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Copyright © 1997 by ParentsPlace.com
Last modified: May 26, 1997
Loving your baby and being excited about parenthood is the very best thing you can do every day. But knowing what to expect often helps you to be better prepared and to enjoy it even more.Hospitals or doctor's offices will give you free magazines or pamphlets with guidelines for about eight to twelve weeks. You will also find helpful books in stores or the library, such as Dr. Spock's famous book on babies and their care.
For a simple pamphlet giving you highlights on what to expect each year from birth to age 5, you might like my pamphlet, "Tips on Your Child's Development." This pamphlet contains a thumbnail sketch of what each age is like, lists common concerns of parents and activity ideas, and gives you samples of the physical, intellectual and social-emotional characteristics of each age.
To order "Tips on Your Child's Development" send a check or money order for $3 and a self addressed, stamped envelope to "Tips," Dept. 7, 50 Ashley Creek Drive, Newnan GA 30263.
As your baby grows you might also like the series of paperbacks titled "Your One Year Old," "Your Two Year Old," etc. by Louise Bates Ames and Frances Ilg (Delta; 5.95). For very comprehensive, detailed information, consider books by authors Burton White, David Elkind, or T. Berry Brazelton, which should be available in both libraries and book stores.
For now, remember that you are giving your baby wonderful stimulation for growth with your love and interest. He learns to thrive from the way you handle him, your facial expression, and your tone of voice. He learns about both you and the world by seeing, hearing and feeling. He communicates his needs for comfort and food with his movement, expression and voice.
Infants are stimulated by brightly colored wall hangings, mobiles, mirrors, light, and the smells and sounds around them. They enjoy the sounds of tinkling chimes, softly played music, your own singing and humming, and even the simple noises of clocks. They also enjoy massage, changes in body position, cuddling and being rocked. My best "Tip" is to enjoy this time with your baby. Each moment is a once in a lifetime experience.
Ms. Petersen's nationally syndicated parenting column is carried in over 200 newspapers twice each week. As a family/parenting consultant, early childhood educator, Head Start consultant, and host of a series of parent training audio and video tapes, Ms. Petersen employs an approach of providing hands-on, nuts and bolts advice to parents across the country. Her new book "A Practical Guide to Early Childhood Planning: The What Why and How of Lesson Plans" has just been released.