Top Tips for Raising a Happy Baby

 

When it comes to raising a happy baby, there is no tried and true guidebook that gives parents a step-by-step system to follow. Unfortunately, it is usually done by trial and error, because what may work for one baby may not work as well, or at all, for another. But all is not lost; there are several steps parents can proactively take to make sure their toddler is experiencing proper baby development. Here are some helpful tips to help improve the odds of raising a happy and well-adjusted child.

Fight the Urge to Overindulge and Overprotect

As a parent, it is natural to feel the need to protect a baby from anything that causes distress or discomfort. Likewise, as a baby gets older, it sometimes just seems easier to pacify a crying baby or toddler by giving in to his or her demands. Unfortunately, this behavior will most likely lead to them becoming bored and cynical teenagers. The reason? Children who are handed everything and who are shielded from all forms of emotional discomfort cannot fully appreciate the joy of working to earn something of their own accord because things have always been handed to them. By allowing a baby to try to solve little issues on their own, parents are actually teaching them the joy of succeeding based on their own efforts, which leads to feelings of contentment.

Make Time for Baby

It’s not about how many toys a baby has or what kind of clothes he or she wears; what is going make a baby feel cared for and cherished is the time a parent spends with them. Babies need reassurance, and they need to feel loved; the more time a parent spends with baby, the more well-adjusted and confident the baby will become. It can be as simple as time spent playing one-on-one or taking a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood and pointing out new and exciting things. This not only allows a bond to form between parent and baby, it also helps to stimulate the baby’s senses and encourage baby development.

Encourage Baby to Develop His or Her Own Skills

This means learning to understand the baby’s feelings and applauding their milestones. Babies that learn to master simple tasks will quickly discover that they have the ability to control certain aspects of their little world. Upon realizing that they will receive favorable recognition for their positive actions, they will be eager to repeat them and learn others that will bring about the same positive response from the parent. Babies will find joy in doing their best and will want to keep making Mommy and Daddy happy too.

Keep Baby Healthy and Encourage Good Habits

A baby that is healthy is going to be happy, and, when coupled with good habits, this makes for a recipe for happiness. These babies will reap the benefits of feeling good about themselves and feeling confident in their social interaction with others. Simple techniques such as teaching a baby about the virtue of saying “please” and thank you” will breed good social skills that baby will carry through for a lifetime. Maintain regular checkups to ensure that all is on track physically and help minimize health issues that can arise.

Raising a happy baby is no easy feat, but with a little bit of perseverance and a whole lot of love, any parent can nurture a content and well-adjusted baby of their own.