What do you need? You need loving arms and music.

Here's what to do!

• Include happy rituals in your baby's schedule. For example, at bedtime, sing the same song every night, rock her, or rub her tummy.
• Pick up your crying baby promptly. Try to find out what's wrong. Is she hungry? Wet? Bored? Too hot? Crying is your baby's way of communicating. By comforting her you send the message that language has a purpose and that someone wants to understand.
• Gently move your newborn's arms and legs. Or tickle her lightly under the chin or on the tummy. When she starts to control her head, lie on the floor and put your baby on your chest. Let her reach for your nose, or grab your hair. Talk to her and name each thing she touches.
• Sing and cuddle with your baby. Hold her snuggled in your arms or lying face up on your lap with her head on your knees. Make sure the head of a newborn is well-supported. Sing a favorite lullaby.
• To entertain your baby, sing an active song. For example: 

If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands!
If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands!
If you're happy and you know it, and you really want to show it,
If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands!
If you don't know lullabies or rhymes for babies, make up your own!
• Dance with your baby. To soothe her when she's upset, put her head on your shoulder and hum softly or listen to recorded music as you glide around the room. To amuse her when she's cheerful, try a bouncy tune.

• A splinter-free wooden spoon with a face drawn on the bowl.
• Different textured fabrics, such as velvet, cotton, corduroy, terry cloth, satin, burlap, and fake fur.
• An empty toilet paper or paper towel roll.
• Pots, pans, and lids.
• An old purse or basket with things to put in and take out.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Boxes and plastic containers.
• Large spools.
• Noisemakers (rattles, keys, a can filled with beans).

• Put one or two of the items to the left in a safe play area where your baby can reach them (more than two may confuse him).
• Let your baby look at, touch, and listen to a variety of objects. Ones that are brightly colored, have interesting textures, and make noises are particularly good. Be sure that any item you give your baby will be safe in his mouth, since that's where it probably will end up.
• Use these items for all age groups. Many of them will continue to interest toddlers and older preschoolers. For example, babies love to inspect a paper towel roll. But with a 4 year old, it can become a megaphone for talking or singing, a telescope, or a tunnel for a toy car.