Directing Baby Behavior

What You Need
5 - 10 Soft Floor Pillows
A comfortable place to sit (for caregiver)
A large supply of brightly colored toys and videos designed for ages 0-10 months
Music that children enjoy

0-6 Months

Instructions:

Step 1: The most important way to direct baby behavior is to show constant love and to be responsive and attentive to their needs. Though this may seem obvious, it is easier said than done. It can be easy for a caregiver to become distracted by television, a phone call or their own daydreams and then become confused and startled and wonder why the happy baby has suddenly become upset.

Step 2: Take steps to insure baby safety by making sure dangerous objects, food items etc. are not in reach of the baby.

Step 3: Use age appropriate toys to distract the baby's attention from dangerous play.

Step 4: Play with the baby when he/she is not asleep.

Step 5: Play music that conveys the mood you would like the baby to be in.

In Addition:

Music can be stimulating or soothing for babies and people in general. It tends to set a better mood while caring for babies. Music is an effective tool that you can use to direct baby behavior causing relaxation, playfulness or whatever mood you desire the baby to be in.

Do not get distracted by television, phone calls or personal issues when caring for babies. The only way to direct baby behavior is to pay close attention to them at all times when they are awake in order to understand their needs; because they cannot communicate to you in words. It is okay to have music or the television on in the background, but baby care is your first priority.

It is important to have a large selection of toys and videos for babies. Toys are very important. If there is a variety of fun things for the baby to do, the baby will have less interest in trying to to destroy his/her playpen. If you feel a lot of toys are not affordable to you, consider used toys from a trusted friend or family member. Or purchase used toys from a trusted source and investigate all toys for damage and make sure they are cleaned thoroughly with bleach water and/or cleaned in the washing machine.

Be careful not to let the TV baby sit the child. Some videos and TV shows are okay, but they are no substitute for caregiver interaction.

6-10 Months

Instructions:

Step 1: Remove mobiles and dangerous objects on tables from the reach of the baby who is now able to pull up and strong enough to grab many more things. At this age, the baby can control some of his/her behavior, so steps must be taken to insure the baby's safety.

Step 2: Redirect baby attention from dangerous places like chairs, tables, stairs, corners, unlit fireplaces and bookshelves. Instead redirect baby attention to soft places like floor pillows and mattresses.

Step 3: Remove all temptations--especially brightly colored and shiny ones--from the reach of babies.

Step 4: Separate a baby that is hitting another child or adult from the victim first. Then demonstrate alternative methods for relating to others by using the baby's hand to stroke the victims face or hair gently while using positive vocal reinforcement after the baby has calmed down.

Step 5: Play music that conveys the mood you would like the baby to be in.

In Addition:

Be prepared to move at a moments notice. Babies at this age can pull up and grab very fast. They are also very curious and don't know what's best for them. It is important that a close eye be kept on these babies.