Your Baby Learns about Love from You

Your baby learns about most things from you, especially about love. Babies, just as grown-ups, need love and attention.

Rewarding your baby with a smile, hug, or kiss is better than rewarding with a new toy. Your baby will know that she is loved, and that is very important for her growth. With your support, she will feel that she can tackle anything.

Some parents think they must set special times aside to play with or to teach their baby new things. That’s a good idea. But sometimes you don’t have big blocks of unhurried time.

Children are happy with lots of little bits of your time and attention. They learn to amuse themselves with your help. There are times when you are waiting for an appointment or standing in line. Below are some ideas to play with your child in those little bits of time.

It takes less than two minutes to:

• Give your child a hug and a kiss

• Tweak your baby’s toes

• Play pat-a-cake or peek–a-boo

• Show your baby his nose or chin, or your nose

• Admire your baby's shoes

• Gently tickle your baby’s tummy at bath time

• Lift your baby up over your head

• Point to a pretty leaf or flower and make sure your baby sees it

• Show your baby the pictures in a book

• Give your baby a big smile

First Words

Your child's first words may be one-word puzzles. Your child may say, “Go,” but he may mean, "Where did Daddy go?" or "I want to go to the car." With one word, your child is trying to tell you a complete thought.

Children who pick up new words quickly are those who have parents who are creative in figuring out what these one-word puzzles mean. The parent's interest and response to the child help him so that he is interested in talking more.

Encourage your child to combine gestures and words. Combining hand motions and gestures with single words will help you to understand what he is saying.

When your baby talks to you, let him finish his sentence before you respond. Say something back to your baby that will let him know that you understand what he said. Ask him a question or help him finish his thought.