The various baby activities aim to build up a vocabulary of sensory experiences (e.g. visual, auditory and tactile), to enhance physical contact (massage, reflexology, touching, cuddling and rocking) between you and your baby and to promote the development of speech through the use of sign language, music, song and puppets. All activities are excellent for developing physical, social and emotional, and language skills, co-ordination, awareness of the world, a love of music and the concentration so needed for further development. Recent research illustrates that the most important time for development is the first year of life. Language development – many parents experience intense frustration in understanding their baby’s signals. Sign Language is one way of taking the guesswork out of parenting. Physical development – although babies should always sleep on their backs, tummy time is an essential aspect of development from birth. Babies need to be on their tummies in order to go through the fundamental movement patterns that stimulate both sides of the brain. Social development - happy social play sets the tone for the acquisition of future skills such as cooperation, turn taking and sharing. Emotional Development – massage is one sensory delight that really strengthens the bond because it provides an opportunity for parents to express their love.
