Help your infant learn and play
This may seem counterintuitive in a results-oriented society where parents compare notes on their infants’ vocabulary and the news media reports on 2-year-olds being admitted to Mensa, an organization reserved for only the world’s smartest and brightest (or some such). But the recipe for raising smart babies is startlingly simple: Talk to them, cuddle them, nurture them, and provide them with a safe environment in which they can make their own discoveries.
Most parents are willing to do whatever it takes to further their infant’s development. Though part of intelligence is genetic, certain activities and exposure can advance a child when it comes to learning and development.
At about 9 months, the brain’s synapses become attuned to a specific language (or languages), and babies begin to utter syllables and words.
Give your infant opportunities to learn through new activities and experiences. For babies, play is the most valuable work there is. Blowing bubbles, banging on pots and pans, ringing a bell and pushing elevator buttons all are important as they teach cause and effect.
In the second year of their lives, babies turn into little communicators. At about the age of 1, they can understand words spoken by others. At 18 months, many are using two or more words in short sentences. By the time they’re 2, they typically can engage in rudimentary dialogue, learning how to ask and answer and take turns speaking. In short, they become chatterboxes on legs — in a language that can generally only be comprehended by the parents.
Teach language through frequent communication. In addition to everyday chatter, sing, babble and read to your baby to allow him to experience the sound of language. While you change diapers or swing in the rocker, make sounds to help develop language and communication skills even before your baby can speak.
To nurture these skills, experts recommend open-ended toys: building blocks, ring stackers, shape sorters, balls — even Tupperware and pots and pans.
Help your infant learn by allowing her to experience interaction with others. Respond immediately when she cries, laugh when she laughs and stop play when she doesn’t respond or seems worn out. The infant learns she’s able to affect her environment.
If you’re going to get your kid a computer, don’t give him the computer, give him the box.
The information infants gain from this simple play is important for their future play and learning. As soon as babies open their eyes, parents can provide brightly colored pictures around the room, changing the position of the crib and the pictures often. Focusing on the pictures strengthens eye muscles and encourages babies to be alert. Light, washable toys hung as a mobile encourage eye exercises. When the baby is able to hold things; soft rattles and squeaky toys help the child to feel and to hear distinctive sounds. A crib gym set will help in physical growth. Although the child can play alone, part of the play period should include other people. Singing and cuddling are important ways that we can participate in play with infants.When babies begin to sit up, their toys may need to be changed. They are now ready for plastic clacker rings, and enjoy any object that has movement and color. When babies start creeping, they are ready for cloth picture books, balls, and soft, cuddly toys. Nursery rhymes with rhythm and repetition sound pleasant to older infants.
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