Infants are born learning. Every experience adds to their growing knowledge of their world. The most important thing you can do to ensure your baby's intellectual growth is to care for her physical and emotional needs. Proper nutrition and regular check-ups will take care of her physical well-being. Meeting her emotional needs by responding to her cries, holding her and talking to her reassures her that the world is a safe place to explore.
Language Development Activities
The best thing you can do to stimulate your infant's language development is to talk to him. Even a very young infant will learn to recognize human voices, and quickly learn to distinguish between the familiar voices of his parents and those of other people.
When your child begins to imitate speech sounds such as "maaa" and "daaa," repeat them back to your baby. This helps him to recognize that those sounds are meaningful, and to differentiate them from other noises. Speaking clearly and enunciating words for your child will also help him recognize language patterns.
Even if your child is too young to understand the words, read to him. He will enjoy the pictures in board books, and will begin to associate positive experiences with reading.
Emotional and Social Development Activities
Traditional baby games such as peek-a-boo are an excellent way to stimulate your child's social and emotional development, as well as her ability to recognize that hidden objects still exist. Most infants benefit most from short, frequent interactions rather than prolonged play sessions.
Physical Development Activities
An infant between birth and three months begins to learn about his body and how various parts are attached. Sing songs such as "head, shoulders, knees and toes" while dressing or changing his diaper help him explore his body.
Place your child on the floor in a safe area and allow him to explore independently. He will learn to control his movements and exercise his curiosity.
General Intellectual Development Activities
According to Don Campbell, author of "The Mozart Effect," listening to classical music stimulates young children's creativity and intellectual development.
Toys such as mobiles and rattles help an infant interact with her world and learn that she can control outcomes. Many babies will begin to experiment with these toys, repeatedly pushing or moving them to confirm that the toy will respond in a predictable way.
References
- PBS: Social and Emotional Development
- "The Mozart Effect for Children: Awakening Your Child's Mind, Health, and Creativity with Music"; Don Campbell; 2002
- The Joyful Child: The First Year
- University of Illinois Extension: Ages & Stages - Infants
