At around 8 months of age, children imitate simple actions and expressions of others during interactions. For example, the child may: Copy the infant care teacher's movements when playing pat-a-cake and peek-a-boo.

When should babies start imitating?

Researchers say infants develop the ability to imitate during the second half of their first year of life, mostly between 6 and 8 months of age. It's important to have regular checkups with a pediatrician to track a baby's growth, especially if you are concerned about this developmental milestone.

Do infants learn through imitation?

A first step in learning by imitation, baby brains respond to another's actions. Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery for adults, but for babies it's their foremost tool for learning. As renowned people-watchers, babies often observe others demonstrate how to do things and then copy those body movements.