This period of your baby’s life is extremely important for the proper development of their physical and mental abilities. We will guide you through the most important activities you should engage in with your little one.
Strengthening the Bond through Reading
When you place your baby in your lap and open a book with large, colorful pictures, you will introduce them to an entirely new world of visual and tactile stimuli. Your closeness, heartbeat, touch, and voice will make reading a wonderful way to deepen the bond with your little one, but on a much more conscious level than before. Additionally, this activity will awaken the child’s imagination and develop their vocabulary.
For the first moments of reading, buy a large picture book with pages that the baby can touch without fear of tearing the book or getting hurt by its sharp edges. Slowly go from page to page. It is now much more interesting for your baby to quickly look at each picture, as well as to recognize the shapes and colors they see, because their attention is still at a very low level of development. Therefore, allow them to feel the pages themselves, and then help them turn the pages. Make an effort to explain each picture with some gestures and different tones that will accompany the story you are reading.
Strengthening the Bond through Storytelling
Many parents constantly talk to their baby, while others think it is unnecessary because the baby does not understand them. However, talking to a baby who babbles and coos is one of the best ways to teach them how to speak correctly and better master the native language.
If multiple languages are spoken in the household, it is very important that parents or extended family members speak to the baby each in their own language, because as soon as the baby starts speaking, they will address each of them in their language without thinking. It is only important to speak as correctly as possible, no matter how much love and tenderness you feel for your angel urge you to use baby talk and sweet words when talking to them.
Strengthening the Bond through Touch and Smiles
Never underestimate the power of gentle touch, kisses, and cuddling. Just as you, as an adult, enjoy every form of affection and love, so does a little one who, just a few months ago, found themselves in a completely new world where they need a sense of security and love. Therefore, carry your baby from time to time, hold them in your arms, but do not forget that it is also important for them to exercise their muscles. Place them on their tummy on the floor for a few short minutes or seconds at a time to develop their back and neck muscles. These exercises on the floor should total about an hour per day. Praise them for every effort, and believe me, they will understand you.
It is very important to be briefly next to the baby when they go to sleep, whether at night or during the day, because they need a sense of security, to know that you are there if they need you. In case they wake up during the night, immediately take them in your arms and reassure them that everything is okay. This way, you will raise a child who is healthy, cheerful, and full of confidence.
