What ‘learning’ is your baby doing in the first 6 months of their life? And how can you support it?
Your child is fascinated by everything in your environment, as they are getting to know the sights, sounds, smells, textures, and tastes in the world they are living in, and everything is new. You will provide the language to go with everything they experience through their senses. Enjoy teaching them about their world, making sure you are close to them, and they are safe at all times.
Here are some ideas of what you can do with your 0 – 6 month baby:
* Talk to your child about what you are doing while you are doing your chores.
* Join the library and borrow books with mainly pictures that you can talk about.
* Make your own books using scrap paper and pictures from supermarket brochures.
* Play music and sing and dance together.
* Let your baby lie on his tummy on a soft blanket on the floor to help with muscle development. It is called “tummy time”. Stay with your baby.
* Help your baby to reach and grasp. Put some toys or safe household items on a blanket/play mat in front of them.
* Hold your baby. It will make them feel safe.
* Bond with your baby by giving plenty of cuddles, love and attention as these are very important for a baby’s healthy development.
* Name your child’s body parts as you tickle, touch, kiss, or wash them. You can also play in front of the mirror so that they can see the part you are touching and naming.
* If your child responds to a noise, tell them what it is that they are hearing