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How to Stimulate Cognitive Development in Infants

Cognitive development in infants refers to development in the way a baby thinks. This includes his language, communication and exploration skills. Examples of cognitive activities include learning to talk, interacting with toys, identifying faces and socializing with other people. Babies need to be stimulated and challenged in order to grow and develop on a cognitive level. Specific activities, practiced on a regular basis, stimulate an infant's cognitive growth.

Things You'll Need

  • Baby book with colorful illustrations
  • CD player
  • CD of children's songs
  • Toy stackable cups
  • Bandana or cloth
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the baby in front of you, either on the floor or in a high chair or other seat. Clear all distractions, such as other toys, from the area so that the baby is able to focus on you.

    • 2

      Open the book and face the pictures toward the baby. Read her the story or point to the different items in the pictures and repeat the names of these items several times. Speak clearly and with an energetic tone. Turn the page or change voices or objects often to keep the baby's attention. If the baby tries to say the words you are saying, clap and give him verbal praise. Repeat the sounds she is making and then the actual words.

    • 3

      Sing along with CDs and clap your hands or do hand motions. Hold the baby's hands and help her to clap along with the tempo of the song. Smile, laugh and show the baby how fun it is to sing. Repeat the song two or three times, or try a different one. Clap and praise the baby when he makes noises or tries to clap along with the song.

    • 4

      Place the toy stackable cups in front of the baby and let him play with them for a few minutes. Take opportunities to point to each cup and identify its color several times in a clear voice and with an energetic tone. Show the baby how to stack the cups, demonstrating the motion several times and then helping her repeat it. Clap and praise him when he does it by himself.

    • 5

      Use the bandana or cloth to play peek-a-boo with the baby. Smile and call her name, and then hold the bandana in front of you so that it hides your face. Wait a few seconds in silence, and then drop the bandana and say "peek-a-boo." Repeat this several times and with variations such as putting the bandana in front of the baby's face or calling his name when it is in front of yours. Always smile and laugh when you lower the bandana so that she knows you are playing a fun game and are happy to see her.

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