While they’ll grow to love their teddy in time, in the early days their favourite ‘toy’ is you. Studies show that babies respond to faces more than any other visual stimuli. Your baby may try to mirror your expressions in the early months; try sticking your tongue out at them and see what happens! Talking and singing to your baby and making faces and smiling at them are all simple ways to build emotional connections and communication skills1.
Physical contact provides a playful opportunity for your baby to discover the world around them. Move their legs and arms gently and use massage to soothe them. Your baby loves your touch, so picking them up and rocking them gently will help to strengthen the emotional bond between you – especially if you do it ‘skin-to-skin’.