Infant Development

Research has shown that the more an infant is cuddled, snuggled and held, he will be more secure and independent by the time he is two years old.

Even in utero, human babies begin to recognize the muffled voices of those who care for them. By 10 days of age, they can distinguish the smell of their mother's breast milk from that of another woman. Around 5 weeks, babies demonstrate a preference for their primary caretakers by smiling or vocalizing. They follow them intently, first with their eyes, then later on hands and knees. By 9 months, many infants scream when their parents try to leave, as if to say, "I can't bear being without you!"

And so it is that babies fall in love with their caregivers. Psychologists, of course, have a less romantic name for it: attachment.

Gently touching your baby will make him feel secure and safe. Here are some games that will build confidence, independence and grow the brain.

Snuggle Buggle - I Love You

Develops Bonding

1. Hold your baby in your arms and rock her back and forth.

2. As you rock, say the words “Snuggle, buggle, I love you.”

3. On the word “you” kiss a part of her body. ...head, nose, toes, etc.

4. Soon, your little one will be offering you parts of her body to kiss.

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Babies respond to “parentese.” That’s the high pitched voice sound that you make when you are talking to your baby.

Baby Talk –

Develops Language

1. When you speak “parentese” to infants, you are communicating with them and encouraging vocal responses. This in turn develops language.

2. Say things like “you’re such a sweet baby” or “ look at those pretty little toes.”

3. As you speak sentences in parentese, hold the baby close to your face and look directly into her eyes.