ARE you a new parent? And even if you are not so new, Congratulations! Being a parent has its challenges and rewards, but it is undoubtedly one of the best experiences in the world. Motherhood and fatherhood are as old as time immemorial; and even if you don’t have a clue about how to care for a young baby, whatever comes naturally usually works.
However, it is a fact that the more you know about your new born, the more you will be able to help your baby to develop in the best way possible. Most parents want the best for their baby, so today we are going to share some tips that can help to enhance your baby’s development in the first three months.

Babies are pretty much a clean slate awaiting guidance and supervision from their parents/caregivers. During the first three months they begin to feel comfortable, safe and secure in the world, as caregivers respond to their signals and build a loving, caring bond with them. In turn, babies learn to trust their caregivers and depend on them exclusively.
It may seem to an onlooker that all new-born babies do, is sleep, feed, poop and cry, but there is far more going on in the brain of a new born than the average person can begin to imagine. For this reason, it is imperative that parents understand the importance of giving their child the best start in life by preparing a solid foundation.

From birth to the age of three (years old), a child’s brain develops rapidly; so even though a baby communicates initially through crying, each day the brain is taking in additional information that is enabling the child to learn more about the world around him/her.

Parents should take this opportunity to help stimulate their child’s brain through various activities such as talking, singing and reading to their babies; this helps to build a good foundation. They can begin reading (appropriate) books to baby as soon as he/she is born. Babies learn from the tone, rhythm and sound of their parent’s voice. As they grow they will get used to repetitive words or sounds in the various stories or rhymes. Most of all, they will develop an interest in books, while enhancing their literacy skills for the future. Introducing different textures and colours through toys and other playthings, like mobiles, also stimulates brain activity.

Parents should work with their baby to create a routine that will suit them all. Allowing the baby to become too demanding might result in baby dominating the entire household with his/her sporadic feeding and sleeping habits; this, though not intentional, is easily done. But parents must be organised about feeding, sleeping and interactive times with their baby, so that baby’s needs will eventually fall in line with their routine and not the other way around.

Parents should create a calm environment for their baby, where no quarrelling, swearing, loud music or persistent annoying noises can be heard. If the caregiver is upset or angry in any way, he/she should take a break: it is not a good idea to be nursing or caring for the baby while emotionally distraught. Babies are perceptive, they can pick up on whether their caregiver is frustrated, agitated or upset; and this can make the baby feel and behave likewise. Caregivers should always aim to be calm and peaceful around their child.

Babies communicate through crying, they do not understand why they are crying, but as adults, we know that it is usually related to some form of discomfort that they desperately need their caregiver(s) to address. Babies like to be soothed with songs, soft words and music, while being held in comforting, loving arms. They like to lie and fall asleep on their mother’s or father’s chest, where they feel comforted and secured.

For the first three months of a baby’s life, it is the responsibility of parents/caregivers to make the baby feel secure, loved and protected in order for the baby to continue to flourish holistically. Babies respond and subsequently relate to all the information they are given from the people around them and their environment; therefore, it is important to keep their lives as simple, as positive and as consistent as possible.

Last, but not least, caregivers should find time for themselves: time to unwind and offload ocassionally. New babies can be a handful, so if there are trusted family members nearby, let them assist for a few hours per week.

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child you can ring the CPA hotline 227 0979 or email childcaregy@gmail.com
A Message from the Childcare and Protection Agency, Ministry of Social Protection