Your Baby

• Listen to Me Sing

  She may not know all the words yet, but your baby loves to sing along! Listen as she experiments with her voice. Hear her discover all the sounds she’s able to produce — from coos to shrieks. Watch her excitement when you turn on a familiar song. Whether it’s classic rock, some funky jazz or a symphonic medley, let her explore and participate in a wide variety of musical genres and styles. She might just be a little opera diva in the making!
  

  Look for Signs of Learning at Your Child's Care

  Babies love music. Great learning spaces have lots of musical instruments for tiny hands to hold and explore. Look for keyboards, drums, rattles or maracas. And listen to the recorded music that’s played for little ears. Is it diverse? Does it represent a variety of cultures and genres? Bueno!

• Watch Me Wiggle to the Beat

  The radio is blasting. And your baby is tapping his toes, throwing his hands in the air, and wiggling his bottom to the beat. Your baby is learning how his body can respond to music. Sing along with him. Throw a mini family dance party! He’s ready to move and groove, and you’re his favorite partner.

  Look for Signs of Learning at Your Child's Care

  Spontaneous dance parties fuel babies’ brains. When the music plays in the classroom, watch how caregivers interact with infants. Everyone should move and groove from clapping hands to swaying in a caregiver’s arms — a joyful musical space is a learning space.

• I Can Create Art

  From play-dough and sand to crayons and finger paints, your little artist has many art materials to discover and explore. She might get excited when you hand her a crayon. And she might recoil at the feel of paint on her fingers. No matter the medium, she’s ready to try out her artistic skills in a variety of ways. She loves looking at art, too! Be sure to share books with lots of bright, engaging pictures. She’ll let you know which ones are her favorites.

  Look for Signs of Learning at Your Child's Care

  Finger paints, easels, crayons… Make sure there are multiple ways for babies to create their masterpieces. And look at the artwork on the walls. Is there a wide range of expression? Individual creativity should be encouraged!

• I Like to Perform for You

  Have you ever seen your baby repeat an action that he knows will get a response from you? Perhaps it’s a facial expression that makes you laugh. Maybe he throws food from his high chair tray to get your attention. He’s learning that what he does creates a reaction — either positive or negative.

  He’s also mastering the art of playing by himself. He can keep himself entertained with toys and activities for longer periods of time, and he loves watching other children play too! After all, so much of his growth comes from imitation.

  Look for Signs of Learning at Your Child's Care

  “Moo, I’m a cow! Baaaah, I’m a sheep!” Babies should have opportunities to pretend to be different characters or animals. Watch for caregivers who encourage this type of play with words, sounds and songs.

• Peek-a-boo

  Babies first learn to focus their eyes by looking at faces then move to an objects nearby. Play peek-a-boo with your baby by using a blanket, scarf or just your hands to cover your face. Then, uncover yourself quickly saying, “Peak-a-boo, I see you!”

• Popsicle art

  Painting with a popsicle is a great way to allow your baby to explore art — especially at the age when everything goes in his mouth. Put on a bib or just strip your little one down to a diaper. Then, put him in his high chair. You can also use a towel for independent sitters. Next, set out a piece of paper. Take a minute to show him how to make a mark on the paper with the frozen treat. Finally, let him explore: the taste, the cold, and the beautiful color on paper each give him a chance to learn something new!

• Oh sweet music!

  Move to music! Introduce songs to your little one as early as possible. And let it help you move from one part of the day to another by including it in your daily routine. Your baby likely has favorites and not-so-favorites. When she squeals in delight or wiggles to a favorite song, add it to a playlist. That way, you can turn on a beloved song any time. Then, you can sway, dance or rock with your baby in your arms.