Infant Stimulation Activity: snuggling & cuddling

Hold you infant in your arms. Rock her gently and whisper "I love you."

Research shows that infants who are cuddled, snuggled, and held actually grow up to be more secure and independent.

Naturally you will be holding, rocking, and snuggling your baby, but make this an actual 15 minute infant stimulation activity as often as you like . . . (every day?!)

Infant Stimulation Activity 25: security

One of the most important sensations your newborn can feel is security. Introduce a security toy to keep your baby company in his crib. How about a black and white panda?! Whatever you choose, the toy should be small, soft, and light weight. As your baby comes to know this toy and find it where he is surrounded by comfort and calm you will be able to use it when surroundings are not so comfortable for baby. For example, if you are traveling and staying in a hotel or at someone's home, your baby will recognize the toy and know that all is well at sleep time.

More ways to make bed time in an unfamiliar place more peaceful to baby is to have established a routine. Sing the same bed time lullaby every night and wish your baby a good night with the same words, "good night," "nighty-nighty," "sweet dreams." Whatever you choose repeat the same words each night and seal it with a kiss.

Infant Stimulation Activity 2: Predictability (routine)

Stimulating your baby and interacting should be done when you baby is most alert, probably after her nap. When you first begin, just 5 minutes will do. Build stimulating interactive fun right into your baby’s daily routine. Baby’s like routine, they like predictability. Think about it, isn’t that the way we all learn. You do “a” (eg baby cries), then “b” happens (mommy or daddy comes to pick me up). Your baby has learned a pattern and how to get you when she needs you. Predictability and routine are important parts of your baby’s cognitive development and therefore part of your infant stimulation program.