Sneak a peek into your baby’s brain by watching for these signs of child development stages.
You blinked. Now your cuddly newborn is zipping along the floor, climbing stairs and exploring all the dark and mysterious corners of his world. Before you know it, he’ll be cruising the room on his own two feet, and his world — and yours—-will never look the same. To prevent disaster, he needs always to be under someone’s watchful eye.
While you’re watching baby activities in your home, you might look for the changes your baby is making on the inside. These changes through baby development stages are harder to see, but you’ll find clues to tell you what’s going on in his mind and soul.
Signs of Baby Brain Development
Does your baby start to move toward the door when he hears mom or dad talking in another room? His mind is developing. He can put together certain sounds—-like the refrigerator opening—-with expected fun (lunch!). Now’s the time to have fun with simple games of "hide and seek." Your baby will find ongoing delight in watching favorite toys or people disappear and reappear.
Does he notice when you put new objects into his room? Does your baby like to drop things from his high chair and wait for you to pick them up? It’s a clue that he is developing a memory. He knows now that "out of sight" doesn’t mean "gone forever." He knows the food or toy he drops will appear again, if only a friendly slave will come to his rescue.
He remembers what a lovely sound that dropped spoon made during breakfast and tries to repeat the show—-sometimes over, and over, and over.
Babies' Development Means They Understand Parents
Does your child stop to listen and respond when you talk now? He’s starting to understand more of what you say. In fact, he may grasp whole ideas, like "yukky" or "stop" when he reaches for that dead fly on the carpet. (Well, in my house, anyway. I’m sure yours has no dead flies.) This is good news, because now you can begin to give simple one- or two-word explanations for why you want his behavior to change. Believe it or not, research says this really works-—even better than just saying "NO" dozens of times a day.
Does your child shy away from strangers and cling to you when you leave? He now understands that his new freedom sometimes separates you from him. And he remembers that doesn’t always feel good. Mixed up with this discovery is a growing fear of people he doesn’t know well. If you accept his fear and keep him close, he’ll soon learn to feel secure and protected. This will allow him to explore new places and people more easily. Grandparents and friends who take it slowly when getting acquainted will find their patience is worth the effort.
Infant Activity Keeps Minds Growing
Try it for yourself. Watch for more clues that reveal the many ways your child’s mind and soul are awakening every day. Then make the most of every day to build on that learning with games, songs and conversation. These precious days will be over before you know it. Keep your eyes wide with delight!
Linda Wacyk is a mother of four children.