Transcript of 6-12 months: Tips for helping your child's development.
Mother: Baba. Peekaboo! Peekaboo!
[Music]
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 baby you are building a strong attachment, which will help them to thrive.
At about six months your baby is starting to learn there are people they know and there are also strangers. They may start to cling to you more or seem scared of new people. That's normal. Reassure your baby with lots of cuddles and love. If you are leaving for a while, smile and tell your child, "Goodbye" and when you will be back. If you show your baby that you are happy and okay about leaving for a short while, they will feel more confident too.
Your baby is already learning how to communicate with you. They're beginning to understand more facial expressions too. You can help them learn just by talking to them and explaining what things are and what you are doing. When your baby makes sounds make the same sound back to them. Your baby will enjoy having conversations like this with you before they can speak with words.Singing to your baby also teaches them about language.
You can start to show your child how to get along with others by asking for turns when you are playing with them. As your child grows, playing with objects helps them learn to coordinate their bodies but they don't have to be expensive toys. Babies love playing in water. What they learn now just by splashing and pouring and floating toys, will one day help them understand science and maths. Make sure they're always supervised by an adult when near water.
Your baby is developing so quickly right now. The Learn the Signs, Act Early resource in the baby Blue Book will help you check that your child is reaching important developmental milestones.
By looking at books together you're teaching them to understand language. Point to things and talk about what you see. By having book time each night you will help settle your baby for bed and teach them that it is a lovely time of the day.
You are your child's most important carer so you need to look after yourself too. You really are doing the most important job of all and sometimes you will need help. Talk to your child and family health nurse, GP or a family member or 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 child.
To learn more about how to give your child the best start in life go to health.nsw.gov.au/buildingbrains.