Love, Talk, Sing, Read, Play (2-6 Months)

What is my baby learning to do?
Sleep less

Interact more

Sit with support

Raise head and chest when lying on stomach

Roll both ways from stomach to back

Reach for dangling objects

Grasp and shake objects

Respond to their name

Be happy to see faces they know

Copy Sound

Learn social skills

How can I make the most of this time?
Love
Babies thrive best when those around them are happy and calm

Value yourself and what you can do. Ask for help from family, friends and services when needed.

Show your baby you love him / her with smiles, kisses, hugs and let him/her touch your face.

Talk, Sing, Read
Tell your baby about what you are planning to do, such as "I'm going to pick you up." This helps him/her feel comfortable with what is happening.

When your baby babbles, talk and babble back.

Your baby will copy you sticking out your tongue. You can copy things your baby does too.

Involve your family in talking with the baby.

Read to your baby each night while holding him/her in your lap. He or she will learn that reading is 'feeling good' time.

Play
Babies learn from watching others, holding and putting their mouths on different things. Offer your baby new objects. Don't let them have anything that could fit entirely in their mouth. Let your baby play with your fingers and explore the breast or bottle during feeds.

Offer your baby one toy at a time so he/she can focus on and explore each one. Good choices include a small rattle with a handle, a rubber ring, a soft doll and a board book with pictures. Hold out a toy, encourage your baby to reach and grab it, then signal to give it back. You will start to see what interests him/her most.

Give your baby time to copy you, for example, push a button on a toy and wait for your baby to do it before you do it again. This teaches him/her that he/she can make things happen and this builds confidence.

Place your baby in different positions on the floor so that he/she can look at many things and explore in different ways.

Seek further advice if your baby :
Isn't learning to make sounds
Isn't responding to familiar faces
Isn't learning to roll when playing on floor


Source : Blackmore, R & Garlick, L (2009) Love, Talk, Sing, Read, Play, Families NSW