Babies get excited by a variety of stimuli, ranging from simple interactions to stimulating environments.
Here's a breakdown of common sources of excitement for babies:
-
Smiling and Facial Expressions: A parent's or caregiver's smile is often one of the first things that excites a baby. Babies are highly attuned to facial expressions and respond positively to happy, engaging faces.
-
Rituals and Routines: Repetitive actions and predictable routines, like a specific song during bath time or a story before bed, can generate anticipation and excitement. They offer a sense of security and predictability.
-
Reading: Sharing books with a baby, even at a young age, can be very stimulating. The sounds of your voice, the bright colours of the illustrations, and the physical closeness all contribute to a positive experience.
-
Music: Happy and upbeat music is a common source of excitement for babies. Studies show that happy music can calm babies and can be associated with reduced arousal and decelerated heart rate. The rhythm and melody can be captivating.
-
Singing: When mothers (or other caregivers) sing to babies, they often become intensely engaged or mesmerized. The familiar voice and soothing melody are often greatly exciting to them.
-
Social Interaction: Games like peek-a-boo, gentle tickling, and simply being held and talked to can elicit excitement. Babies thrive on interaction and connection.
In essence, anything that engages a baby's senses in a positive way, provides a sense of security and predictability, or fosters connection can be a source of excitement.
