What can I do to stimulate my baby's mental development?

Question

He's only a week old, but I want to do all I can to help his mental development. Any tips, as far as playtime, the environment we place him in, etc.?
Thanks.

Answer 1

We played classical music when our kids were sleeping and on long drives, it supposedly stimulates the brain.
Any of the baby Einstein products are made for that. But truthfully I believe talking to a baby is very important from the start. Read books to him, I did every day even at that age. And make things into little songs, stimulate the responses in them by singing, reading, talking and once he is a little older playtime on the floor not only on the back but the tummy too.
A gym you set above them is great visual stimulation and makes them want to reach out for it when old enough. At that age I just had my kids in their infant carrier or bassinet and moved it from room to room with me and told them what I was doing and so on.
Congratulations on your baby!

I just read the first answer and completely agree that public places can overstimulate a baby, limit the time they are in crowded loud places.

Answer 2

First off, at 1 week old, everything is stimulation for your baby. He is interested in everything he sees. And because he can only see a few inches away right now, all he is interested in is your face and his daddy's face. When he's a little older, you can defintely give him toys to play with, things that make sounds or have textures on them. You can always play music in the background. That stimulates their mind.

But be careful not to overstimulate him. I have found with my daughter (6 months) that the times we take her out somewhere she's never been or do something new and exciting that she has a melt-down in the car on the way home or that evening. Some stuff can be overwhelming for a baby - like too much noise or too much to see. Even the mall can be a lot for a baby.

Just take cues from him... he'll show an interest in a toy and you can show him that toy. INtroduce him to new things and see if he likes them! Enjoy the time you have with him when he's so young... it goes by FAST!

Answer 3

Talk to him and read to him as much as possible. It's never too early for a bedtime story. =) A mobile over his bed that's black and white now, and brightly colored in about 3 months is good. When he's bigger, things like blocks and other toys that encourage "creative" thinking - instead of a toy that only works one way, is also good. Music entertains and stimulates them as well - not just the children's stuff like Cookie Monster singing "C is for cookie..." but classical music is beneficial as well. Socialization when he's a tiny bit older (another 2-3 months or so) is also important. Even though right now his entire world is Mommy and Daddy, being around other people is a big deal too.

Answer 4

Singing to him helps. Talking to him a lot and asking questions (even though he won't answer) also stimulates brain development. Putting colorful things around him. These are a few things you can do at this stage. He's still very young. When he gets to be about 5 months old, post again and you will get some more ideas.

Answer 5

Right now, there isn't much he can do. He can hear and see, and feel how much you love him. I talked to my daughter all the time when she was awake. My mother said "The more you talk to her, the faster she will talk to you." She is four months and babbling non stop. It is so cute.

We danced together and I wore bright colors all the time. She really liked red and anything black and white.

It is hard to figure out what to do with them when they are so young. All they want to do is sleep and eat.

Once he gets a little older, it will be easier. My daughter loves music and tummy time. She is dying to get ahold of a cat ... lol.

She is in daycare too, which I think has been great for her development. She wants to do what the big babies do. It has absolutely helped her verbal development.

Answer 6

I don't know how effective it is, but I started reading children's stories to my daughter when she was just days old. It was a nightly ritual until she was about 6 and started school. She now is 12, loves to read is in the Gifted and Talented program and never had a report card grade less than a B. Like I said, I don't know if the "early" reading helped with that or not, but it can't hurt and it at least lets them know that you are there and they are safe as they drift off to sleep.

Answer 7

Talk to him. And not baby talk. It seems silly now but he will start interacting with you before you know it. Ask him questions, tell him what things are. It helps to develop a really strong vocabulary down the road.

Answer 8

Spend time with your baby, love it, read to it, play music but don't forget to let it rest too you can overdo it. Love is the greatest mental stimulation ever. Have fun and joy with the child too!

Answer 9

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Answer 10

Wear your baby in a sling. They learn so much by being with you and experiencing life at your level. There are so many benefits and it makes life a lot easier for the parents. Here is a great link:

http://www.askdrsears.com/html/5/T051100.asp