Baby Mental Stimulation

Babies need mental stimulation. Some are doing this even before their child is born with people having their baby listen to classical music because, according to studies, this is helpful in stimulating a baby's mind. There are a variety of effective ways to ensure that your baby is properly mentally stimulated and nourished.

• Communicate with your baby. Sure they’re not yet equipped with the vocabulary to respond to you in full sentence but it does not mean that talking to her is futile. Talk to her while you dress her, bathe her or feed her. This will encourage interaction and she will soon respond with a coo, smile or a few syllables.

• Engage your child in activities that will stimulate their mind. Allow your baby to explore his surroundings by showing him around the house, taking him for a stroll at the park or letting him play with safe household items like plastic cups and pails. Just be sure he can't put it into his mouth.

• Give her mind stimulating toys like building blocks, shape sorters and push and pull toys that will incite her to use her creativity, imagination, logical thinking and teach her a variety of lessons like spatial awareness and cause and effect.

• Encourage socialization and interaction. Introduce your baby to other kids and neighbors. Teach him the art of conversation by putting up a puppet show or making him play with toy telephones and have him imitate you when you talk to someone on the phone.

• Give constant signs of affection such as hugs and kisses to make your baby feel loved and cared for and to give her an assurance that she is safe and secure which is also contributory to the development of a positive self-esteem.

• Read stories to your baby. This is important in widening your baby's language capacity and introducing him to different concepts.

• Avoid subjecting your kid to stress. Don't over stimulate your baby by bringing her to crowded and noisy places. Also, avoid having arguments in front of your baby because this may cause psychological trauma and may be detrimental to her overall development.

• It is of utmost importance that you give your baby a proper nutritional diet. If he's already started on solids, make sure you give him adequate nutrients, vitamins and minerals that are needed for his brain to thrive and develop properly.

• Let your child have cars, trucks and vehicle toys that do not have small or loose parts, sharp and pointy objects and are made of durable and flexible but safe plastic material.

Your baby's brain development is one of the most important aspects of their overall development as an individual. As a parent, it is your responsibility to provide a safe environment where your baby can explore with their mind and senses, and learn about the world around them.