Stimulation can help children learn and their brains mature
Infants and children go through a complex developmental process through which they acquire skills motor, social, cognitive and emotional. This is a delicate process that raises many doubts among caregivers, especially in first year of life. After all, this stage of development is subtle and requires a lot of attention.
But how can caregivers help in this process? Based on a brochure from the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (SBP), created together with the Sociedade Paraibana de Pediatria (SPP), we have collected some suggestions, which you can see below.
The comprehensive document addresses the main developmental milestones of your child from 2 months to 5 years and can help identify any delays. The material was created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, a US body that works to protect health and prevent disease) and translated by Brazilian pediatricians. You can access the booklet Here.
At 2 months
- Respond positively to your child. Be cheerful, smile and talk to him when he makes sounds. This teaches him to “take turns” and respond in conversation;
- Talk, read and sing to your baby to help him develop and understand language;
- Spend time hugging and holding your baby. This will help you feel safe and cared for. You won’t “spoil” your baby by holding him or talking back to him;
- Place your baby on his tummy when he’s awake and place toys in front of him at eye level. This will help you practice lifting your head. Don’t leave your child alone. If he seems drowsy, place him on his back in a safe place to sleep (firm mattress with no blankets, pillows, pillows, or toys);
- Have routines for sleeping and eating. This will help your child begin to learn what to expect.
At 4 months
- Provide safe opportunities for your child to pick up toys, kick them, and explore their surroundings. For example, place him in a comforter with safe toys;
- Allow your baby to put safe things in his mouth to explore. This is how children learn. For example, let him see, feel, and touch things that aren’t sharp, hot, or small enough for him to see suffocation;
- Talk, read and sing to your baby. This will help you learn to speak and understand words later;
- Sing and talk to your baby as you help him “exercise” (move his body) for a few minutes. Gently bend and move your arms and legs up and down;
- Give your baby time to move and interact with people and objects throughout the day. Try not to keep your baby in swings, strollers or car seats for too long.
At 6 months
- Use “back and forth” play with your baby. When your baby smiles, you smile; when he makes sounds, you copy them. This helps you learn to be sociable;
- “Read” to your baby every day by looking at colorful pictures in magazines or books and talking about them. Answer him even when he stutters and “reads”. For example, if he makes sounds, tell her “Yes, that’s the puppy!;
- Point out new things to your baby and name them. For example, during a walk, point out cars, trees and animals;
- Sing to your baby and listen to music. This will help his brain develop;
- Place your baby on his stomach or back and place toys out of his reach. Encourage him to roll over to reach the toys.
At 9 months
- Repeat your baby’s sounds and say simple words using these sounds. For example, if your child says “bobobo,” repeat “bobobo,” then say “ball”;
- Place toys on the floor or on a play mat slightly out of reach and encourage your baby to crawl, crawl or roll to get them. Celebrate when it reaches them;
- Teach your child to wave goodbye or shake his head “no.” For example, say hello and say “bye” when you leave. You can also teach language with simple gestures to tell your child what he wants before he can use words;
- Ask for the behaviors you want from him. For example, instead of saying “don’t get up”, say “it’s time to sit down”;
- Name one Quick, cheerful goodbyes instead of running away, so your baby knows you’re leaving, even if he cries. He will learn to calm down and wait. Let him know when you’re back by saying “Daddy’s back!”
At 12 months
- Teach your child “desired behaviors.” Show him what to do and use positive words or hug and kiss him when he does it. For example, if you pull your pet’s tail, teach him to gently pet him and hug him when he does so;
- Talk or sing to your baby about what you are doing. For example, “Mommy washes her hands” or sings: “So we wash our hands.”;
- Give meaning to what your child is trying to say. If he says “ta”, say “Yes, a truck”, or if he says “truck”, say “Yes, it’s a big blue truck”;
- Give your baby safe places to explore. Childproof your home. For example, keep sharp or breakable objects out of reach. Lock up medicines, chemicals and cleaning products. Save the emergency number on all phones;
- Give your baby pots and pans or a small musical instrument like a drum or rattle. Encourage your baby to make noise.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
