Magic moments

Special equipment or programmes?

Babies explore and learn from an interesting range of books (enjoyed with you), toys and fun with ordinary household objects such as saucepans and wooden spoons.

Body language is part of communication and you can help your baby by exaggerating your own gestures as well as tuning into hers. Gestures are a natural extension of being attentive to babies. You add the open palm gesture that communicates ‘give me’ as well as using the words. Perhaps you follow your baby or toddler’s lead when they move a hand in a certain way to show they want a drink or make the movements of Incey Wincey Spider to show they want that song. You will help your baby and toddler when you respond fully to her communication.

You can take this one stage further and find out how to develop sign language with your baby.

Ideally, share attention with your child throughout your time together. (And make it clear what you expect if someone else takes responsibility for your baby while you work.)
Daily routines with babies can seem non-stop, so a period when you sit with your baby, play and chat in a relaxed way can be useful. It won’t help your baby if you keep pushing your child on to the next stage. She needs time to learn and practice and you will help best if you relax and encourage. Babies do fine at their own pace.

If you would like to read about current research about babies’ intelligence, try:

How babies think: the science of childhood - Alison Gopnik, Andrew Meltzoff, and Patricia Kuhl, (1999) Weidenfeld and Nicolson.

Your child’s growing mind: a practical guide to brain development and learning from birth to adolescence- Jane Healy, (1994) Doubleday (A US publication, available from Amazon.com or Community Insight mail order books tel 01793 51612)