How to participate in your baby’s development?
Dr. Valleteau de Moulliac,
Consulting pediatrician for Laboratoires Sarbec
This is a question you ask yourself, just like the vast majority of parents. But it is difficult to answer in just a few words.
First, know that your baby is not an inert, vegetative being, incapable of responding to your interactions, but on the contrary, is born with enormous abilities that gradually develop over time (this is psychomotor development) with an unchanging chronology, but one that differs from child to child (no comparisons). These abilities, which need to be stimulated, are essentially based on the five senses they possess: touch, hearing, taste, sight, and smell (some of which are already present in utero). By stimulating these senses, you will best contribute to your child’s awakening with all the affection you can give them, even if during the first 6 months the mother’s role is predominant.
- From birth, you should speak to your child in a soft, soothing tone: even if they don’t understand the words, they understand your intentions. The modulations of your voice and changes in tone—even a bit exaggerated—capture their attention and make them react. Take advantage of everyday gestures to explain what you are doing, but also sing or let them listen to music.
- For sight, quickly offer them objects with bright colors to attract their gaze and capture their interest.
- The sense of smell develops very quickly (at birth, your baby is already attracted to your breast). They very quickly recognize your scent, but don’t overwhelm them with unpleasant odors or strong perfumes.
- Touch is a major sense. Skin-to-skin contact from birth is proof of this and reinforces it. Bathing and massaging your baby also help. Very quickly, let them feel soft or rough materials (comforters) and don’t be stingy with caresses and cuddles.
- Taste develops with breastfeeding and then with the introduction of solid foods.
Don’t hesitate to use age-appropriate developmental toys, which are often very well designed, but at first there is no need for very sophisticated toys. The best games are often everyday objects. Play mats that offer different visual, tactile, or sound activities are widely used.
However, be careful not to try to turn them into a superhero. Overstimulation can have very negative effects, even on their sleep. Don’t overwhelm the child with toys or activities. Also give them the freedom to explore and experiment on their own.
Stimulate your baby by developing their senses, but beware of excess!
