When a baby is five months old or younger, actual interaction with other infants is minimal. This is not to say that play groups are not important. They are, because they put babies into contact with one another and expose them to social stimuli, which can only be good for their development. However, at this early stage play groups are most valuable to Mom.
Being part of a play group is great at getting you out of the house and helping relieve any feelings of isolation or depression that you may have felt since having your baby. Play groups offer the opportunity to meet other moms who are at the same stage of life and with whom you share similar concerns. Together you can exchange ideas and advice about your children. Ultimately you become each other's support group.
4. Never too young to learn
Enrol in a baby course. Find out what is offered in your neighbourhood or city. Whether it's music or storytelling, baby classes help a child's intellectual growth. I took my daughter to her first music group when she was four weeks old. Granted she slept through it the first time. But as of week two, her eyes and ears were on the man with the guitar. Today at 14 months she's still in awe and screams in delight every time she sees someone singing or playing an instrument.
As for you, you'll really enjoy watching your child's positive reaction to the surrounding activity. And as with play groups, you'll get out of the home and have the chance to mingle with other like-minded moms, dads and caregivers.
It's never too soon to expose a child to books. I started reading to my daughter when she was in my womb, every night before I'd go to sleep. Okay, you don't have to start that early, but reading to your baby promotes the development of their language skills.
What's really fun is to take your little one to a bookstore. Nowadays most bookstores allow you to browse and read on the premises. Go to the children's section, make yourself and baby comfy, and start nurturing their love for reading.
Pick books that are colourful and filled with bold shapes. Point to the different animals in a book and teach your baby what sound each one makes. Use a different voice for each character in a story. You're baby may not understand what you're reading but I can assure you that they will definitely be intrigued and fascinated.
6. Introduction to animals
Your baby is probably too young for a trip to the zoo but nothing prevents the two of you from visiting your local pet store, where a whole new world of discovery awaits. Your son or daughter will be amazed at the puppies, kittens, bunnies, birds and all of the other animals.
Whichever way you decide to spend time with your baby, keep in mind that you have embarked on a fabulous journey that shouldn't restrict you to just feeding, burping, bathing and the countless other responsibilities attached to parenthood. So get out there with baby in tow and have some fun!
Read more: How to deal with a teething baby.
Page 2 of 2
Comment reported
Thank you for reporting this comment as inappropriate.
Back to Comments »