I am a nanny of an 8-month -old boy. He likes to study people and observe. I take him to the park and he just sits and watches, I think he has fun and learns that way. Is he really learning? How exactly do babies learn?
– Jessie, Los Angeles, CA  

Dr. Ann Corwin, The Parenting Doctor Advice for Jessie

Many researchers say babies start to learn in utero. Babies can hear language in utero, because the brain is already being wired to hear within the womb. I recommend parents to talk to their babies in utero and continue as soon as they are born.

Newborns will seek out the human face. They can see within a few inches from their face so it’s a great opportunity to bond and allow babies to learn by looking at your face. Infants learn to recognize communication before they are born, so it’s never too early to read to your baby, talk to him or her, and expose the baby to different sounds. Babies also communicate to their mother by kicking in the womb. This is an important sign of a healthy baby.

A baby’s shrill cry is a survival mechanism for them to get people to meet their needs. Infants use these basic forms of communication to signal essential survival needs. Babies will learn to make more sounds and facial expressions when they are interacted with consistently.

It’s important to stimulate a child’s senses. Using music can really help babies develop their brains. Giving babies healthy touches, allowing them to do nutritive sucking as well as allowing them to suck on things like their fingers, and other items. Sucking actually helps babies learn how to control impulses.

If a child care provider can form a good bond with the infant – through healthy touching, loving conversations, consistency in responding to infants needs – the infant will learn from these interactions. The baby will learn how to trust and know they are safe in their care and be open to learning in that environment.

It’s good to make a ritual out of the transition from parent to child care provider. If you establish a routine, such as using the same blanket to take a baby to child care, the infant will learn that it’s safe to be with the child care provider, which is crucial. Babies need to feel safe, so that they feel secure and are open to learning.

Remember, babies don’t need fancy expensive equipment in order to learn. All they really need is a good, attentive child care provider. If they have consistency with the child care provider, you become their vehicle for learning. Give them opportunities to move about freely and explore. When feeding, take them out of them seat, hold them, touch their cheek when they eat. Our presence and our interaction is the best learning tool for them.

Hope this helps… Dr. Ann

Reprinted from an article by Dr. Ann on A Place For Parents