- Read to your baby from colorful board books with plenty of pictures. Choose pictures with contrasting colors, like black and white, to catch your baby's attention. She won't be able to follow the plot of the story but will enjoy listening to your voice and looking at the pictures. Try singing songs to your baby, especially fun songs with hand movements.
- Put on some music and dance with your baby. Try different types of music to see what your newborn prefers. Begin with gentle movements and be sure to support your newborn's neck and head. Avoid rough movements and never shake your baby.
- Give your baby plenty of opportunities to explore his new world. Use a baby carrier to keep him with you as you work in the home, take a walk or go shopping. Choose a carrier that offers support for your newborn's head and neck. Keep your baby in the most active rooms of your home when she is not sleeping, so that she benefits from the closeness and interaction with others.
- Provide toys for your baby to look at. Pictures with contrasting colors catch your baby's attention, as do mobiles or brightly colored toys placed around the nursery. In addition, show your baby interesting objects from around your home, such as kitchen utensils, shiny bottles or brightly colored books. Do not let her play with any of these objects on her own; instead, hold them 12 inches from your baby's face and give her time to gaze at them. Let your baby feel different fabrics from your closet, such as soft sweaters or sleek silk shirts.
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