Learning Activities For Your Baby

Books and Babies - For babies from age 6 weeks to 1 year Sharing books is a way to have fun with your baby and to start him on the road to becoming a reader. What You Need Cardboard or cloth books with large, simple pictures of things with which babies are familiar Lift-the-flap, touch- and-feel, or peek-through play books (For suggestions, see Resources for Children,

What to Do?

Read to your baby for short periods several times a day. Bedtime is always a good time, but you can read at other times as well--while you're in the park, on the bus, or even at the breakfast table (without the food!).

As you read, point out things in the pictures. Name them as you point to them. Give your baby sturdy books to look at, touch, and hold. Allow him to peek through the holes or lift the flaps to discover surprises. Babies soon recognize the faces and voices of those who care for them. As you read to your baby, he will begin to connect books with what he loves most--your voice and closeness.

Continue talking with your older child as you did with your baby. Talking helps him to develop language skills and lets him know that what he says is important.

What to Do

The first activities in the list below work well with younger children. As your child grows older, the later activities let him do more. However, keep doing the first ones as long as he enjoys them.

Talk often with your toddler. When feeding, bathing, and dressing him, ask him to name or find different objects or clothing. Point out colors, sizes, and shapes.

Talk with your child as you read together. Point to pictures and name what is in them. When he is ready, ask him to do the same. Ask him about his favorite parts of the story, and answer his questions about events or characters.

Teach your toddler to be a helper by asking him to find things. As you cook, give him pots and pans or measuring spoons to play with. Ask him what he is doing and answer his questions. ??

Whatever you do together, talk about it with your child.

When you eat meals, take walks, go to the store, or visit the library, talk with him. These and other activities give the two of you a chance to ask and answer questions such as, "Which flowers are red? Which are yellow?" "What else do you see in the garden?"Challenge your child by asking questions that need more than a "yes" or "no" answer.

Listen to your child's questions patiently and answer them just as patiently. If you don't know the answer to a question, have him join you as you look for the answer in a book. He will then see how important books are as sources of information.

Have your child tell you a story. Then ask him questions, explaining that you need to understand better.

When he is able, ask him to help you in the kitchen. He might set the table or decorate a batch of cookies. A first- grader may enjoy helping you follow a simple recipe. Talk about what you're fixing, what you're cooking with, what he likes to eat, and more.

Ask yourself if the TV is on too much. If so, turn it off and talk!

Anil Vij is the creator of the ultimate parenting toolbox, which has helped parents all over the world raise smarter, healthier and happier children ==> http://www.expertsonparenting.com

Sign up for Anil's Experts On Parenting Newsletter - just send a blank email ===> mailto: parentingnews@aweber.com

---

White Noise for Baby Stops Colic Crying Fast

It's true. Colic is MUCH harder on the parent than... Read More

Using Music To Calm Your Baby

Music is a wonderful way for you to calm and... Read More

How To Get Your Baby into Baby Modeling?

Parents everywhere believe that they have the cutest baby in... Read More

Baby Shower for Twins (Or More) Peas in a Pod

Baby shower for twins or multiples can be given when... Read More

Gift Giving For Baby

Since they are you friends or relatives, chances are you... Read More

Whats With Celebrity Baby Names?

It seems that the days of naming your son or... Read More

Baby Furniture Buyers Guide

Communication between the guests would be wise to prevent any... Read More

Choosing a Personalized Baby Gift

Have you been invited to a baby shower or asked... Read More

Fun & Unique Baby Shower Favors

A baby shower is often the highlight of an expectant... Read More

What to Look For When Choosing Baby Furniture

If you're a new parent, be aware that you baby... Read More

Baby Strollers Tips and Advice

You have just learned that you are expecting a bundle... Read More

Five Easy Steps to Potty Train Your Baby

No?Don't let your child pee or poop every where and... Read More

Baby Strollers - Frequently Asked Questions

Baby Strollers are one of the major purchases you will... Read More

How to Choose a Changing Table

As a prospective parent, you may wonder how hard it... Read More

How To Choose a Baby Formula

Breast milk is the most natural food for your baby,... Read More

14 Steps To Reducing Your Infants Reflux

Many of the things listed below will help with your... Read More

Baby Names - Choosing Trendy or Traditional

Lists of baby names are always fun to look at,... Read More

How to Choose a Car Seat That Meets The Needs of Your Baby

There are many types of car seats available on the... Read More

Baby Yoga and Me

Having carried a sizable bump around for a very long,... Read More

How to Meet the Dietary Needs of Babies ? Health, Palate, and Lifestyle

More and more studies are proving that food has a... Read More

Make Your Own Baby Food - The Easy Way!

Is your baby about to start solid foods? Are you... Read More

Hello World: Babys Third Month Guide

Remember how you wished your baby would learn there is... Read More

How To Talk To Your Baby ? And Understand What She?s Saying Back

It is incredible, but within a years time your baby... Read More

Read Together With Your Baby

Imagine sitting your baby in your lap and reading a... Read More

How To Look For Baby Books

Look for Books! The books that you pick to read... Read More

Beyond Flash Card : How To Do The Infant Visual Stimulation In Fun And Creative Ways

Babies learn about the environment surrounding them through five senses:... Read More

Moses Baby Baskets

Moses Baby Baskets are a traditional, convenient place for babies... Read More

Colic Baby Bootcamp - Parent Survival Tips

Surviving a baby with colic truly deserves an award of... Read More

Baby Boy Clip Art to liven up your Baby Shower Cards

Loads of baby boy clip art images are available, once... Read More

Jogging Strollers?How to Get Back in Shape!

Add a little extra push and a jogging stroller to... Read More

Dozens of Baby Shower Themes

Choosing baby shower themes is the first step in planning... Read More

Babies Born With A Cleft Palate Or Lip

As many as one in 700 babies are born with... Read More

Baby Gift Baskets ? A Personalized Way to Show How Much You Care

When baby showers abound what can you give to that... Read More