Socializing your baby/child is very important–it builds brain pathways and encourages language development (see brain development and language development articles for more information).

Take your baby along with you wherever you go.  It not only stimulates him by exposing him to various places and people, it also makes him feel included which develops a sense of safety and trust.  In addition, regularly taking baby out into the world teaches him how to behave in public which in the long-run will make mom’s life a lot easier!

Structured and Group Activities

Play groups enable interaction with other children and an opportunity for moms to meet other moms and form life-long friendships and support systems.

Mommy and Me classes can often be found through preschools, churches, YMCA’s or other gyms, community centers, etc. (they can be anything from tumbling to music classes to just play time).

They expose the baby/child to other children, introduce him to structured settings where there is a “teacher” to listen to, and give mom a chance to form a support system by meeting other moms to share stories/strategies, etc.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschool Students – Birth through age 7) is an excellent ministry offered through churches across the country.  They usually meet twice a month and the moms enjoy some well-deserved adult discussion with other moms while the children attend