Your baby is always watching you, and she can benefit from a “running commentary” of sorts. Tell her what you’re doing, and why, as you go about your daily activities. Remember, even if she’s not talking, that doesn’t mean she isn’t listening and learning. According to author and speech pathologist Dorothy P. Dougherty, “The natural way for your baby to learn the meanings of words is to listen to you talk in relation to the events going on around you. In this manner, he will learn to associate the words you say with the actions, objects, or thoughts you describe.”
Take a hike.
Or just a stroll around the neighborhood. Either way, point out different sights, sounds, and smells to Baby as you go.
Teach Baby to socialize.
Social skills are a crucial part of Baby’s development. Whether it’s play groups, neighbors’ kids, or a couple of cousins, supervised play time with other children will not only help Baby develop social skills, but will offer plenty of mental stimulation at the same time.
Allow for natural curiosity.
Confinement to a playpen or bouncy seat may be convenient for you, but it’s not so great for your baby’s brain development. Make sure your baby has a relatively large, safe play area and let her crawl around and explore it. Place her favorite toys around the perimeter to encourage lots of movement.
Repeat … and repeat again.
Babies learn things by repetition, so be prepared to do things over and over.
Elaborate.
Provide extra information about familiar objects. For example, when Baby points and says, “Dog,” you respond enthusiastically with, “Yes – a big brown dog with a white chest!”
Keep Baby healthy.
Ensure that your baby is getting the proper nutrients, especially iron, and is physically active on a regular basis.