It’s You and Me Baby

It is very important to talk to your baby. You may wonder how much of what you say is understood by your baby.  But don’t worry.  When you talk, your baby is listening. When you talk to babies use simple words and phrases.  You should speak clearly.  And talking to your baby can be done anywhere – at home, in the car, or even while they’re on a baby carrier.  These are your baby’s first lessons in communication.  Here are some tips for talking to your baby:

Look at your baby’s eyes while you are talking to them.

Call your baby by their name.

Keep your talk simple. Say “pretty baby.” Use the words “mommy” and “daddy” when you talk to her.

Add gestures to your talk.

Ask your baby questions even though they can’t answer.

Talk about what you are doing.  As you dress, bathe and change your baby, talk about what you’re doing.

Read to your baby. Babies love nursery rhymes and poems. You can even use a lively voice and read your favorite magazine or book to her. If you can, use books with stories that include a baby, a rattle or other common things. (You can find lots of children’s books at your public library.)

Sing to your baby. It is important while they begin to learn language skills.
 

Research has proven the many benefits of babywearing. Babies cry up to 40-50% less when held.

They often nurse better, and gain weight better. Being held enables mom or other caregiver to notice their baby’s feeding cues earlier and before crying starts, as crying is a late cue for hunger in babies. And if you are able to start a feed before the baby is crying frantically usually the feeding goes better.

Babies who are often called colicky or fussy often do better if the time they are carried is increased. The rocking motion and the tight swaddle effect of some carriers is just what they like.

Dads and other caregivers can also promote bonding with baby through holding and provide comfort to baby when mom needs a break.  This can be done with a baby sling if dads take the babies out for a given period.

Keeps them safe. Since they are held in your personal space strangers are less likely to touch baby and this can be great during cold and flu season and for spreading germs. You also always know where they are– which is great for toddlers!

Hold your infant as opposed to having him or her in an infant car seat-type carrier or bouncy seat.  Holding your infant actually helps him or her thrive!  Try “wearing” your baby in a baby sling, wrap or pouch.  Encourage skin-to-skin contact.  Massage your baby on a regular basis (i.e. bath time or bed time).  Respond quickly and predictably to an infant cries.  Come routinely within a few minutes and begin comforting your crying infant verbally in a reassuring tone on the way to picking him up.  By doing these things you are letting your baby know he is safe, secure, and that his basics needs will be met.  That frees the developing brain to learn and retain new information effectively.  (These ideas come from Jill Stamm’s great book Bright From the Start and are research-based).