How To Nurture A Happy Baby

Although babies only begin to smile socially at 4 or 5 months, as cited by Lesley Morrow in her book Literacy Development in Early Years, many studies have shown that infants aged 1 and below can already feel and express content or discontent with primary experiences they have with their immediate environment. The following “recipe” shows you the ingredients for a happy baby.

 

Attention

No other element has the same effect on a child than attention. Pediatrician Charo Batac-Dizon, M.D., explains that babies most especially need attention to be happy and content. “When babies cry, there must be a reason. Every time they cry, they need something, and so parents must address these needs—feeding, diaper change, a hug or cover from the cold. In fact, babies who cry more often than most may indeed need more attention,” says Dr. Batac-Dizon.

For Vangie Sanchez, mom to Rafael, age 4, and newborn Miguel, it helps to get other members of the family involved. “Attention not only from parents, but also from grandparents and even yayas is crucial in making children happy,” says Sanchez.

 

Child-Like Parenting

Morrow states that by age 6 months, infants already like playing (whether they’re alone or with company), and can already cooperate in games like peeka-boo and pat-a-cake. What better way to contribute to your baby’s happiness than by being her playmate? “Showing affection, bonding, and playing with your children are reassuring for them, especially at such a young age,” stresses Dr. Batac-Dizon.

Kindermusik educator Suzette Kho, mom to Russell, age 5, and Skyeler, age 3, doesn’t approve of stiff parenting. She says that parents must be child-like and must be able to “roll in the mud” with their kids. “When you get your hands dirty with your children or when you play games with them, you show them that you are interested in their activity, that you’re not corny, and that makes your baby feel happy,” says Kho.

 

Touch

Morrow states that infants enjoy frolicking and being jostled, and can already show affection by kissing and hugging at 6 months. Although most parents believe that consoling babies by constantly carrying them or sleeping with them causes them to grow up dependent and clingy.

Dr. Batac-Dizon opines that one can never spoil a baby with too much attention. In fact, researchers at Harvard University say that cry excessive and unnecessary in babies can cause them harm and make them overly sensitive to future trauma. Responding to their needs with touch and affection can make babies more secure and happy.

 

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Read more about how to nurture a happy baby.

 

Communication

According to Laurie Makin and Marian Whitehead, authors of How To Develop Children’s Early Literacy, communication is possible with babies through nonverbal language like eye contact, exaggerated facial expressions, and even noise. Experts also say that with a baby’s amazingly sensitive sense of hearing, it is already possible for them to recognize a familiar voice and be soothed by it.

Engaging in a “conversation” with your baby brings about pleasure and excitement, which your baby expresses through giggles, grunts, and other similar noises. Kathy Munsayac, mom to Jay, age 9, Kiann, age 3, and Juan, age 2, shares that engaging babies in conversation is a way of providing love and security for her children.

 

A Nurturing Environment

You’ve probably already noticed what your child’s natural temperament is like. Your little one may seem happier than others, or the other way around. Either way, it is important to realize that the temperament your baby seems to be born with isn’t necessarily permanent. Pediatrician Batac-Dizon explains that this can be formed: “Babies are different and must be treated as individuals. The important thing is, they should be exposed to a happy household or family environment to help them adapt to this kind of atmosphere,” she states.

 

The “Cooking” Process

The main element that parents must consider in completing this recipe is TIME. This is what binds the ingredients together and ultimately determines how happy the child is. The more time you spend with your baby, the more opportunity you’ll have to discover what makes her tick or laugh. As much as possible, make time for playing, reading, and other light but fun activities you can do together (painting, strolling around the neighborhood, etc.)

According to baby book author Morrow, parents, especially working mothers, should consciously make an effort to come home early enough to have their babies see, smell, and touch them. However, Dr. Batac-Dizon underscores that quality time is equally or even more crucial than length of time spent. A stressed or exhausted parent will make poor company even if he or she stays beside the baby all day.

 

The Happy Signs

A happy baby will exhibit the following tells or signs:

• full of smiles; rarely cries or throws tantrums; not irritable
• not timid or scared of new situations or people
• socializes well, playful
• not violent or aggressive
• affectionate and malambing
• healthy; well nourished; sleeps and eats well

 

Sources:

• Charo Batac-Dizon, M.D., pediatrician
• Suzette Kho, Kindermusik educator
• Literacy Development in the Early Years by Lesley Mandel Morrow, 1996
• How to Develop Children’s Early Literacy by Laurie Makin and Marian Whitehead, 2004
• Websites: ezinearticles.com; labouroflove.org

Photo from sxc.hu