The Basics Randolph are 5 simple things parents and caregivers of infants and toddlers can do to nurture brain growth and development at the most critical time in baby’s life, during which 80% of brain growth occurs.
That’s why we’ve got 5 suggestions, one for each of the Basics Randolph, for 2021 New Year’s resolutions that will help build a great foundation for baby’s future learning, health, and success.
Maximize Love & Minimize Stress: Do one thing every day for you!
It can be small, and last only moments, but play your favorite song and belt out the lyrics, sip your favorite tea, stop for a few minutes of yoga or cardio. Be selfish for a moment each day to take care of you, because a happier you makes it easier to handle the stress of parenthood and caregiving.
Talk, Sing, and Point: Point to one object inside and one object outside.
We all babble and talk to babies. Adding the gesture of pointing helps build connections that help with understanding. Point to toy when you ask baby if she wants it. Point to a bush or flower when you notice and mention it while out for fresh air.
Count, Group, and Compare: Add counting with baby to mealtimes.
Count the crackers or orange slices as you place them on a napkin or plate. Count each spoonful as you feed baby pureed carrots. Or count silverware as you set the table. When you count as you go, you’re building a foundation for success in mathematics and science.
Explore Through Movement and Play: Let baby touch something new.
Each day, find something new or go to a new place where you can expose baby to new things (like playing with sticks, rocks, feathers, shells; or placing baby on a blanket in the yard where she can roll around and see and touch grass, leaves, dirt). Everything new that baby processes through touch, sight, and smell is building neural paths and connections in the brain.
Read and Discuss Stories: Read one book a day with baby.
Don’t worry about the number of minutes or books. Just pick one book (it can even be the same book) each day, snuggle together and read with fun voices, ask questions, point at pictures, and enjoy the escape from the stress of the day. Doing this right before bedtime really does help settle baby for a good night’s sleep!
