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Babbling with Baby
Author: Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
They may be little in size, but they are big in possibilities. Your newborn is here. What a glorious time. Perhaps you are spending your days (and nights) looking at them with awe and wonder.
You may be immersed (and even feel overwhelmed) just caring for their basic needs. Your concerns may be about feedings and sleep.
Through it all, you may be dreaming of the days to come. This may include the heart to heart conversations you imagine you may have down the road.
Today is the day. Start those conversations now. Your baby may be brand new, but now is the right time.
Even from the earliest hours, your newborn is listening. They are especially listening to you.
Do you know that a newborn will actually turn and be responsive to a mother's voice over another's? It's true.
What should you talk to your newborn about?
Does it really matter?
The answer, absolutely!
You are your baby's first teacher. Talk with your baby about the day ahead. Tell them what is about to happen next (i.e. "I'm going to change your diaper. It might be cold."). This doesn't mean that you need to pretend that they are little adults, but they are indeed little people! Talk to them lovingly and sweetly.
As the early days pass and your baby becomes a few weeks and then months old, you'll be amazed at the responses you may get from your conversations.
They may not have words yet, but a newborn is full of gestures. From the looks in their eyes to movements with their tongue to soft coos and oos and those first smiles, listen and be ready to respond.
What is the best way to support these developments?
Respond positively. This may include repeating back your child's oos and coos. This may be cheering them on in a soft voice as they stick out their tongue.
Respond with positive words. After all, you are their #1 fan (and they, yours!).
Talkin' newborns…today's the day to be talking with yours.
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