1- Read to your baby from birth – Find a comfy rocking chair, place the baby in the crook of your arm, and choose a picture book of your liking.  Point to the pictures and describe what you are saying while you read. A book before naps or bedtime is a great routine and a nice way to relax before going to sleep. Vary the tone of your voice and take time for the infant to enjoy the pictures in the book.  Remember, reading is not limited to books. When you are stopped at a stop sign – show your toddler the word STOP, read KIX on the front of the cereal box, DELI in the grocery store…. (My children were all very pleased with themselves when they realized they could read the word PIZZA)  Soon your infant should turn into a gifted preschooler with reading skills and comprehension beyond those of their peers.

2- Listen to music – There are many tapes and cd’s on the market today which encourage early learning in our babies  Go through your own music collection and pick out what you like best. Sing along or dance-along just for fun. Remember to keep the volume low to moderate. Also it is never to teach your child to play an instrument, to sing or just have them listening to clasical music in their cribs.

3- Infant Toys – Textured toys,activity centers, unbreakable mirrors, mobiles, 
black and white linedrawings, squeaky toys….just because your baby may not be sitting or holdingthings yet, should not stop you from playing with her. Talk to her and hold objects in front of her showing her the different sounds and letting her touch the variety oftextures. This stimulation is wonderful for infants. Later, balls, stacking bricks, and other engaging toys are excellent. It is a good idea to give your child one or two toys at a time and trade them in for others when you notice his attention start to fade.  Show your child how the toy works and then leave them to explore it on their own. Not all toys have to be expensive or bought.  Here is a list of 20 cheap toys and games you don’t have to pay for that you’re children will love just the same.

4 – Talk to your baby – This may seem like something obvious, but especially with the first born, it is easy to fall into a pattern of performing the household chores in silence while your baby watches from his swing or baby seat. Speak clearly and look at your infant while you speak. Tell him about what you are doing. If you are cooking supper, you can introduce him to food words, words describing kitchen utensils and appliances, and other words such as slice, chop, or mix. You just might be able to distract your child during what may be a cranky time. Use simple sentences and gradually introduce descriptive words. Baby talk is fine! Talk in a sing-song voice if you want. Play with words and vary your expression. And always remember to have fun with your baby!

 

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About the Author:
John Thomas is an expert in childhood and infant development.  He has dedicated much life to writing and developing resources for preschool education . If you are interested in learning more about his tools and techniques for preschoolers and smart babies, please contact him today.
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