The early years of a child’s life are years of rapid development and change, so it’s important to provide a stimulating environment to help them grow and aid brain development.

To begin with, it’s important to understand the various achievements that an infant needs to reach. Though each child is different, for a baby between the 0 to 3 months you should expect some of the following:

Able to focus on objects and respond to funny faces

Neck strength

Grip adults finger

Maintain eye contact

Movement when free

Able to push their feet firmly

Respond to noises and recognise care-givers’ voices

React to stimuli and turn their head in the direction of noise

Make gurgling noises

Eye-control

Babies can focus on an object between 20 and 25cm away from them, maintain eye contact, and using your face as the focal point, move side to side and back and forth.

Have a variety of objects, which the baby can focus on. Only use one object at a time, If they have too many stimuli they will be unable to focus

Take your baby outside, and allow them to spend time looking at trees, leaves, flowers.

Using gloves attach different textured and coloured ribbons on the fingers. They see red, black and white best so using these colours will be beneficial.

Body movements

Babies love the sensation of rocking. This should be a smooth and soothing

By placing the baby on their back, they will gain neck support and trunk control. Allow them to kick their legs, use their arms and shift their body weight from side to side

When dressing, roll the baby on their side, from side to side. This rotation is good for twisting and enhancing trunk rotation, which will develop crawling, walking and balance

Touch

Encourage the baby to hold objects, to grip them and control them

Show and teach your baby what they can do with their hands

Introduce the baby to new textures by stroking their arms and legs and encouraging touch with their hands with feathers, towellingThis will enhance a deeper touch sensation

Be in physical contact with the baby continually – stroke them, tickle, rub, massage. This will enhance circulation, and at the same time, bond

Touching, and massaging the soles of their feet is a form of stimulation which will help later with walking, balancing, climbing etc. For example you can rub their feet or clap them together

By GENTLY pushing and pulling the babies joints you will create body sense

Water is a great sensation for young babies. They should be allowed to kick and play in the water during their bath. During bath time brush the babies feet, rub them together and pat them – this is a soothing sensation.

Sound

It is imperative to talk to the baby constantly and reassure and encourage them. They love attention, and want to know they are loved and cared for. This will enable the baby to recognize their parents as well as their smiles and faces

The first sounds that your baby will make are ‘aa’ and ‘oo’. Try to use these sounds, and encourage the baby you use these sounds

Make shakers from foods such as rice, beans, sugar placed inside bright, safe boxes

Use a bell or voice to encourage the child to turn their head as they focus on the sound. This will enhance their neck strength, as well as encourage auditory refinement

Read simple books and sing songs. Repetition, rhythm, touch and movement should all be included in this exercise.

Note: Be careful not to place the young child in situations where there is too much noise as they tend to get over-stimulated and frustrated.

Another consideration for your child is routine. With a set routine and structure the baby will feel secure and that you as a parent are in total control.  But remember, each child is different and it isn’t the quantity of time but the quality of time you spend with your child. Find out what your baby enjoys and what engages them and work with their interests and abilities.

That’s the WHAT and WHY. For the HOW, contact lauren@earlyinspiration.co.za.