Babyternals

When a baby is first born you think all they do is eat, sleep, and dirty their diaper. Well, that may be true but it is very important to interact with your baby during this time. You and your baby are forming an attachment which is a big deal in their growth and development. They need to feel that security from the start so they will form a secure attachment with you. Even though your little one is only a few days old you can still, in the short spurts of awake time, interact with them. Of course, one of those things is feeding your baby, but not counting the necessities you still have options such as, singing to your baby (maybe you did this while you were pregnant), reading to your baby (they may not understand the words you are saying, but they are learning the sound of your voice), rock your baby and talk to him/her, and cuddle with your baby.

Once your baby hits a couple of months old they will interact with you by looking at you while you are holding them. They may begin to coo at you, especially when you talk to them. Continuing singing and reading to your baby. You can even make up songs as you go. I do this and my son seems to like the made up songs versus the traditional baby songs, but sing these too, they still need to hear them. Add soft toys by allowing your baby to touch them. They are learning how different things feel. Right now their means of learning is mainly through touch.

As your baby begins to grow and reaches that three to six month age they have come leaps and bounds with what they have already learned. By this time your baby with be playing with toys, should be having tummy time, working towards sitting up, laughing at your crazy songs, and trying to eat the pages of that book you are trying to read them. Along with all this, you can be taking your baby on walks, as long as weather permits, teaching them patty cake, sing to them “The Bus Song (Wheels on the Bus)” and use their hands to do the motions.

Don’t be afraid to get on the floor with your baby and be on their level for a change. One thing you can do is hide behind them and then jump out and say “Boo”. They more than likely will laugh at you versus cry. Another thing you can do is to get some soft blocks and set them up and let your baby knock them down. They like seeing them tumble. The main goal in all of this is your baby is learning through play and they are learning it with you. Taking part in your child’s learning has great rewards, so don’t be afraid to be silly and have a little fun.