Baby's First Skills: 4-5 months

In an attempt to avoid spending ridiculous amounts on money on classes and activities for Zoë Grace (which I'm sure she'll end up sleeping through), I invested £6.39 on a book (surprise surprise!). It is called Baby's First Skills: Help your baby learn through creative play by Dr Miriam Stoppard and had really good reviews on amazon.com.

Given that Zoë Grace is now 20 weeks/4 1/2 months, I have started the book mid-way through, but that doesn't seem to be a problem as it is easy to catch up on the key elements.

According to the summary Zoë Grace

"...is becoming aware of new and strange situations and is learning how to express her feelings. During this month she wants to learn and initiate, starts to concentrate hard, begins to control her hands and loves to join in games."

This does seem to be an accurate summary of our little girl! However, I am keen not to focus on detailed milestones and miss out on her own developmental steps. So, I am using this book carefully and going at Zoë Grace's pace, encouraging her when she lets me know she's ready. As well as reading this book I need to learn to 'read' her cues and signals.

Tomorrow I will start The Golden Hour of activities, including:
Talking (7 mins)

• Puff and blow
• Hubble bubble

Moving (20 mins)

• Bathtime fun
• Floor flying
• Horsing around

Hands (12 mins)

• Touch and feel
• Bathtime fun
• Play bracelets

Mind (12 mins)

• Yes and no
• Baby brain teaser
• Peep-bo

Friendliness (7 mins)

• Baby massage
• Hands and fingers

Will let you know how they go...