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There are many different factors that influence the
intelligence of your baby. Of course there are genetics
which are predetermined, however, simple things like
giving him/her interesting things to look at, having your
baby choose what to eat, interacting with family and
friends, and teaching simple sign language can also have
an impact. The tiny little mind of a baby keeps
developing at lightning speed when it leaves the womb.
Visual stimulation is very important to help aid in this
process at such a young age. Bright vivid patterns are the
best option, especially those with reds, whites, and
blacks since these color are said to be recognized first
by babies. The colors stimulate the brain and encourage
discrimination between colors.
When your baby gets old enough to point and motion to
things it is important to use that to your advantage.
Babies' knowledge is based a lot upon environment so it's
important that when your baby points at something to
repeat the name of this item or object a few times. Along
with repeating the name, maintaining eye contact is
critical also as this will make a greater impact of what
you are saying.
There are everyday things that you can incorporate
pointing into to make it a learning or stimulating
experience for your baby. One idea is when it's time to
eat, have your baby point to which food he/she would like
to eat. This involves your baby in the process and also
will help you to determine which foods he/she favors.
Feeding time will therefore be a more pleasureable time
for you AND the baby!
Communication, other than crying, is one of the things
a baby lacks. It has been said that teaching sign language
to your baby can increase intelligence and also speed up
the process of speaking verbally. Signing the everyday
simple things to your child will help him/her catch on to
identifying objects. You can incorporate sign with just
about anything including colors, food, and ABC's.
When teaching a sign to your baby, always make sure to
pair it with a verbal word and again maintain eye contact.
Also repetition will speed up the rate at which your baby
learns the sign. When a baby first learns or uses a sign
and uses it with you correctly it is extremely important
to reinforce this behavior through hugs, kisses, a
favorite food, or anything that you know is pleasurable
for him/her. This will motivate your baby to perform the
action again.
It is also important for your baby to be comfortable in
social environments. The more social interaction the baby
has at a young age may affect how the baby feels about
being apart from you as the parent. Letting other family
members or friends hold your baby will help to discourage
or dull down the separation anxiety that sometimes occurs
with babies.
Playing or being around other babies or small children
will also encourage a more outgoing and confident baby.
Providing more social interaction with your baby will give
him/her a head start for a more healthy self esteem. It
will also help when you decide you are ready for a night
out and leave your baby with a sitter.
Even though babies are small and lack everyday
communication like you or I they are still little brains
at work. Every teaching opportunity is important to take
advantage of in order to give your baby a healthy head
start in the world. The more stimulating the environment
is, the better! The most important thing though is to have
fun and enjoy the time you spend with your bundle of joy.
Time goes by fast!
An wonderful baby gift idea is an
educational gift basket containing baby products and
toys by Baby Einstein Gifts. These gift baskets are filled
with books, toys, dvd's and more to stimulate littel minds
at an early age. |
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