Why paying attention to music is an important skill in your baby's developmental journey
Your baby’s hearing began to work well before birth, however, over the past few months, their hearing has developed, and they are now able to make more sense of sounds. Now, they can interpret and distinguish different sounds and they can tell the difference between the melodic tones of speaking and singing.[1] But how do you know they are listening and processing sound?
This is fascinating because research studies have linked that listening to music supports early language development. Studies have shown that having the ability to distinguish between sounds and musical sounds supports babies’ understanding of structure of speech. [2]
Skin-to-skin contact – at birth and beyond
When your baby was first born, it's likely that you enjoyed skin-to-skin contact together. This has multiple benefits at birth, but did you know that it's also great to implement beyond this time?
Skin-to-skin contact at birth
When babies are born, they are usually placed on their parent's bare chest for around an hour or until after the first feed. During this practice, parent and baby are both covered in a warm blanket for extra comfort. This initial skin-to-skin contact can help you to bond with each other and prepare them for feeding.[1]
Keeping it simple – your baby doesn’t need loads of toys, or activities that take hours to set up
Supporting your baby’s learning and development doesn’t need to involve lots of toys, classes or days out. Start with you and things you have around at home. Your baby needs the adults who look after them to chat with them and be interested in what they do; and being able to move, explore and play with people (this can be a trip to the park, or a catch up with friends and family) is free and fabulous entertainment!
Making the most of everyday routines
Why looking for a dropped object is a big step for your baby
When your baby drops a toy, then drops it again, and again – it might not feel that amazing to you. But, dropping a toy and looking to see where it has gone is a big step in their development. To help when you are picking up that rattle for the thousandth time, we wanted to tell you why!
Are they sleeping through yet?
Have you been asked if your baby sleeps through? Seen the TikToks of parents telling everyone how their baby has slept through every night since a week old (or something like that)?
Sleep is one of the first aspects of a children’s development that tests our determination not to compare. If your baby wakes multiple times a night you might be desperate for the secret to uninterrupted sleep!
What IS the secret?
Feeling tired? Time shared during everyday moments is just as good as play
Does it seem like months since you've had a good night’s sleep? Even if you are starting to feel like you're adjusting to parenthood, some days will feel really hard. When you are tired or busy you might get to the end of the day and wonder if you had any time to play with your baby.
There is a myth that babies only learn when you have decided it is playtime, or have set up a special activity. The reality is that some of the simplest things you do every day are great for your baby’s development.
What do we mean by 'making and strengthening connections in your baby’s brain'?
We often talk about building and strengthening connections in your baby’s brain, and you might have come across the phrase, ‘developing brain architecture’ – but what does that mean and what do you need to do with your baby?
Movement and brain development are closely linked
Song to share – ‘Wind the Bobbin Up’
Sharing songs with your baby is a great way to bond and build your relationship. There are also many other benefits to sharing songs with your baby, especially action songs.
Action songs that involve hand and arm movements are great for developing both gross and fine motor skills, and will also help them to focus, and make it so that they are likely to join in on the fun.
Just keep rolling! Household items that are great for play
Rolling and rolling games are great fun for your baby and support them to master lots of skills. As well as helping to develop and strengthen visual tracking skills, rolling games are fantastic for encouraging your baby to sit up for longer periods, which supports their growing core strength.
