Friday, May 13, 2011

Infant Stimulation Activity: making music

You may have heard about playing music for your baby, but how about making music? Tap out a rhythm on a drum, jingle some bells, or play a simple tune on the piano. See what effect different instruments and different tunes have on your baby.

And do not feel limited by any lack of instruments in your home - put some beans in a plastic container, get a spoon and a pot, or ring some chimes.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Infant Stimulation Activity: and the extended family

How wonderful that other members of the family want to enjoy the activities that you are doing with your infant. What a great stimulator to hear other voices, see other faces, and smell other scents.

The most important part of having others enjoy the infant stimulation program is having them understand that babies enjoy extended periods of interaction. This is not a fleeting moment of play, but a focused period of stimulation.

So perhaps Grandma and Grandpa, and Aunt and Uncle, and cousins, should observe what you have been doing, understand it, perhaps read this blog, or get the book How to Have a Smarter Baby, and they will have a great education in how to get directly involved in their new family member's health, happiness, and brain development!

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Infant Stimulation Activity: and siblings


Older siblings can be wonderful helpers in your Infant Stimulation Program. In fact, involving an older sibling in interaction with the baby is great way to smooth the transition of somebody new entering the family.

As siblings, they too need to build a positive relationship with one another. So teach your older child some infant stimulation techniques such as singing songs, talking to the baby, and general gentle playing. They probably will take to the "program" quite naturally!

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Infant Stimulation Activity: rythm and patterns

Round and round the mulberry bush, the monkey chased the weasel.
The monkey stopped to pull up his socks, And Pop! goes the weasel.

Rhyming poetry and nursery rhymes introduce rhythms and patterns to your baby. And with this one, imagine the fun of the sound and facial expression when you get to “Pop! goes the weasel.”

Repeat the verse a few times and bring your baby in for a cuddle!