Your Baby...What You Can Do
…is beginning to cry less and use other sounds to let you know about his needs.Respond early to your child’s fussing sounds. This will actually “train” him to cry less, and “talk” more when he wants something from his caregivers.
…is fascinated by his hands and is beginning to grab for things.Give your baby easy-to-hold toys that make sounds when he moves them. Then he can learn that what he does with this hands can affect what he sees and hears.
…likes to watch and listen and tries to interact with his world.Hang interesting toys above his crib or chair sometimes. Look into his eyes when you talk. Hold an object above his head and move it slowly from side to side. Can he follow it with his eyes?
…wants to put his mouth on everything. This is how he learns where his body ends and the world begins.Give him smooth, rounded toys and read books that can hold up to drool and strong gums! Make sure all toys are at least 1 ½ inches wide on all sides, and have no small parts that can come off.
…is calmed by music. She will even try to “sing” along with you sometimes.Listen to music and sing to your baby. Don’t worry if you can’t carry a tune – your baby will love it anyway. Try to remember songs from your own childhood, or buy children’s tapes from bookstores or shopping centers. Libraries have them, too.