I ran across this awesome article last week on how to help get a smarter baby.
Really It’s just ideas on how to help stimulate their brains and get them motivated to learn. Some of the great ideas on getting your baby stimulated include simple ideas like:
Stick out your tongue. Studies show that newborns as young as 2 days old can imitate simple facial movements — it’s a sign of very early problem solving.
Sing a song. Learn as many tunes as you can, or make up your own verses (“This is the way we change your diaper, change your diaper, change your diaper . . . “). Play Bach, the Beatles, or Britney Spears. Some research suggests that learning the rhythms of music is linked to learning math.
Make the most of diaper time. Use moments on the changing pad to teach body parts or pieces of clothing. Narrate to help your baby learn to anticipate routines.
Be a playground. Lie down on the floor, and let your baby climb and crawl all over you. It’s cheaper than a jungle gym and lots more fun! You’ll help boost her coordination and problem-solving skills.
Go shopping. When you need a break from your song and dance, visit the supermarket. The faces, sounds, and colors there provide perfect baby entertainment.
Pick it up. Even if it seems like your baby repeatedly drops toys off her high chair just to drive you nuts, go fetch. She’s learning and testing the laws of gravity. Give her several pieces of wadded-up paper or some tennis balls, put an open bucket under her seat, and let her take aim!
Grab a tissue or two. If your baby loves pulling tissues out of the box, let him! For a few cents, you’ve got sensory playthings that he can crumple or smooth out. Hide small toys under them, and thrill your tot when you “find” them again.
Read books. Again and again! Scientists have found that babies as young as 8 months can learn to recognize the sequence of words in a story when it’s read 2 or 3 times in a row — this is believed to help them learn language.
Make a family album. Include photographs of relatives near and far, and flip through it often to build your child’s memories. When Grandma calls, show him her picture as he listens on the phone.
Play in the rain. Jump in puddles. Sit in wet grass together. It’s a fun, albeit messy, way of learning about wet and dry.
The great thing is you probably are already doing a lot of these things…so it just reinforces what a great parent you are. It might also give you some new inspiration!
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