Babies want to be social even from a very early age. As early as the first few weeks of life babies prefer looking at human faces over anything else.
It is important to socialize babies from a very young age.
Here are 6 tips on ways to help your baby become more social.
“Talk” To Him
Before your baby can speak words, he conveys emotions and tells you what he likes. He can cry, fuss, smile and giggle.
If your baby smiles or giggles at you, smile and giggle back. This will help instill a sense of trust and will begin to give him the skills to get along with people and form friendships.
If he’s looking at something, tell him what it is that has caught his attention. He won’t understand every word but he will understand that you are responding to him and that you reacting to what he is doing.
Know Your Baby’s Temperament
All babies are different. Some babies love meeting new people and don’t mind being handed off to someone new. Other babies are like my baby and are nervous and shy around new people. If he is shy, don’t just push him into someone’s arms that he doesn’t know.
My baby gets very nervous in new places, so when we go to new places, I make sure that I stay in his eyesight and am cautious of who I hand him off to hold. He’s more comfortable at my house, so I try to introduce him to new people at home as often as possible.
It’s also good idea to think about the time of day when your baby is the happiest and try to schedule introductions around that time. For example, right before his nap or before a feeding may not be the ideal time to make new introductions. If your baby is happy then he will associate meeting someone new as a positive and fun experience.
Broaden Social Circle Slowly
Although babies won’t play with other babies, they can still benefit and learn from being around other kids.
It’s also great to expose them to other trusted adults too. In the beginning only invite one or two close friends over at a time to ensure your baby stays safe. It’s important to make sure you or someone your baby trusts stay in eyesight range always.
Introduce Him to Older Kids
Babies love older kids. They provide great motivation for them to reach milestones such walking and talking and older kids provide a lot of entertainment for babies.
Take Him Out into the World
Take your baby out with you when you run errands and introduce him to the people you see. Start with family and friends and gradually move up to another customer at a store. Eventually your baby will follow your lead and make eye contact and smile at strangers. The more you show your baby that being around people can be fun, the more he will learn to socialize and be kind.
Be a Role Model
Show your baby how to be kind to others every day. Even if you don’t leave the house or talk to someone new, you can model kindness when your husband comes home or when you answer and talk on the phone.
Helping Shy Babies
Between 8 and 12 months, many babies develop and intense shyness around strangers. This is a positive sign because it means that your baby has formed a strong attachment to you.
Here are 3 tips that can help your baby feel more comfortable and confident around strangers.
Tell Your Guests
Be honest with your friends and explain that your baby is nervous around strangers and ask that they wait until your baby has warmed up to them before they hold him or make eye contact.
Stay in Sight
Make sure that your baby can see you or a trusted person always when strangers are around. This will help him not get overwhelmed or scared.
Favorite Toy
Give your guest your baby’s favorite toy and have them try to play with your baby. This may help your baby focus on something he loves and may help him associate his favorite toy with the new person.
What are your experiences and opinions?