As parents, we want to do all that we can to help our babies learn. There are lots of different things that you can do to support your baby’s learning journey. Let’s make a start with five simple ideas.
1 . Read to your baby
According to HealthLine, ‘A 2013 study showed that babies who are read to and talked to score higher in language skills and cognitive development, like problem-solving.’
Experts recommend that you read to your baby as often as possible, from an early age.
Reading to young children is a great way to expand your child’s vocabulary. Many children's books use words that are not always frequently used in everyday conversations.
2. Get outdoors
Spending time outside is a great way to teach your baby new things, you can take them out in their Pushchair for a relaxing walk in the forest. Spending time outside is enjoyable for little ones, it also helps to boost cognitive development, and promotes a good night’s sleep. In the great outdoors your baby will experience plenty of new textures, smells, sounds, and sights.
Help them learn by giving them leaves and flowers to hold, pointing out wildlife, or the shapes of the clouds in the sky. Spending time outside is a great way to help your baby to embrace the natural world.
3. Get creative
Creative activities are a fantastic way to support your baby’s learning journey. According to The Daily Mom, ‘Recent studies have shown that arts and crafts are not only good for social/emotional development but cognitive development as well.’ There are plenty of arts and crafts activities that are suitable for babies. You might try painting, playdough, or sensory bags. Remember, it’s important to supervise young children with arts and crafts activities, particularly if they are playing with small objects.
4. Talk all the time
What’s the easiest way to support your baby’s learning journey? Talking to them! The more you chat the better. Talking to your baby is the best way to support their language development and to boost their cognitive skills. When you’re talking to your baby, use lots of positive language, help them to understand different emotions, and support their vocab skills.
5. Listen to music
Singing and music are fantastic ways to help your baby to learn. Research from The University Of Washington discovered that a series of play sessions with music improved 9-month-old babies’ brain processing of both music and new speech sounds.’ There are lots of ways to sing and experience music with your baby, you might listen to music at home, in the car, or attend a mother and baby music session.
Simple ideas are all you need to help your baby learn and develop, from reading and singing to exploring nature, there are lots of ways to support brain development. Becoming the best parent is about supporting your child to grow and thrive.
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