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Home › Articles › Guiding Baby's Development › Dishing on Development

Dishing on Development

Experts Answer Common Questions About Infant Development

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  • As you choose activities to do with Baby, consider providing a variety of opportunities based on her level of skill development. You'll want to select activities she can easily master and those that provide practice in areas she is still developing. Remember, too, that repetition is essential in early childhood. Repeat Baby's favorite activities as often as possible. You'll tire of them long before she will!
  • While you're playing, use language with Baby, describing what you're doing and what he's doing or seeing and delighting in his accomplishments. Not only will this provide motivation, but it also will promote Baby's language development.
  • Some babies prefer a quiet approach to activity while others prefer a higher level of stimulation, which will affect the nature of your playtime. Baby may even alternate between the two, responding one time to a subdued style and another time to a more vigorous one. Be sensitive to your infant's moods and energy levels. Plan to play only when she's well rested and happy, and sense when she's had enough.
My baby loves to imitate me. How can I use this to help her development?

Babies are great at mimicking, and at about 10 months of age they have a greater understanding of what they're doing and really enjoy it, Pica says. "Surprisingly enough, imitating is an important skill, as the ability to physically replicate what the eyes are seeing comes in handy later for activities such as writing and drawing," she says. "Also, imitation helps confirm for babies that they're like other people."

Pica suggests parents play the mirror game with Baby while sitting and facing each other. "Stick out your tongue, wiggle your fingers in your ears, wave your arms up and down, all while encouraging Baby to do likewise," Pica says. "When Baby is ready to figure out how the game is played, encourage him to lead while you imitate."


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