Friday, May 27, 2011

Memorial Day

Memorial Day was established to honor Americans who have died in all wars. May we remember the many who have died for our freedom . . . and their families.


Memorial Day also often marks the start of the summer vacation season. Babysmartees is embarking on a vacation this summer and will return in the Fall BIGGER and BETTER. May everyone have a safe and happy summer.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Infant Stimulation Activity: TOES!

“This little piggy went to market, this little piggy stayed home, this little piggy had roast beef, this little piggy had none, and this little piggy cried wee wee wee all the way home.”

This Little Piggy is a wonderful stimulation activity. There is language, interaction, expression, and touch . . . to the toes! You have learned to caress your baby’s head, face, and neck. And it is common to allow your baby to grasp your finger, but this fun game is all about the feet and toes. It is a whole new area of the body to stimulate.

Make sure you and your baby are having fun and be sure to give her a big kiss, on her toes, when you are finished!

Friday, May 20, 2011

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?!)

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Infant Stimulation Activity: silly sounds

Never forget that infant stimulation is about enhancing the wonderful relationship with your baby through fun and play. And what better way to have fun than with silly sounds. Lay your infant on the bed or have him sitting in his carrier. Be sure he is in a good mood and so are you. Tell him what you are going to do "Are you ready for some silly sounds?" or "Mama is going to make some silly sounds for you." Then make a funny sound with your tongue or your lips (please check out the video for one idea). Make sure you are smiling and laughing and showing your baby how much fun silly sounds are. And as you will see in this video, do not be surprised when your baby comes back with his own silly sound or even repeats yours!

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!