Mirror, Mirror: Baby’s First Sense of Self (1-4 months)

The first few months of your baby’s life is full of new experiences, especially sight and touch. Though sight is limited to objects close (25 – 38 cm) to his face, he takes great delight in the sizes, shapes, and colors surrounding him.

She also becomes more aware of her developing body and begins playing with her hands, fingers, and toes for short periods of time. She uses her newly discovered appendages to reach out for a familiar object (such as a bottle) waves her arms, and squeals excitedly when she grabs it.

Encourage your baby’s cognitive development and delight as he increases his hand-eye coordination, vocal and physical ability, and self-recognition by placing an unbreakable mirror in his crib.

Crib mirrors should attach safely to her crib and allow her to see herself as she kicks her feet, waves her arms, and reaches for her own reflection. Many models take advantage of a baby’s new ability to see colors by decorating the mirrors with bright hues and patterns.

Is he or she a wiggly, kicking cutie? Some mirrors have elements that make noise when your baby kicks. This can help him pinpoint the location of sounds and realize that he has the ability to make things happen just by moving.

Other examples include music, which are wonderful for younger babies (birth – 1 month), whose hearing is much more developed than their vision.

Here are some examples of developmentally appropriate crib mirrors:

Sesame Street: Who’s That Baby in the Mirror by Fisher Price. This brightly colored mirror features classic Sesame Street characters. When you or your baby spin the roller inside the mirror, a song plays and Cookie Monster peeks his head in and out to the rhythm of music and blinking lights.

Sassy Crib and Floor Mirror. Appropriate for newborns and up. Simple contrasting patterns and tracker ball are perfect for a baby’s developing sight, because very young infants prefer simple geometric shapes. The leaves on the mirror can also be used for peek-a-boo.

Rainforest Music and Lights Mirror by Fisher Price. Fun jungle-themed mirror includes three rainforest animals that dance to music, a roller that triggers two mellow music modes (long and short—10 minutes and 8 seconds, respectively), and two teethers that dangle within baby’s reach. He can wiggle his body to the music; grab the teethers; and touch the soft animals. He might also fall asleep to the soothing sounds, which is an added bonus for parents!