They can sit up without help. They are no
longer content to lie down and play. Most begin
crawling from one place to another. Each baby
has his or her own special way of crawling.
For instance, Lena pulls herself along on her
stomach. Tyler crawls on his hands and
knees. Ella keeps her legs fairly straight
and walks on her hands and feet. Each
way is normal.
Also during this time, babies start
learning the difference between right
and wrong. They can tell when their
parents approve or disapprove. They
are learning how to act when someone
says no.
By eleven months of age, babies begin
to move around more. They may learn
how to roll a ball to you. Infants this age
may take a few steps while holding onto
someone. They may even learn to stand,
stoop, and stand again.
Keeping Infants Safe
Infants like to touch many objects.
They learn how certain objects feel and
taste. They want to put everything in
their mouths. This is why you must keep
small and sharp objects out of their
reach. Otherwise, they could swallow
something or hurt themselves. Do not
allow infants to go near electric sockets,
plants, or garbage.
Safety Link Safety Link
Each baby learns to walk at a different age. 2-8