4 Wonderful Things to Do with Your Baby
As parents, we all want to do the best that we can for our babies and children. Many of us are acutely aware that the experiences that are had during childhood can shape their life and so we want to make sure that our children experience positivity, warmth and security.
Particularly when the enormity and significance of this responsibility is considered, numerous parents are constantly seeking things to do with their babies and children. To help all parents, we have compiled a list of four wonderful things to do with and for your baby.
1: Massage your baby
Baby massage is a wonderful practice that, when delivered correctly, can have far-reaching emotional, physical and developmental benefits for an infant. It is important that parents receive training so that they know the most effective and correct techniques to use, but when baby massage oil is applied and the enjoyment of the child is obvious, few people will dispute that baby massage is positive for children.
The power of touch is incredible and evidence increasingly shows that baby massage can help children to become more secure and confident as they grow. Similarly, baby massage commonly strengthens the bonds that exist between parents and children and can help to relieve the pain and discomfort that comes with wind, colic and digestive problems.
2: Talk to your baby
When an infant is exposed to an environment that is rich in language, their vocabulary and understanding will simultaneously grow.
You can talk to a newborn baby about any subject at all; the topics of your conversation really are not important. However, it is important to note that the radio and television are not appropriate substitutes – your baby needs to hear your speech and that of other people in their environment. It is a great idea to talk to toddlers about their environment. Point out the different objects and their descriptive features and your child’s vocabulary and understanding will grow.
2: Read
Reading to your baby or child is incredibly important. Most children love to have you read to them and as you do, they will be soaking up words although they may not be able to read themselves for a number of years.
3: Play games
Children love it when you engage in play. With very small children, you can imitate your child’s expressions and movements (for example, smiling, poking out a tongue). Talk to your baby when they look into your eyes – they will love to see you react and witness the changing expressions and movements of your face. When your baby looks or moves away, feel free to stop. Their focus has shifted and there is no benefit in trying to regain their vision or attention. Looking or moving away can also indicate that your child is becoming overstimulated.
Games such as peek-a-boo are perennial favourites that also have social and communication benefits. Babies and children love the predictable nature of such games.
4: Cuddle your baby
Cuddling your baby when they are upset is a primal instinct and one that helps your baby to feel comforted and secure. Of course, many parents choose to set boundaries for their children, but comforting your baby or child when they are visibly and audibly upset can help them to become more independent, competent and secure as they progress through childhood and adolescence to adulthood.
Many parents recognise the importance of giving their baby or child the best experiences possible during childhood. Because childhood is such a vital and life-shaping time, positive activities, a loving environment and nurturing experiences will help your child to grow into a secure and confident individual.