How to stimulate baby's development?

Supporting baby's early development, yes, but be careful not to turn it into intensive training!
Premiers Moments reveals a few tips to stimulate baby's development in the best possible way!

Baby's early development from birth:

Baby's development begins at birth: yes, but it should be left to happen naturally, there's no need to push it. Indeed, the world around baby already stimulates their development enough. The faces turning towards them, the voices and melodies they hear, the mobile above their crib or their baby Moses basket, physical contact when they are carried, but also when they are fed, when they are washed… All these moments help them open up to the world and gradually develop their potential.

3 months, the perfect age to help stimulate baby's development:

Indeed, it's from 3 to 4 months that you can gradually widen their field of
discovery. To do this, you can use different accessories such as play mats, bouncers or baby gyms. Of course, these accessories should be used in moderation. Your little one is still small and tires quickly. That's why it's very important to stay attentive to their needs and reactions. Watch your baby closely.

Other ways to stimulate baby's development:

Space, to support baby's development:

Space, yes, but there's no need for a big space. A newborn needs a little cocoon more than a big space. In your flat, in your house or even through the window, point at things and tell them what they are!

Set aside time for independent play:

The best thing for baby's development is to alternate playtime with you and independent playtime. For a baby, everything helps their development: the shapes, sounds, smells and colours around them, so it's very easy for them to play on their own.

Lay baby on their tummy:

Alternate between times when baby lies on their back and times on their tummy. Indeed, when you lay baby on their tummy, they can strengthen their back. Little by little, they will naturally lift their head, which strengthens their neck. And later on, they'll manage to bring their arms in front of their head. All these stages are very important for baby's development. However, remember to go at baby's pace and always stay attentive to their needs and reactions.

Baby, an active player in their own development:

Indeed, the more you help them develop their abilities, the more they will become an active player in their own development. For example, when you change them, talk to them, show them the different parts of their body and the clothes you put on or take off. That way, little by little, they will help you by stretching out a leg or an arm, or by turning their head: they'll understand what you're doing.

The best way to stimulate baby's development: their parents:

And yes, no educational toy will ever replace a cuddle with their loved ones, a walk, smiles or shared glances. All these interactions with their parents help baby blossom and stimulate their development. Indeed, it's through these moments that baby best develops their ability to act, as well as their understanding of the world.

And what if baby doesn't respond?

If baby doesn't respond to stimulation, there may be various reasons. First of all, watch your baby closely. Are they hungry? Is their nappy dirty? They certainly don't feel like responding to your smiles and babbling. If they rub their nose, look away or turn their head, or whimper, they are tired. It's your arms and their bed that they need. Likewise, if they pull their head back, clench their hands and push hard with their feet, they are too excited to carry on playing. They need calm. Stay very attentive to these signs and respect what your little one is telling you. They have their whole life ahead of them!

Baby's development happens at their own pace, little by little. Listen to them and go at their pace. Baby's healthy development comes mainly from everyday interactions with you!
This is the moment, so make the most of it!

Dylan
Proud dad of three little ones and founder of Premiers Moments. Together with the whole team, I share our parenting tips here to support you, from pregnancy through your child's first years.