When I was told to talk, sing and read to my baby from day one, I was eager, but unsure of the practical details. What, I wondered, should I say to her all day? As far as reading goes, is the arts section of the newspaper suitable material? And what if my singing voice was so off-key that even I can't stand to listen to myself? Marilyn Segal, child development expert and coauthor of the series
YOUR CHILD AT PLAY: BIRTH TO ONE YEAR (Newmarket Press), puts these and other questions and concerns to rest.
GIVE THE PLAY-BY-PLAY
When it comes to talking with baby, think of yourself as a sports announcer. Just keep talking. Narrate your every move--what you're doing now, and what's coming up. At feeding time or bedtime, slow down and review the day's highlights as you gently stroke your baby. Match your tone to your baby's mood--calm, low tones at quiet times, higher pitches at play time--and exaggerate your inflections and facial expressions. The good thing is, says Segal, "Most parents do all of this quite naturally."
READ FOR RHYTHM
In the first six months, most babies won't absorb the story line of
GREEN EGGS AND HAM (Random Books) no matter how many times you read it. But do it anyway. Your baby is absorbing the natural cadence of language--especially when you choose a book with good rhythm and rhyme, which is why old Mother Goose is worth a gander. If you gently bounce your baby in your lap to the rhythm of the verse, reading becomes a whole-body experience. In any case, your baby will love the up-close time with you, and will come to associate reading with pleasure--which is why it's important to put the books away before your baby grows even a little tired of it.
MUSIC'S A MUST
There is clear evidence, says Segal, that babies who are exposed to music early on are likely to be better at math. Oh sure, you could just pop a cassette in the stereo whenever you and baby are in the car (classical is best, says Segal). But it's just not as special as being sung to by the adults in your life--no matter how off-key you may be. Sing your favorite tunes or traditional lullabies or, better yet, songs that incorporate finger play (Itsy, Bitsy Spider) or lap rides (The Noble Duke of York). Choose or make up songs, too, to sing your way through each day's tough transitions--waking up, changing diapers, getting into the car seat or high chair, cleaning up toys and, of course, going to bed.
