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What we have learned from research and common-sense is that
what you do before and during your pregnancy matters! It’s
important to think about and plan for your child. If you’re
already pregnant, you’ll want to take folic acid regularly,
reduce your caffeine intake, and eat healthy foods. If you
or your partner drink, smoke or take drugs, find help to stop.
If you plan to work or go to school after
your baby is born, interview and choose a child care provider
before the baby is born. Talk and sing to your baby; play
soft music. Tell your baby how much you love her and how happy
you will be to see him or her.
Newborn:
You may be tired and overwhelmed and experience some new emotions.
Part of this could be due to changes in your body and your
family. Be patient with yourselves! Talking, reading and singing
softly to your baby can have a calming affect and create brain
connections which develop language skills.
Touch is very important for babies. Being in your arms and
hearing your heartbeat helps your baby feel safe. Spend this
time learning about your baby and what he or she likes. You
will become the expert on your child. Read and talk with your
baby every day, get regular well-child care, play with your
baby, and when you get overwhelmed, ask for help.
Two to Six months:
At this age, your baby is probably starting to look around,
notice things, and listen to sounds. Your baby will be making
sounds and smiling at you. Some babies don’t like to be cuddled
- they may be extra sensitive.
Be careful not to leave your baby alone on a changing table
or bed, or out of sight with other young children. Let your
baby watch you, look into his eyes when you talk to him. Playing,
singing, reading, and responding to your child make a difference
in his developing brain.
Six to Nine months:
Your baby can sit and play. Soon he’ll be crawling. Parents
are important in making their baby feel loved and successful.
Your baby may cling to you or cry when you leave him with
others. This fear may come and go and is a normal part of
his or her development.
Give your baby plenty of supervised floor time to practice
crawling. Name the different parts of your baby’s body as
you point to them. This game helps your baby learn about his
body, understand the connections between words and objects,
and practice speaking. Put unsafe, tempting things where your
baby cannot get to them. Use warning words like “ouch” or
“hot” to teach her about dangers.
Nine to Twelve months:
Your baby will start pulling herself
up to stand, “cruising” around furniture, and eventually stand
alone. Read, sing and talk to your child often. Your child may
become cautious around new people or situations. Lovingly help
your child adjust to new people and experiences. Discipline
may come up for the first time. Be loving, consistent and respectful
in creating a discipline plan.
You can play “pat-a-cake” and “peek-a-boo” games with your child.
You are helping your baby learn to talk, so say out loud the
everyday things around you such as “door,” “tree,” or “dog.”
Provide safe areas inside and outside, and develop a healthy,
balanced diet as you introduce more solid food.
Twelve to Eighteen months:
Your child is becoming more independent - walking and climbing
independently. Although your child can understand what you’re
saying, she doesn’t yet have the ability to obey your requests.
Your child appreciates routines and will want to do the same
things over and over. Child-proof your home.
Again, it is important to talk, read, sing and listen to your
child. As you do activities together, use words to describe
the activity, such as, “I’m putting your shoes on your feet;
now I’m tying your shoelaces.”
Eighteen to Twenty-Four months:
Your child is gaining coordination, and will begin to be able
to speak in simple sentences, and carry out simple instructions.
Your child will like to turn pages, unzip zippers, take off
socks and shoes and pick up small objects.
Your child will need physical walking, running, kicking and
climbing opportunities. Simple puzzles and games are good.
Watch out for small objects! Allowing your child to solve
simple problems will help build confidence and thinking skills.
Give your child simple tasks such as finding a book, getting
his jacket or washing toys. Be sure to schedule his or her
24 month Well-Baby check-up.
Two to Three years:
Your child is gaining muscle control, and will like to count
steps, and peddle a trike. His or her vocabulary is growing
rapidly. Your child has a greater sense of self and may say
“NO.” She may be easily frustrated and need adults to help
her cope with changing moods. Sing, count, talk, listen and
read to your child.
Allow your child to ride a tricycle or other wheeled or pedal
vehicle. Use child proof containers for toxic substances and
keep them out of reach. Remember that supervision is very
important - his awareness of danger is not matched with his
judgment!
This preschool
age is when young kids have chances to be more involved in community
activities. A few things to think about and consider:
- early activities create the foundation
for school - story hours, playgroups, arts, dance, and sports
programs are helpful for child and parents.
- now is the time to start looking for
and interviewing preschool programs.
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