Using Educational Activities With Your Baby

by Adam Thompson

Besides feeding, nurturing and loving our babies, part of our responsibility as parents is to provide educational activities help our children to develop to their full potential. Long before children are ready for school, we as parents can do many things to help them learn and develop skills and abilities. Frankly though, with the wealth of information on toys, games and educational opportunities to choose from, it can be quite overwhelming for parents to decide which ones are best.

The most important element your baby needs for optimal learning is a warm, loving environment. By being responsive to your little one through touch, smiles, talking and rocking, you are laying the foundation for learning well into the future and enabling your child to have a better chance at being socially and academically successful throughout his or her life.

A simple and easy learning activity that can be done anywhere and at any time is singing. Sing to your child while you are doing laundry, washing dishes or taking him out for a stroll. Singing and sing-talking about everything around your child helps him to make connections between himself and his environment. As your baby begins making sounds and imitating you, repeat those sounds. This repetition will help your baby's early language and cognitive skills development. Additionally, play classical music. It not only calms a baby, but classical music has been shown in various studies to increase IQ.

By the time your child reaches 6 months to a year, he is becoming increasingly mobile and is able to sit unassisted for longer periods of time. This stage of development is by far one of the most enjoyable for parents. At this age babies will be able to play small games such as peek-a-boo and clap hands. They will be fascinated to learn cause and effect by pushing a button on a toy and seeing a head pop up or by hearing the sound that a cup makes when you hit it with a spoon. Purchasing baby musical play instruments like a tambourine or drum will satisfy your baby's need to make noise and also help them see how they effect their environment.

Set aside play time daily by placing a soft blanket or mat on the floor and allowing your child to play with manipulatives like soft blocks, plastic keys, child-safe stuffed animals and balls. These toys are great for developing gross motor skills and will also provide something for your child to mouth as they begin teething.

Because babies use all their senses as they are learning about and exploring the world around them, it is important to provide a multi-sensory educational activity that will enhance learning. The Baby Einstein DVD series is an incredible educational program appropriate for babies and young children. It will engage your child both visually and audibly. These DVDs combine classical music, colors, poetry, simple math and lots of movement to provide stimulation. While some parents may be concerned about introducing television at this early stage, the Baby Einstein DVD series only serves to enhance and complement other educational activities you are already sharing with your child.