There’s no experience quite as enchanting as that moment when your baby gazes into your eyes and, with a spark of recognition and excitement, stretches out a tiny hand for a high five. But when does this adorable and remarkable interaction usually happen?
When Do Babies Start to High Five?
The journey of your baby’s motor skills development is akin to an intriguing adventure. One notable milestone on this exciting journey is the high five. Babies typically learn to high five between the ages of 8 to 12 months. This is after they’ve figured out how to clap and point, around 9 months. Let’s delve deeper and understand what helps them master this fascinating skill.
- Body Language Matters: Babies start picking up on nonverbal cues from a very early age. Smiles, frowns, and waving – it’s all part of the parent-baby communication process. As you interact with your baby using positive nonverbal communication like expressive faces and lively tones, you’re laying the groundwork for their future high five prowess.
- The Power of Speech: Even when your baby is non-verbal, your constant chatter matters. Your baby is busy picking up the rhythm and patterns of language, paving the way for their own verbal journey.
Enhancing Nonverbal Communication
High fiving is a cute interaction, no doubt, but it’s also a stepping stone towards effective nonverbal communication for your baby. Here’s how you can play your part in bolstering this journey:
- Sign Language: Even before they start talking, babies can learn to communicate through simple signs. Using easy sign language signs like ‘more’, ‘all done’, and yes, ‘high five’, can empower your baby with an early communication tool.
- Being Attentive: Paying close attention to your baby’s nonverbal cues can unlock a world of understanding. Tuning in to their facial expressions and body language will help you know what they’re trying to convey, fostering better communication.
Boosting Baby Language Development
High fives are not just about motor skills or coordination. They’re integral to language development in a fascinating way. Here are some tips to bolster your baby’s budding language skills:
- KISS – Keep It Simple, Silly: When you’re communicating with your baby, simplicity is key. Use easy words and short sentences to make your point. This not only helps your baby grasp what you’re saying but also encourages them to respond back.
- Focus on Nonverbal Communication: Gestures and eye contact form the basis of language. Your baby learns by observing your actions, so exaggerated gestures and eye contact, along with vocalizing, can significantly aid in their communication development.
Promoting Positive Nonverbal Communication
The joy of sharing a high five with your little one is unparalleled, but it’s more than just a fun interaction. It’s an example of positive nonverbal communication. And this type of communication can play a significant role in your baby’s emotional development and sense of self-worth. Here are some ways you can promote positive nonverbal communication:
- Smiling: A genuine smile conveys warmth and love to a baby, creating a safe, secure environment.
- Eye Contact: By making eye contact, you validate their existence and express your interest in them. It teaches them to do the same and communicate effectively.
The Role of Touch in Baby Communication
We often overlook the power of touch in communicating with our little ones. Yet, it’s a fundamental aspect of creating a loving bond and instilling a sense of security. Here’s how you can harness the power of touch:
- Gentle Touches: Small gestures such as holding a baby’s hand or gently stroking their head can communicate love and safety.
- Mirroring: Reflecting a baby’s facial expressions and body language can make them feel understood and acknowledged. It can also help them learn how to recognize and react to nonverbal cues.
The Power of Eye Contact in Baby Communication
Eye contact is a potent form of nonverbal communication. It promotes an emotional bond and is instrumental in your baby’s communication journey. Let’s explore some ways to make the most of it:
- Feeding Time: Making eye contact during feeding can not only help build an emotional connection but also make feeding more engaging for your little one.
- Mutual Gaze: When you and your baby lock eyes, it establishes an emotional connection. It also offers an insight into each other’s feelings and mind states.
- Encouraging Vocalization: An interesting fact – when you make eye contact with your baby, it can lead to an increase in their vocalizations! Engage them with your gaze, and you’ll encourage them to communicate using their voice, eyes, or gestures.
High Five – A Milestone to Celebrate
As we’ve discovered, the high five isn’t just an adorable action. It’s a significant milestone on your baby’s journey to becoming an effective communicator. While every baby is unique and will achieve milestones at their own pace, typically, babies learn to high five between 8 to 12 months.
When your baby reaches out for that first high five, it’s more than just a fun interaction. It’s a testament to the power of positive nonverbal communication and a celebration of your baby’s developing motor skills, communication, and cognitive abilities. So next time your baby offers a high five, return it with enthusiasm, knowing that this simple gesture is paving the way for a lifetime of communication and connection
