| Baby's
body rhythms and ways of reacting |
Novelty
pleases some babies and worries others. Does your baby
need quiet to sleep, or a special position to doze off?
Some babies take to new foods with zest. Others are far
more cautious in their approach to new foods, new toys, or new
people. Let the caregiver know whether your baby needs a
slow introduction to new experiences or prefers diving in. |
| Regularity |
Your
caregiver should also be told whether your baby tends to do
things at set times. Some babies take naps at the same
hour each day. They urinate and have bowl movements
predictably. Others are less rhythmically consistent; it
is harder to predict their toileting, sleeping or feeding
times. Your baby may have special sensitivities and be
difficult to fit into a schedule so easily. Let your
caregiver know if this is the case. |
| Temperament |
Babies'
personalities run the gamut too. They can be placid or
active, intense or easygoing. (Trying to push a toy trike,
one baby falls and cries hard. Another disregards a tumble
or a bump.) Some react with acute distress when hungry;
others can wait a bit. Let the caregiver know about your
baby's temperament in responding to the world. |
| Body
comforts |
Not
all babies can self-soothe by sucking a thumb or rubbing a
blankie to calm down. Some must be cuddled. A
caregiver's soothing backrub and reassuring words help babies
regroup after being upset. Your caregiver will find your
child's preferences very useful information. |
| Signals
of distress |
Crying
is the main method all babies use to show their distress.
Some babies "wilt" when away from their parents too
long. Rather than cry, they rock themselves or exhibit
glazed instead of sparkling eyes. You know your own baby's
signs of needing more nurturing. Share your knowledge. |
| What
your baby is learning now |
Babies
change and learn every day. They practice pincer skills
with delight as they pick up tiny green peas. They grin as
they create "boom-boom" noises. They babble in
pretend-reading style as they point to pictures. You are
the best observer of your child's development. Share new
words, new curiosities that your baby is developing. And
as you tune in to your baby's unique, growing personality, bring
your sensitive observations to your caregiver, so that together
you can help your baby flourish. |
