Caring for babies

One of the most important things you do each day is provide infants with an environment where they feel both safe and happy. Here are a few suggestions for helping them develop healthy social and emotional behaviors.

• Responds promptly to babies’ needs.
• Talk with babies at every opportunity.  Sing lullabies.  Read simple books.
• Think of ways to make babies laugh- make funny faces, play simple games.
• Encourage babies to explore their environment.  Give them freedom to climb and freedom to roam.  Let them touch and feel the items that interest them.
• Be sensitive to a baby’s cues.  If she is over-stimulated, remove the source of stimulation.  If she is distressed, soothe her.