Infancy: 0-1 year

During infancy, babies begin building their first social and emotional connections. They develop attachment to caregivers and learn to trust adults who respond to their needs. Important social-emotional milestones include smiling at familiar people, calming when comforted, responding to voices and facial expressions, showing excitement during play, and beginning to express emotions such as happiness, fear, frustration, or sadness. Infants may also show stranger anxiety or become upset when separated from a caregiver. These early relationships help babies feel safe, loved, and supported as they grow.

Children's Behavior

In infancy, social and emotional milestones may show up through a baby’s everyday behavior. An infant may smile when a familiar caregiver talks to them, reach for or look toward a caregiver for comfort, or calm down when being held. They may coo, babble, make eye contact, or respond to facial expressions during play.

Babies may also show excitement by kicking their legs, waving their arms, or laughing when someone plays with them. As they get older, they may become nervous around strangers or cry when separated from a parent or caregiver. These behaviors show that infants are forming attachments, recognizing familiar people, expressing emotions, and learning to trust the adults who care for them.

Strategies or activities for Teachers

1. Feelings Check-In

Teachers can start the day by asking children to choose a feeling card, emoji, or color that shows how they feel. This helps children recognize and name emotions. The teacher can then model ways to handle feelings, such as taking deep breaths, asking for help, or using calm words.

2. Calm-Down Corner

Teachers can create a quiet space with soft items, emotion charts, books, and breathing tools. Children can use this area when they feel upset, frustrated, or overwhelmed. This supports self-regulation by teaching children safe ways to calm their bodies and manage emotions.

Strategies Families Can Use at Home

Home Feelings Routine

Families can support social emotional development at home by talking about feelings each day. For example, parents can ask, “How did you feel today?” and help the child name the emotion. Then they can practice coping skills together, such as deep breathing or taking a short break. These everyday moments help babies develop trust, attachment, communication, and early self-regulation.