Watching your baby grow and change during this first year is exciting! It’s wonderful to notice milestones like outgrowing an outfit, cooing or babbling, or learning to crawl. Your little one is growing in many wonderful ways that may not be obvious but are just as significant!
During their first year, your little one will be busy connecting with their favorite grown-ups while exploring the world around them. Caregivers who provide infant care in Rockville, MD, play a vital role in a baby’s emotional development.
From the moment they are born, babies seek comfort and support from their caregivers. In the very beginning, this involves holding your baby, rocking them, and cuddling to foster a strong connection. These first few months of bonding are crucial as your baby learns to trust that you will meet their needs.
Providing emotional support to babies is not as hard as you might think. Parents and caregivers at an infant daycare in Rockville should be loving, and always ready to respond! A solid connection with your child will equip them to tackle life’s daily dramas, not just in the here and now, but later down the road. Your little one figures out the world is a safe place based on your reactions. Nurturing and attentive responses help your baby feel safe and secure.
Soft, loving care creates a sense of security for your newborn. Engaging with your little one is a delightful way to strengthen your connection. Every interaction provides an opportunity to introduce new sights, sounds, and textures to their curious minds! This gets your little one’s brain buzzing and gives it a chance to grow!
Every baby has a unique growth journey, but there are a few things to watch to ensure their emotional development is on the right track.
When your little one is fussy or crying, respond with warmth and kindness so they learn their needs will always be met. As your little one grows more alert and aware, be sure to make eye contact with them.
Even though your baby doesn’t talk yet, act like they do when you interact with them. By using natural pauses, babies learn that conversations are not just one sided and that they follow a certain rhythm.
Babies also learn to understand feelings by observing your facial expressions. Describe what you are seeing as you talk to them. For example, look at that big smile on your face—it looks like you’re really happy!
Through playful interactions, your little one will have fun mimicking your expressions and learning how to engage with others! Make a silly face, flash a big smile, or raise your eyebrows and invite your baby to join in the fun!
Babies are noticing all the exciting things happening around them and are eager to join in on the fun! Spend one-on-one time with your baby and encourage them to touch your face and mimic your facial expressions. Enjoy some giggles during bath time or cozy up together while you read a book to them. Respond to your baby’s reactions with happiness so they understand that their behavior is significant and that you are there to support them.
Your little one may become wary of caregivers at their infant daycare in Rockville, or react to loud noises. Even if this has never happened before, it is normal behavior for a seven-month-old. The only thing you can do is reassure your little one that you’re right there with them. Even in familiar environments, when you reassure your baby, you are making them feel safe and secure.
By nine months old, your baby recognizes some words, even if they can’t say them. Nine-month-olds might not talk, but they do babble. The more you respond to your baby’s babbling, the better, as this teaches them how to express themselves. When your baby giggles, talk to them about being happy. When they cry because the toys are being put away, you can share that it’s okay to feel sad that playtime has come to an end.
Between nine and twelve months, a baby’s bond with its caregiver is undeniable. You might even start noticing that your child favors certain people over others. The favoritism doesn’t stop with caregivers either. Whether it’s their favorite food or toy, your baby won’t be afraid to show you what they like. Boosting your little one’s confidence is as easy as giving them a choice—so, which toy do you prefer today?
From the moment they are born, babies begin to discover their identity through the way they are treated. Parents, relatives, and Rockville Infant Daycare caregivers share sweet messages with babies daily—’You are so loved’. Look at how cute you are. You really know how to make me smile! I’m really happy to spend time with you. The messages we share play a big role in building a baby’s self-esteem.
MCCA has been recognized by the Maryland State Legislature for its commitment to Montgomery County issued a quality programs and special needs child care Proclamation in 2016 to MCCA for its commitment to Montgomery County child care for more than 50 years. MCCA was also selected as a 2018 nonprofit finalist for a MOXIE Award for boldness and innovation
MCCA is the oldest nonprofit licensed child care provider in Montgomery County and started its work in 1968 as a Community Action Project of the War on Poverty. Recognizing the need for quality child care programs in their neighborhoods, a group of local activists formed an association to establish centers in Montgomery County that would serve a diverse population and establish high standards for child care. Now, more than 50 years later, MCCA’s dedicated and expertly trained staff continue their tradition of providing high quality child care and play-based education for children.
Families with school aged children who can afford their child care expenses during the school year often struggle to afford the all-day programs they need when school is out for the summer. The Richard Krampf Summer Adventures Scholarship Fund was established to help provide children a safe and stimulating place to spend their weeks when school is out. Please contact an MCCA Director for details on how to apply.
