Important learning takes place from the earliest weeks and months of an infant's life. In fact, scientists have found that the early years are a time of active brain development, and that the kinds of experiences and attachments young children have can be especially important to that development. Consistent nurturing develops a strong emotional attachment between you and your infant, as well as positive, healthy feelings in your baby. The closer the bond between your baby and you, the more eager he is to learn everything.
The Importance of Touch
Gently touching and cuddling your baby makes him feel safe and secure. In fact, some experts believe that loving touch helps stimulate and "grow" your baby's brain, so that when he gets older he is more capable of loving other people. So snuggle up with your baby as often as you can, but do not over stimulate him. Be gentle and responsive to the cues he gives you. If he likes what you are doing -- great! But if he frowns or pulls away, be aware that it is time to stop.
Learning Through Repetition
By six to eight weeks of age, your infant has already developed expectations from repeated interactions with the important adults in his life. For instance, when you hold your baby upright in your arms, he knows this is a position for interaction. He naturally becomes more alert -- and either "expects" something to happen or initiates an interaction himself. For example, a bouncy, quizzical look at Dad might indicate his readiness for play, while an "all business" glance at Mom may signal his desire to be fed. As early as two months old, your infant looks forward to your nurturing care.
Learning Though Frustration
As your baby becomes more mobile, he hurries to get upright -- first sitting, then creeping or scooting alone. Even at a few months of age, your infant strains to get himself up when you gently pull his arms. He may get frustrated when he tries to move in a certain way that is difficult for him -- but that's okay! These frustrations are all part of the learning process. If you rush to help him too often, he does not experience the successes of doing something all by himself.
Mouthing, Looking, and Touching
Your baby learns important lessons about his world by simply looking, mouthing, and touching almost everything. Be on the alert for these infant learning milestones:
Mouthing: Your baby works hard to put things in his mouth. This is the primary way he explores and learns. Allow him to mouth objects that are clean and safe -- and large enough that he cannot choke on them. If your baby wants to chew on books, do not worry. Choose a few soft cloth or plastic books that can take the wear and tear -- and moisture -- of a curious little one.
Looking: As early as two months of age, your little one watches a mobile for extended periods of time and even tries to stay awake to do so. He also watches his hands, turning them over and over in front of his eyes. He is beginning to learn hand-eye coordination. This "practice" helps him when he starts reaching out to touch objects, at about four months of age.
Touching: Infants really start to use their hands at about three months of age. Giving your baby rattles, plastic cups, and safe, simple toys helps him build strength and coordination. At about four months, he starts learning how to transfer toys from one hand to the other. He also touches your face: This is the beginning of what is called PERSON PERMANENCE, the awareness that people are real and continue to exist even when out of sight. As he learns to move about more, at around seven months, your infant tests this new concept by hunting for toys, pushing them out of reach, and then going after them again.
From the book, The First Years: A Parenting & Caregivers Guide to Helping Children Learn, by Jane Pozmantier, Joanne Go, and Laurie Segal Robinson. Copyright © 2001. Reprinted by arrangement with DK Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. Click here for information on how to purchase this book.