In the first months babies change and grow quickly. Even when babies are born early or with medical concerns, they quickly begin to show the desire to learn about and interact with the world. Newborns learn by seeing, listening, and touching the things that surround them. They begin to communicate what they need, and they develop a sense of attachment and security with their caregivers.
0-4 MONTHS
In the first months babies change and grow quickly. Even when babies are born early or with medical concerns, they quickly begin to show the desire to learn about and interact with the world.
Hey there! I’m Stephen Brackett, bringing you the Colorado Early Learning and Development Guidelines’ Parent Experience video caregivers of newborns.
As you begin your parenting journey, the most important thing for you to remember is that in the same way every child is different… every “parent experience” is different as well.
The first 4 months can be especially tricky. Lack of sleep, constant feedings and what feels like an endless string of diaper changes can wear on even the most confident new parent. But, here’s the thing… you aren’t alone! Let’s hear from some parents who know exactly what you’re going through!
Hi there! I’m Stephen Brackett, bringing you the Colorado Early Learning and Development Guidelines’ video for 0-4 months… Bonding and trust.
Just because your child is a newborn, doesn’t mean she isn’t already learning! In fact, she’s learning some pretty important survival skills… like how to trust and bond with the people who are caring for her.
The milestones you may be seeing at this age center around interacting with you.
Once that bonding and trust begins to form, a newborn may start “communicating” with her caregivers by:
- Responding to snuggles, hugs and kisses
- Smiling when she see someone she recognizes
- Making gurgling sounds and copying facial expressions.
- and learning all sorts of ways to tell you what she needs.
She’s also beginning to understand how her body works! She does this by:
- Learning how to snuggle
- Adjusting her posture
- Playing with her hands and feet
- And reaching for things she wants
Now, remember… all children learn, grow and develop differently. If you want to help your child thrive at this age, here are some tips…
Start by getting involved!
Repeat the sounds and movements she’s making, and spend as much one-on-one time with her as possible!
The more safe and secure an infant feels, the more likely she is to explore and experiment… key skills in early learning and development. Even the littlest things in life can make a huge impact on a child. Take advantage of it!
If you’d like more information on this video series and the Colorado Early Learning and Development Guidelines…
Check out our website at www.earlylearningco.org.
Kids This Age May:
How You Can Help Them Develop:
- Be sensitive to loud sounds, bright lights, or activity, and may suddenly throw their arms out to the sides when startled.
- Be aware that these are normal responses.
- Move them to a quiet and soothing atmosphere to protect them from too much noise or activity.
- Learn to adjust their bodies for comfort and snuggle into a caregiver’s body when being held or fed.*NOTE: Babies who are born early, or who spend an extended time in the hospital, may move differently or use different body positions.
- Offer a variety of positions for them when they are awake — such as in your arms, on your shoulder, or on the baby’s back, sides, or stomach — to promote body movement and to acquaint babies with different positions.
- Begin to follow their parents’ and caregivers’ faces with their eyes, later moving their head.
- Copy facial expressions in response to a parent or caregiver’s voice or smile.
- Build skills and trust simply by looking at them warmly and quietly when they are awake.
- Develop a sense of trust and security with parents and caregivers.
- Provide consistent routines that help them know what to expect. This may mean doing some activities, such as feeding and changing, the same way each time.
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Guidelines
The early years of a child's life — from birth to age eight — are critically important for learning and development.
The Colorado Early Learning and Development Guidelines provide practical tips and points of reference that anyone can use to help kids grow.
Whether we're experts, early childhood teachers, first-time parents, or involved friends and neighbors, we all play a role in giving kids a strong, healthy start.
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