Supporting Healthy Development: 0-4 Months
Newborns may seem sleepy but they are taking it all in! Babies learn as they see, hear and touch the people and objects that surround them.
Babies this age communicate what they need by fussing and crying. Babies are building a strong sense of attachment and safety with the adults that care for them.
Loving relationships are the foundation for healthy development 
Loving relationships make children feel safe, valued and encouraged. Relationships also teach kids how to make friends, understand and talk about their feelings, and overcome challenges.
Starting at birth, the way that adults treat babies shapes what they learn and understand about themselves.
Every day, when we care for and interact with our children we send them messages: You’re smart, you figured that out! You make me laugh and I enjoy being with you. These messages shape how a baby feels about themself, or their self-esteem.
When we cuddle, rock, sing, read and talk to our baby, we send her messages that they are special and they are loved. When babies cry, and we respond with love and kindness, this communicates to our babies that we love them no matter what.
How babies this age think, learn and interact
0-4 Months | Bonding and Trust
The trust and bond that babies have with their caregivers is the foundation for learning and well-being!
| Video | Video Title |
|---|---|
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0-4 Meses | Apego y Confianza |
Support Your Baby's Development with these easy tips
- Smile at baby, gently hug and snuggle with them
- Respond to baby with kindness and warmth every time you interact
- Make eye contact with baby during routines like feeding and diapering
- Talk and coo with baby, imitate their sounds and expressions
- Create routines – stick to a schedule for feeding, sleeping and other activities so baby learns what to expect
- Talk, read and sing to your baby every day
- Give baby a break from activity – take them to a quiet place and cuddle and sway with them to help them calm down
More Resources for Parents & Caregivers of Babies 0-4 Months
Lifelong Mental Health Begins at Birth!
Strong social-emotional skills are part of the foundation for lifelong mental health. As adults, it’s our job to help children develop these skills.
Parenting Tips by Text
Lantern sends messages with tips and activities for caregivers of children that are targeted to your child’s age. Messages include information on development, health and safety, behavior, and more.
Activities to Build Your Baby's Brain!
Vroom Tips are fun activities that turn everyday moments into opportunities to build your child’s brain. You can receive Vroom Tips via the app, text message, email or social media.
