You don't need expensive and elaborate learning materials to improve your baby's brain power. Your little bundle of joy only requires your attention sprinkled with a whole lot of love. Here are five easy steps to encourage your little Einstein.
1. Quality time with books
According to a Bundoo blog post by pediatric speech therapist Cara Barthelette, reading to your baby can galvanize the toddler to learn. It also improves the child's language and literacy. Your baby might not pay attention at first but what's important is that you're stimulating the child's sense of wonder.
2. Talking to your baby
Parents are advised to talk to their babies all throughout the day, or as much as they possibly can. Talking helps you establish a strong relationship with your child. So don't ever feel ashamed to talk with your baby when you feed her, change her diapers or tuck her in bed.
3. Point stuff with your finger
Point to objects you are talking about. Study shows that pointing while uttering the word helps babies learn faster. Toddlers will eventually catch up with what you are doing and will look at the stuff you are pointing to.
Baby Center noted that babies will be able to recognize what you are pointing to them when they turn nine months old. Around that same time, they will start to ask for the item and bring them to you if they can.
4. Mirror your baby's movement
Imitating the actions of an adult will most likely result to a raised eyebrow. For babies, mirroring is an early form of conversation. The playful back-and-forth between you and your baby cultivates shared attention and social interaction.
5. Show love and affection
Showering babies with love and affection helps them be engaged with what they are doing. Babies respond best when they feel secured and loved, as per Web MD.
"Some caregivers believe that when they plunk a baby in front of a TV and she sits quietly, not making a fuss, that she is a happy and contented baby," said Nina Sazer O'Donell, director of National Strategies for Success By 6. "But what many don't realize is that when babies are stressed, very often they respond by shutting down, and when they do that, learning isn't taking place."
