Early infancy is a time of rapid growth, especially in social and emotional skills. To support this development, caregivers and daycare staff can help infants reach important milestones such as:

• Smiling in response to familiar people

• Showing a range of basic emotions like joy, sadness, frustration, or fear

• Feeling jealous or upset when they perceive a threat to close relationships

• Experiencing separation anxiety when away from caregivers. 

• Modeling gentle and calm behaviors.