Brain Games for Babies: the Sequel

Brianna has been around long enough now to know that there's plenty of fun to be had. Babies are actively learning whenever they're being held, cuddled, talked to, played with, and so on. In an earlier blog post I sang the praises of a little book called 125 Brain Games for Babies. If you don't have a baby of your own, borrow one sometime soon and try these out.

Today, Brianna will share a few sure-fire samplers. (Research-based rationale will be in italics).

SNUGGLE, BUGGLE, I LOVE YOU

• Hold your baby in your arms and rock her back and forth
• As you rock, say "Snuggle, buggle, I love you" (or make up your own variation)
• On the word "YOU" kiss a part of her body--head, nose, toes.

The more an infant is cuddled, snuggled, and held, the more secure and independent she will be when she is older. This game develops bonding.

BABY TALK

• When you speak "parentese" to babies, you're communicating with them and encouraging vocal responses. This develops language skills.
• Say things like, "You're such a sweet baby" (perfectly true) or "Look at those ten little toes" (true, I hope).
• When you speak in parentese, hold your baby near to your face and look directly into her eyes.

Research says babies respond positively to "parentese"-- the high-pitched sounds adults make when talking to babies.

SOOTHING MUSIC

• Place a small cassette player near your baby's crib. Choose soft instrumental music or lullabies to play-- or better yet, some jazz or Big Band! Whatever baby likes and responds to best.
• Music that has a repeated melody is very soothing to baby because it's the kind of sound she heard in the womb.
• Tape the sounds of your dishwasher and play it for your baby. This also is similar to the sounds of the womb. Some of you might need to try the washer or garbage disposal. : )
• If you are at all musical, baby would actually prefer to hear YOU sing or play an instrument!
  

Babies possess a natural response to music through their conditioning in the womb to rhythm, sound, and movement.

THE BLOWING GAME

• This game helps baby become aware of the different parts of her body.
• Blow gently on your baby's hands, saying in a singsong chant,"Here are the baby's hands."
• Then kiss the baby's hands.
• Blow on other parts of the body. Most babies like gentle blowing on their elbows, fingers, neck, cheek, and toes.
  
  
  Positive sensory experiences and social interactions with adults advance the baby's cognitive abilities.

NONVERBAL GAMES

• Communicate with baby by looking into her eyes, holding her close to your body, and responding to her sounds.
• Holding her close develops the secure attachment that she needs for her growth.
• Hold your baby close and walk around the room.
• Stop walking and look into her eyes, smile, and rub noses.
• Start walking again, then stop. Repeat this several times.
  
  
  Touching, holding, and cuddling a baby not only comfots her, but helps her brain grow.

"Well, I don't know about you, but I'm ready for a nap. These interviews take a lot out of me." Z-z-z-z-z.





For the full text of Brianna's enlightening interview, click on the video below. Enjoy.