Transcript of 0-6 months: Building your baby's brain.
[Dad singing to baby]
Narrator: Children's brains develop rapidly during pregnancy and early life, when experiences can have a big impact on them and you are the perfect teacher to help build your baby's brain.
Just by loving and spending time with your newborn, you are building a strong attachment and helping them to thrive. Babies are learning from you from the moment they are born. When you hold and love your new baby you are teaching them to trust and love you. You won't spoil your child by giving them attention.
All babies cry. Crying is one of the ways a newborn communicates with us. They may be hungry, sick, tired, need a nappy change or just need you. Crying and fussiness are part of all baby's first three months. If you have any concerns about your baby's crying speak to your GP or child and family health nurse. Singing, rocking, wrapping, patting, gentle massage or baths might help to soothe a crying baby. If you comfort them they will learn the world is safe and they will cry less.
Singing can help to calm babies and also keeps parents calm too. Your baby loves it when you talk to them. Your voice is their favourite sound. Reading to your baby helps them start to understand language. When they make sounds, you can copy them like a conversation. Babies also learn from repetition and they love hearing the same nursery rhymes and songs. They start to understand what's coming next. Lullabies are a lovely way to help your baby settle and go to sleep.
Help your baby explore the world from different positions. When your child is awake, place safe objects and toys close to them so they can look, move, lift and turn their head. Babies learn from watching and doing and from you talking to them. Make gains by repeating actions and waiting for them to respond. This is not just fun, it teaches your baby that they can make things happen and builds their confidence.
Your baby will also learn from holding and putting their mouth on different things. Keep them safe by never letting them have anything that could fit inside their mouth.
You are your baby's most important carer so you need to look after yourself too. You're doing an important job and you need help sometimes. Don't be afraid or ashamed to talk to a health professional or a friend if you need support. No role is more important than being a parent or carer. It's sometimes challenging but will be worth it for you and your baby.
To learn more about how to give your child the best start in life go to health.nsw.gov.au/buildingbrains.
[Music]