Encouraging Healthy Development - Healthy Development Ideas - Newborn

Incredible growth occurs during the first three years of a child’s life. There are many things you can do to support and nurture healthy development during this time. Below, we’ve listed some specific activities for a newborn.

Moving - Physical or Motor Development

Lay your baby on his/her back to sleep during naps and at night.
Begin to introduce Tummy Time: On your lap, place baby on tummy for very short periods of time when he/she is awake.

Talking - Communication and Language Development

Respond to your baby’s cries, and if not hungry or doesn’t need a diaper change, try swaddling, rocking, singing or taking your baby for a walk outdoors.
If your baby looks away or fusses, he/she may be tired and needs some rest.

Interacting - Social and Emotional Development

Cuddle, talk and sing with your baby while feeding, dressing or bathing.

Thinking - Cognitive Development

Talk to your baby as you move about the room.
Read and sing to your baby.

If you have concerns about a child's development and think a child might need extra help to learn and grow, don't hesitate to refer a child.

The family will be contacted by the local school district to arrange for a screening or evaluation to determine if their child is eligible for Infant and Toddler Intervention or Preschool Special Education services in Minnesota.

Refer a Child

Services are free!

Regardless of:

Income
Immigration Status