Joint attention is when a baby and an adult focus on the same object or event and share that interest, for example by looking back and forth or pointing. It usually develops between about 9 and 12 months and is a building block for language and social skills.
What you can do
- Follow your baby's gaze and name what they are looking at.
- Point at interesting things and see if your baby looks.
- Share picture books, pointing and talking about the pictures.
When to talk to your doctor
Talk to your doctor if your child rarely looks where you point, does not point to show you things by 18 months, or does not share interests with you.
