How to Stimulate a 1-Month-Old's Senses

Cultivate your 1-month-old's interest in new sights, sounds and sensations with a few simple activities. (The following information has been adapted from Dr. Segal's book series, "Your Child at Play.")

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Baby Mobiles
• Flashlights
• Baby Rattles

1. Hold a rattle, flashlight or brightly colored toy 10 to 12 inches away from your baby's eyes and move it left to right. When he learns to follow it with his eyes, try moving it up and down and then in circles.
2. Greet your baby whenever you come into the room, and talk to him whenever you are together; his favorite sound is your voice. Changing the pitch of your voice from high to low is a good way to hold his attention.
3. Let your baby track your face. As you move from left to right, your baby will follow your face with his eyes and turn his head.
4. Hang a mobile over your baby's crib, making sure to think about how it looks from his point of view. Place it on one side for a few days, and then move it to the other side. If you try two mobiles, your baby will shift his gaze from one to the other.

Tips & Warnings

• Respect your baby's cues. If a particular activity seems to stress him out or frustrate him, stop and give it a try another day.
• Remember that all babies develop at different speeds, usually with spurts and plateaus.
• Consult with your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your newborn's development.