Learning to Look: An Eyes and Ears Game

Your baby develops eye muscles by using them.

Place your baby on his back or in an infant chair. Move behind him so he can’t see you. He will focus on the object, not you. Hold a noise maker, such as a ring of keys, about 10 inches above his face. Shake the object gently until he looks at it.

Watch your baby's eyes to see how he follows the object.

Move the object slowly from side to side, and up and down. When your baby is good at this, try moving the noisemaker in a circle in the air and around his head. Change the direction of the circle. If he can’t follow the whole circle, make only part of a circle.

Watch for your baby to let you know he is looking.

He may look intent. He may look at you or at something else. He may wave his arms or become very still. He may even look as if he’s saying “oh.”

Change your baby’s position often.

Your baby likes to look at many different things. If you place him on a blanket on the floor, what can he see? Place some interesting toys around him. He likes roly-poly toys that rock and make noise. Also, switch arms when you carry your baby to give him a different view.

With your baby sitting on your lap and facing you, try doing these things one at a time: smile, stick out your tongue, open and close your mouth or eyes widely, and shake your head back and forth. Watch to see what your baby does.

More Ways to Help Your Baby Learn

• Put a mobile over your baby’s crib so he can watch it as it moves.

• Move objects back and forth in a straight line in front of your baby.

• When your baby is awake and alert, move him around in his infant seat so he can be near you as you work. Babies like to be with people and see what is going on. Talk to him about what you’re doing. He likes to listen!

• If your baby is looking one way, call to him from the other side. See if he’ll turn his head to find you.

• Dance with your baby and sing to him.

Parents are Baby’s First and Best Teachers

Your child will learn more from you than anyone else.

She is continuously learning about the world around her through her senses of smell, taste, sight, hearing, and touch. You can help your baby develop her senses by providing playthings that can be seen, heard, and touched.

Playing helps your baby to strengthen and use her muscles better. Use items that you already have around the house. Such items are often a child’s favorite playthings. Toys need not be store-bought and expensive.

Playing with your baby gives her a chance to explore the world and satisfy her growing curiosity. She will enjoy and benefit from your loving attention.