For a moment, put yourself into your baby's position and realize just how much she has to learn and how quickly. There is not another period in her life when she has to amass such a mountain of knowledge and attain so many developmental milestones. She has to do it by herself, but you can help by providing her with what it takes to make her monumental task easier. Of course she continues to need all the basics: food, her little bed, and fresh diapers. Beyond that, there are other objects that help her develop her potential at the speed that is optimal for her.

Babyproofing

Before rushing to buy out the toy store, first babyproof your home by lying on the floor and examining the furniture, walls, and bric-a-brac for safety issues. Then cover the electrical outlets, remove any valuables, and pad the sharp corners of the living room table and any other pieces of dangerous furniture. Crawl around and see what you have missed. Then stock up on baby toys that are safe, but do not introduce them to her all at once.

Toy by Toy

One new toy at a time is sufficient. Let your little girl examine it, absorb its shape and color, handle it, and get familiar with it. Let her form an attachment to it and to you. Too many new things at once can overwhelm your little daughter.

But besides her toys and her chance to observe the world around her through the screen or the bars of her playpen, your baby daughter needs something else: you. She will make the most strides with your help. So hold her, help her to sit up, support her as she tries to stand for the first time — and smile and tell her how well she is doing every step of the way. It is your encouragement, your praise, and your smile that will spur her on as she learns to crawl, to walk tentatively holding onto the sofa with her feet spread apart, and then finally to walk nicely with her feet closer together as if to say, “Look out, world, here I come.”