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Original poster

Is this normal?

9 replies

MamaPingu · 14/12/2013 11:32

Is a 12 week old baby supposed to do these things? I don't know any other babies and my mum seems to think he's doing things older for his age. But I haven't a clue as I've never seen another Smile

He smiles if you smile at him, my mum thought babies couldn't usually wouldn't do this until they're older?
He proper giggles if you play with him and seems to recognise my mum in particularly
He pulls things to his mouth
And he plays with his toys, if you give him one he'll touch it and look at it and smile and laugh

Like I said I thought this was normal but my mum thought babies around 4-5 months would do it not a slightly under 3 month old?

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
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TurnOffTheTv · 14/12/2013 11:37

It was pretty normal for my three, lots of smiles by 12 weeks, and definitely laughing, or just starting to. They chewed on teething rings, but can't remember how many weeks!

Jinglejohnsjulie · 14/12/2013 13:21

Sounds pretty normal to me too.

Original poster
MamaPingu · 14/12/2013 13:49

That's what I thought too! She says she's probably forgot all about it as her last baby was 20 years ago' Grin

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ditsydoll · 14/12/2013 18:16

All sounds normal to me although everything my babies do will always be genius to me :)

Ferguson · 14/12/2013 18:35

Yes, pretty normal I reckon. And the more you interact with him, sing to him, show him things and move them around so he follows, the better; this is when the brain synapse connections are made, so the harder his brain 'works' the cleverer he should be (in theory!)

It is said, if you put your tongue out, the baby will do the same, showing he has an identity and is starting to realise it. In practice though, that often doesn't work at such a young age I think.

Give him a range of SAFE things to play with, having different colours, sizes, textures. Our DS had Duplo bricks at a young age, and we did colours and counting, not 'teaching' him, but just another experience. Soft toys, or a special little blanket may comfort him if he is unhappy.

Personally, I would not expose to TV or radio at an early age, as he cannot comprehend it, but better make sounds with real objects that he can see and touch.

Sneezecakesmum · 14/12/2013 18:58

I would say this is normal.

Original poster
MamaPingu · 14/12/2013 20:38

Thankyou very much for your advice Ferguson!
He laughs if you stick your tongue out and sometimes sticks it out back, but sometimes I think it's just a coincidence Smile

I like to sing the alphabet to him, I realise he won't learn it but I thought if he hears it every now and then he might start to get used to it.
I love singing and talking to him, and he had some brill toys he has been bought. Those Lamaze toys have lots of colours and textures and he feels them with his hands and has a good suck on them Grin

Isn't it wonderful when they interact back Smile

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ZuleikaD · 16/12/2013 09:55

Yep, normal. Social smiling is any time from 4 weeks on.

Actually the tongue-sticking out thing is from birth. You can try opening and closing your hand very slowly in front of them too and they will copy. Self-awareness doesn't kick in until 16-18 months. There's a very simple test for self-awareness - you put your child in front of a mirror and put something small that they can see but can't feel (like a piece of paper) on top of their heads. If they put their hand up to their own head when they see their reflection in the mirror then they have become self-aware.

Jorior · 16/12/2013 10:36

All very normal, including grandmothers suggesting their grandchild is very advanced. It's very cute...

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