🤝 How Babies Make Friends: The Social Side of Development
You might not think of a six-month-old as having “friends” – but social development begins from birth, and by the end of their first year, many babies already have favourite people, preferences for familiar faces, and even start showing early signs of empathy.
At Baby College, we help parents understand how this fascinating part of development, how babies make friends – and why social interaction is essential for growing brains. Our classes offer the perfect environment for babies and toddlers to meet others in a relaxed, friendly setting. And over the weeks, they start to recognise familiar faces – often forming their first little friendships right there on the mat.
Summer, with its baby classes, family outings, and group play opportunities, is a brilliant time to support this social growth.
👶 Stages of Social Development in Babies
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0–3 months: Your baby is drawn to faces and voices. They’re learning to take turns – smiling when you smile, cooing back at your sounds. This is the very start of communication and how babies make friends eventually.
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4–6 months: They begin to recognise familiar people and may respond differently to strangers. They also enjoy watching other babies – even if they don’t yet “play” with them.
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7–12 months: You’ll see your baby begin to copy actions, reach for others, or giggle when a friend laughs. This is the beginning of true social awareness.
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1–2 years: Toddlers begin to imitate each other, offer toys, and show preferences for certain playmates – these are the roots of friendship.
At Baby College, we see these stages in action every week. Babies delight in watching each other, toddlers copy movements and songs, and juniors begin to form early friendships through shared routines and activities.
🌞 Summer Opportunities for Social Growth
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Playgroups and classes: Regular interaction with other little ones builds confidence – and Baby College is the perfect place to start.
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Watching siblings or cousins: Observing older children teaches social rules and encourages mimicry.
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Picnics and family gatherings: Even shy babies learn a lot from simply being around groups of people.
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Taking turns with toys: Offer simple opportunities to practise early turn-taking and imitation.
💬 How to Support Your Baby’s Social Skills
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Narrate emotions: “She’s smiling – I think she’s happy!”
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Label actions: “He gave you the ball – that was kind.”
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Model gentle touch and kind gestures.
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Let your baby watch and observe – they don’t need to join in straight away.
🧠 Why It Matters
Social and emotional development underpins everything from language learning to emotional regulation and future friendships. Learning how to interact, copy, share and show empathy starts right here, in babyhood.
And when you come along to Baby College classes, you’re not just supporting your baby – you’re also giving them a safe, welcoming space to meet other children and begin learning the joy of making friends.
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