Activity

Very Low: These babies take the world in with their eyes. They sit a lot and use their fingers more than their feet, so they tend to develop "fine motor skills" earlier--they will likely learn to string beads and print sooner than really active preschoolers.

Very High: These babies were active before they arrived--lots of action in utero. They will keep moving. They are likely to crawl, walk, climb, jump and skip earlier than less active youngsters. Start planning how to turn part of your hose into a gymnasium!

Sensitivity

Very Low: These babies don't particularly notice, and aren't' bothered by the little sensations of life. These toddlers are apt to take a tumble, and get up again without a whimper, because they simply didn't notice the discomfort.

Very High: Some babies take in all the details of the world around them. They may notice when their diaper is wet, or the rough label inside the nighty. They may notice changes in lighting, even little sounds, or the flavor of a new brand of applesauce.

Body Rhythms

Very Regular: These are the babies with a strong biological clock. They wake, eat, and get tired at the same time each day. These youngsters put parents on a schedule!

Very Irregular: These babies don't have regular eating or sleep times. They will eat best when they feel hungry, not when the clock says it's lunchtime. You can gradually try to make bedtime more regular, but that doesn't mean sleep will be regular.

Emotional
Intensity

Very Mellow: These babies generally frown or whimper when upset. Of course they cry when really upset, but usually parents can figure out what they need long before things get desperate.

Very Intense: These babies can go from giggling to screaming in a second. All events feel like major events! They may have very strong feelings about personal space, and thus hate getting their faces washed. Be quick!

Curious/Cautious

Curious: These babies reach for everything. Once crawling, every nook, drawer and switch will become a mystery to be solved. Childproof, childproof, childproof!

Cautious: These babies explore with their eyes. They watch other people do things before they decide that it's safe to try. Expose them to new things slowly and gradually.

Adaptability

Very High: These babies generally move easily from one activity to another. They take daily transitions in stride, and handle the unexpected fairly easily.

Very Low: For these babies, even routine transitions can feel hard. They may cry regularly upon waking because it's is a change! Shifting gears is hard for them--both getting in and out of the high chair. Tell them about everything ahead of time (when possible)--so they have more time to shift gears.

Frustration
Tolerance

Very High: Some babies quietly endure frustration and push on through it. They wait quietly while a bottle warms, and practice again and again to stand up.

Very Low: Low frustration tolerance can show up in two different ways. Such a baby, who can't stand up on the first try, may crawl off and try something easier. On the other hand, when told, "Don't touch the....." they may wail and keep going back, rather than quietly endure the sense of frustration.