Social and Emotional Milestones – Infancy (0–2 Years)

The first two years of life are a remarkable period of growth. Infants begin to experience emotions, form attachments, and recognize the people who care for them most. During this stage, responsive caregiving and consistent emotional support help babies develop trust, security, and the foundation for empathy. Early social and emotional milestones shape how children will later communicate, connect, and self-regulate (Thompson, 2018).

Infants express emotions through crying, cooing, and smiling long before they can speak. Around 2 months, social smiles emerge in response to familiar voices or faces. By 6 months, babies show joy, anger, and fear, and begin to understand the emotional tone in others’ voices (Berk, 2021).
Consistent, loving responses teach infants that their feelings are recognized and valued—forming the basis for emotional regulation later in life.

Age Range - Social Milestones & Emotional Milestones

 0–3 months: Smiles at people, recognizes caregivers’ voices. Begins to calm with soothing tone or touch.

4–6 months:  Enjoys social play (peek-a-boo).  Expresses happiness, fear, or frustration.   

7–12 months:  Responds to own name, shows attachment to caregivers. May cry when separated or with strangers.

13–24 months:  Begins to show empathy, imitates others. Expresses a wider range of emotions, shows affection.

Supporting Infant Emotional Growth

Supportive strategies include:

  • Providing consistent caregivers to build trust and security.

  • Talking and singing to infants to foster emotional connection.

  • Offering comfort when a child is distressed.

  • Encouraging safe exploration to build confidence.

These early supports create the emotional stability infants need to thrive through later developmental stages.

Self-Regulation Strategies

Self-regulation is an infant’s ability to manage emotions, behaviors, and reactions to their environment. In infancy, this process is just beginning—babies depend heavily on caregivers to help them calm down, feel safe, and learn how to respond to the world.
When adults respond sensitively and consistently, infants start to internalize those soothing patterns, laying the foundation for emotional control and resilience later in life.

 

1. Predictable Routines: Establish regular feeding, sleeping, and play schedules.

2. Comfort Through Sensory Experiences: Positive sensory input helps babies calm themselves and associate comfort with familiar sensations.

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