Today Tile Triggered Content

Baby classes can be great fun for you and your baby, but going to one for the first time may feel a little daunting. We've got a few pointers...

Your baby’s vision is becoming clearer. They will be more able to focus on objects, although they will still focus best on objects that are close to them. The development of vision is linked to clarity (seeing clearly), but it is also linked to the processing of what they see, as neuroscientist Lisa Feldman Barrett says: "We see with our brain, not our eyes."^[1]

Your baby’s brain begins to develop before they are born, and the period after birth is a time of rapid brain development. But, did you know that the human brain continues to develop for about 25 years and remains 'plastic' throughout our lives?^[1]

One of the first areas of your baby’s brain to develop is the area associated with movement and sensation around their mouth. Your baby’s mouth is, and will remain, one of the areas of their body that is most sensitive to touch.

As you probably already know, children often gravitate towards everyday items instead of the beautiful toys that you thoughtfully consider for them!

You have probably heard the praises of walking being sung many times over the years now. It’s wonderful for physical health and is good for breaking up a long day.

Now your baby is getting older, your experience of being a parent is changing. Not only are you getting to see all the incredible new skills your baby masters, but you’re also having to adjust your routine, expectations and even your home to accommodate them.

The way our voices rise and fall when speaking, known as intonation, and varying the volume we use when we talk are both important parts of communication. We share information not only through the words we say but also how we say them. When it comes to speaking in different languages, your baby can recognise ones they are familiar with.

Incredibly, scientists have observed that many of the skills babies use when they are learning to babble are similar to those of some songbirds learning to sing.^[1]

When you think about the skills your baby needs to develop an understanding of language, sight is often overlooked. Your baby’s eyesight is developing as they grow, and now you might start to notice that they are looking at objects that interest them, as well as looking at you. Being able to see, and so be interested in, new things means your baby will be hearing and processing language associated with what they spot.

By talking about what they see, you'll help your baby make connections about the world

You can encourage this interest by looking at an object, held close to your baby, when you play together. Turn your head towards the object and look closely at it, talking about what you see. Your baby might be interested to find out more and follow your gaze to look at the object too.