Baby Talk - 3/5/15

The cold and the snow are brutal for taking a young child out and about. We rescheduled some studio appointments for our little ones to allow them to stay home and warm. Porter avoided the inclement weather and came into the studio for his 8-month session on a more pleasant day.

With colder weather many activities are no longer an option for you and your child. Below are a few suggestions for entertaining your baby or toddler when going outside is not appropriate. In addition to being fun, they also contribute to baby’s development.

• Tactile stimulation – Touch helps babies and toddlers explore the surrounding environment and satisfy their curiosity. Allowing your child to splash water, squeeze play dough, create with finger paint, or stroke feathers opens up the world of texture and cognitive exploration.

• Blow bubbles – Not just for outside fun, blowing bubbles in the playroom or the bathtub is great entertainment for your child. No doubt, your child will reach out to catch the bubbles, which is excellent for building hand-eye coordination.

• Play ball – For babies who can sit up and for toddlers, balls can be a great source of entertainment. Rolling a ball back and forth between you and your child helps to build baby’s gross motor skills. Use different colored and various sizes of balls to add to the fun.

• Read stories – It is never too early to start reading to your baby or toddler. Your child finds your voice calming and even at a young age can view the pictures. Toddlers often share in the storytelling, filling in words and sentences that they have memorized. Studies show that children who are read to develop a wider vocabulary at a younger age.

• Snuggle – When it is cold outside, stay warm by cuddling with your child in front of a fireplace or under a quilt on the couch. It is a delightful way to spend the afternoon and may lead to a nap for both of you!