BABY WATCH
How Babies LEARN
new toy or object. He will look at it; bring it to
his mouth and fingers to examine its size, shape and
texture. He shakes to see how it moves, whether it
makes any sound. As he grows older and more skillful,
he will try various other ways like pulling, squeezing,
twisting the toy or throwing it on the floor. He will
try fitting it into a container to explore size. The
more responsive the toy is to his handling, the more
the explorations. All these help him to learn. Needless
to say he learns a lot from his interactions with
you and other family members. Learning is vital but
it should be fun too at this stage. Through play,
they learn how to learn, how to be creative and flexible
in solving problems. Early enjoyment propels them
to learn more and sets the stage for the more formal
learning that is offered through schooling.
A HIGH MAINTENANCE Baby
A high maintenance baby displays
some, if not all, of the following characteristics:
• Start easily and acts jumpy or cries at
various sounds
• Extreme sensitivity and is uncomfortable with
bright lights, lots of activity, some clothes
• Protests about everything from bathing to
sleeping
• Restless and refuses to nap
• Gets upset by new people, surroundings or
experiences
• Rarely smiles, cries often, whimpers, wails
and screams
Within weeks of birth, most babies display their
temperament. High maintenance babies have their
traits in place at birth hence don't feel guilty
if your baby is fussy or difficult. There is nothing
wrong with you or your baby; that's just the way
your baby is.
You cannot change baby's temperament but you can
avoid situations that are upsetting for baby. Experimentation
and work on your part at the start is necessary
but this will pay off in the end.
Look for patterns
in his mood swings.
What triggers his fussy behavior? If he is hungry
after napping, feed him first. Establish a routine;
it is comforting for baby to know what to expect
and when.
Reduce stimulation
if baby is sensitive.
Lights, noise, color, activity all act as stimulants
and can therefore upset a sensitive baby. Set a
calming routine such as a bath, then rocking or
cuddling. Dress him in natural fabrics and keep
baby comfortably layered.
Be consistent.
Set up a routine baby can depend on. When he fusses,
respond to baby in the same way as much as possible.
Keep your cool; don't get overwhelmed and frustrated.
Baby may sense your feelings and this can agitate
baby more.
Stay focused on the
positive.
As baby gets older and more mobile, you may see
a change. Till then take comfort that you are doing
your best and that this phase too will pass.
FOREIGN
LANGUAGE & your Baby
It is never too early to begin. Researchers say
that children learn languages most easily between
birth and age 10. You can expose your child to different
languages at this time and not limit baby to one
language. A baby can learn a foreign language with
the same ease as he learns his native language.
If both parents each speak a different language,
he can learn both languages if they are spoken to
him. Baby can be bilingual or even multilingual
if his grandparents use a third language. It's a
matter of exposure.
