How to Have a Well-Adjusted Baby
Your baby begins life with the most important ingredient to development: love. Loving your baby is the first step in building a secure environment, one in which baby can grow and learn and feel your support every step of the way. Take your time with day-to-day activities, such as feeding, rocking, and singing to baby. If baby feels rushed (because you're on a cellular phone and have the baby propped up with a bottle for your own convenience), there could be emotional or eating disturbances later. Set the tone for good habits early.
Alert
Remember that babies can do no wrong. They aren't capable of distinguishing behaviors, so you cannot punish a baby. Never shake or hit a baby. Be caring and supportive. You will get your chance to teach baby when he or she becomes a toddler and is more capable of processing right and wrong.
Be Positive
Encourage baby with your vocal intonation. When baby achieves something, enthusiastically say lots of, “Good girl!” The first time baby tries to talk, encourage her with your voice, even though baby's sounds don't make sense yet. Have you ever known a puppy (or a person) who didn't keep trying after being positively encouraged?
Use your baby's name often, and associate it with different things. Say, for example, “Kelsey is a good girl” or “Andrew can talk!” Build language skills early in your child by planting positive pictures in her mind.
Let your baby experience other gentle, loving people (and even pets). A well-balanced child can spend time with anyone and doesn't cry for Mom or Dad every time someone new comes into the room.
