Research shows that reading and responding to a baby’s cues are more important to brain development than structured learning activities.  Babies who feel understood tend to learn more easily, have a positive sense of self, develop empathy, and decipher the social cues of others.  As babies are seen, understood, and felt, they begin to experience and have a greater awareness of who they are.

Eye-to-eye contact triggers pathways in babies’ brains that prepare
them for communication, helps them read and respond sensitively to
others’ cues and begin to better understand the world.  Face-to-face
contact releases hormones that stimulate positive feelings in both
parents and newborns and deepen the bond between them.

A father’s face, fully-bearded or 5 o’clock shadow,is quite a contrast to the smooth skin of a mother’s face or breast. You can almost hear the baby’s thoughts: “what on earth?” and then burst into giggles.

A light massage, belly rub, a funny face, blowing bubbles, lullabies, looking in a mirror, and peek-a-boo all stimulate a child’s sense of wonder as they experience new emotional and physical sensations. Every positive new experience opens new neural pathways for the development a sense of self

Parents and Caregivers should never underestimate the importance of play. Playing with siblings and other babies helps build critical socialization skills.

Letting your baby spend time alone develops a new set of tools for self-soothing, self-stimulation, and just being present in a brand-new world. Everything is curious and interesting and encourages exploration of the surrounding environment.

One of the trickiest parts of effective parenting is manage the sibling dynamics. Competition for parents time and affection for older siblings can impact the development of healthy relationships form the start. Birth order, age and gender differences can make managing two, three or more sibling very challenging. Make sure to prepare and include older siblings during pregnancy and arrival home of the newest member of the family. Done properly, the inevitable conflict or co-opetition, can help build resilience in the baby and the siblings. Any resentment might require additional research and even professional help in managing this critical stage of individual and group dynamics

Parents and caregivers should make time just to take in the precious moments of life. Breathing exercises even while your baby is taking a nap, can forge closer bonds by triggering oxytocin and serotonin– nature’s wonder drugs available in your own body’s pharmacy.

Caregiving is a 24-7 endeavor that takes never-ending vigilance and an inclination to worry: What am I doing wrong as a parent? Enjoy those special moments and contemplate one of nature’s mysteries: why do babies smell so good? It’s okay to be goofy occasionally and just be present with your bundle of joy.