How to Promote the Social Development of an Infant

A baby can light up your life with his wonder and discovery of the world around him. You can encourage all of that right from the day you bring your infant home. An infant's social development is first about creating attachments to caregivers, learning how to respond and interact, then moving into the wider social world using what he has learned from you. You teach your baby with your every move, whether you intend to or not, so be proactive in promoting your infant's social development.

Instructions

• 1

  Cuddle your infant. Snuggle, hold her close. Sing to her. Let her hear the sound of your voice, your breathing, your heartbeat. This makes her feel secure and helps her form an attachment to you, which is the very first step in building relationships. This interaction begins to build love and affection and the trust that you will take care of her needs.

• 2

  Let your infant look at you. "Babies are hardwired to recognize faces," says researcher Michael Frank of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Your infant will stare at your face, make note of your expressions, learn from how you react to the world around you. So, make faces at your baby: Show him happy, surprised, even sad. Show him books with pictures of faces. Point out eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.

• 3

  Talk to your infant. Tell her what you're doing as you change her diaper, feed her and take care of her. Describe her room, toys and clothes. Your infant is learning every second of the day, with every word you speak. Ask her questions: "Did you have a good sleep? Can you feel the warm sun coming through the window?" Give her a chance to respond. It won't be long before she starts making sounds and takes her turn in the conversation.

• 4

  Imitate your infant's sounds. When he coos, coo back. Add another sound and see what happens. In this way, your infant will learn the ebb and flow of conversation and that his sounds get a response. He will learn about turn-taking, because he will wait for your response and even expect your response. Let him take the lead in the sound game and see where you end up---one day soon, you will hear a recognizable word from that precious baby voice.

• 5

  Respond to your infant's needs. Don't worry that you will spoil her. Teach her that she can trust you to care for her. So, pick her up. Try to figure out why she's crying. Interact with her. Give her attention. Play with her. Make her first experience with socializing a comforting, happy one, and you will give her a solid foundation from which to respond to the world around her.