Relax! You Already Have Access To Everything Your Baby Needs

You don't need a degree in child development or a huge bank account to give your baby what he needs to grow and thrive. Luckily, research confirms what parents intuitively know: you already have access to everything your baby needs. Providing love, attention and basic care goes a long way toward raising a healthy, happy baby. Here's the nutshell version of what experts say parents can do to ensure your baby gets off to the best possible start:

Love Your Baby Every Chance You Get: Scientific evidence shows that unconditional love, demonstrated affection, and lots of attention in the first years of your baby's life greatly impact his physical, mental and emotional health. Hug, play, laugh, engage in eye contact, and listen as often as you can. Experts say it is impossible to spoil a baby before his first birthday. Shower your baby with joyful love and attention without holding back.

Prioritize Your Baby's Basic Needs Over Material Things: One of the most important things you can do for your baby is to prioritize his basic needs so that he'll enjoy the good health and energy necessary for learning, growing and thriving. You can do this by:

responding to your baby's physical needs promptly by soothing and reassuring your baby quickly if he's cold, hungry, wet or just needs a cuddle;

providing your baby a balanced diet adequate in protein, vitamins, minerals and nutrients which is neither too low nor too high in calories;

staying up to date on his regular well-baby checkups and immunizations;

Making his sleep and rest a priority. Your baby's brain cells need sleep for the development of learning, movement and thought.

Stimulate Your Baby's Senses By Talking, Reading, Singing, Moving And Playing: Research shows that babies whose parents regularly engaged and read to them have significantly higher IQs and larger vocabularies than babies who didn't receive much parental stimulation. Converse with baby as you diaper, feed or bathe him and make eye contact. Reading is one of the most important things you can do to help build your baby's vocabulary, stimulate his imagination and improve his language skills. Reading at bedtime is a wonderful tradition, but also schedule regular trips to libraries and story times. Sensory stimulation feeds a baby's brain. Provide sensory experiences through playing with toys, singing, playing games and introducing your baby to new, safe experiences compatible with your comfort level. Give your baby plenty of room to explore and play. To develop strong muscles, coordination, and balance babies need plenty of space to explore where they aren't told "no" or "carefree."

Take Care Of Yourself To Take Care Of Your Baby: Parents who are depressed or upset are often unable to respond swiftly and sensitively to their baby's needs. Talk with your doctor any time you think you may be struggling. If you're feeling drained, find ways to divide the household and parenting responsibilities with others who are usually more than willing to help. Take even small, regular amounts of time for your own enjoyment. Realize that practicing self care will make you a more refreshed, patient, and effective parent.

Parents can understandably experience anxiety at adequately meeting their baby's every need. Relax in the knowledge that you already have access to everything your baby needs right inside your own loving home and within your own giving heart.