Communicating with baby is vital to his development. It’s by encouraging baby to talk to others that he can build a solid foundation of self-esteem. Smiling, carrying and cuddling are all ways of showing baby different facets of interaction that are a perfect complement to spoken language. How do you go about it, and what are the latest discoveries in this area?
How do you interact with your baby?
SPEECH
Even if he doesn’t understand what you’re saying, baby reacts to your intonations and words. By talking to him, you stimulate his listening skills and gradually help him to understand the meaning of things. In this way, you improve his ability to learn language.
TOUCH
A great sign of affection, stroking has the power to comfort baby and show him your love. Don’t hesitate to stroke different parts of his body: his neck, shoulders, back or fontanelle. These gestures improve baby’s perception of sensations.
Skin-to-skin”, the virtues of which are well proven, is an excellent way of bringing mother and baby together, so don’t hesitate to start.
GAMES
Games are an excellent way of attracting your child’s attention and getting them to interact with you. They are a great way for babies to socialise. Here are a few examples: peek-a-boo, crawling, tickling, songs, etc.
SIGN LANGUAGE
Babies communicate by crying. Babies begin to express themselves by speaking between 18 and 24 months, because their jaws are sufficiently developed at this age to distinguish sounds.
Many parents have opted for sign language. The concept is to teach your baby simple words such as bottle, give, take, or sleep, etc.
EXPRESSIONS
Your mood, attitude and state of mind will help you to attract baby’s attention. He will gradually learn to decipher your expressions and react to your gestures:
Smiles, laughter,
Grimaces,
Crying.
CARRYING
Carrying your child is very good for them. In your arms or in a sling, babywearing reassures them. Carrying your baby in your arms or in a sling provides reassurance and ensures continuity with your pregnancy, as your baby has been cradled in your womb for 9 months.
MASSAGE
Massaging your baby does him a lot of good. It helps him to :
Sleep better,
Digest better,
relax,
Communicate better with others.
Tips for successful interaction
From birth, baby feels your emotions and understands your intonations. Baby cries to express his needs. Everything you do to take care of him will be perceived by your little one as a way of communicating to reassure him (by singing, rocking, etc.), to feed him, to put him to sleep and, of course, to play with him.
– Avoid baby talk by using simple words: your actions and words will play a decisive role in your baby learning to speak,
– Be spontaneous and reassuring,
– Stimulate his interest,
– Take the time to understand baby:
Know his needs and reflexes,
Identify the right moments for communication.
– Be patient: babies often communicate by crying, so you need to be very calm and patient and ignore the crying and screaming.
– Make the most of the moment: babies grow up very quickly. You have to make the most of these precious moments
– Make the most of babbling and tickling: stimulating your baby’s laughter helps his intellectual development.
– Play with your child: regardless of the activity, playing helps promote sensory, intellectual and physical development.
