10 Things You Taught Your Baby Today (Without Even Trying)

If you're like most new parents, there are plenty of days -- ones when your baby won't stop crying and there's oatmeal on the wall -- when you feel as if you can't do anything right. But think again. Even if all you did was feed your little one when he was hungry, talk to him as you did the laundry, and take him for a stroll, you offered him fantastic learning experiences. Still doubt it? Here's what your baby would tell you himself -- if he could.
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I learned I can always depend on you.

Each time you soothed your child's persistent cries with food, a cuddle, or a dry diaper, you taught him that he matters and that he can trust you to help him. Even something as routine as putting him down for a nap fortifies his trust and self-esteem. Eventually, he'll figure out that even when you're out of sight, you still exist—and you'll be back.

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Comments
Comments (33)
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jennifer7es wrote:

Thank you. Sometimes it's very daunting to think that you are responsable for teaching a new person about the world, so to think that just being yourself and sharing your life with them can be an important part of that is relieving!

1/30/2012 02:28:30 AM Report Abuse
ssouders1101 wrote:

Thank you so much. This article made me feel less like I was doing it all wrong and more like I may be getting this parenting thing down (7 months DS). Thank you for the encouragement that I am doing a good job. It made my day!

1/29/2012 11:29:59 AM Report Abuse
agolinataslota wrote:

I am impressed by this article. Really, I did not suspect that such early age is a time to teach baby anything! Thank the author.

1/25/2012 04:24:51 PM Report Abuse
mikekon71 wrote:

violaimposter wrote: Babies don't have long term memory? That is just plain wrong. Check your sources. That info. is outdated. 3/9/2011 01:54:14 PM What the author of this article is referring to, is not the child actually remembers everything that happens to him, rather everything has an impact, if it's something positive it has a positive impact and could strengthen his self esteem.

10/10/2011 09:04:22 PM Report Abuse
anonymous wrote:

as a grand/parent i was quite amazed and awesomely reminded how awesome babies are. our grand daughter is so smart and wonderful. it has been 23 years since i had a baby. our baby is 23yrs old. it is truely a miracle.:)

10/10/2011 11:29:00 AM Report Abuse
CNIVERY wrote:

I am so amazed with my daughter Zoe! she is only 10 weeks old and is already standing, cooing, smiling fron ear to ear, and laughing at mommy and daddy. She has been holding her head up since birth. I love this girl with my soul. she was not planned, but like I always say God makes no mistakes. Mommies and daddies love your babies they are truly a gift and will change your life forever. This is a congratulations to all the new and old mommies and daddies out there!

10/4/2011 03:41:15 PM Report Abuse
violaimposter wrote:

Babies don't have long term memory? That is just plain wrong. Check your sources. That info. is outdated.

3/9/2011 01:54:14 PM Report Abuse
f_s871 wrote:

First for all the moms who ask is my baby late or should i be worried. Don't within the first year put pressure on them to learn these things. They will get it. every baby is different JJ is only 5 mo old cant stand and hates tummy time but loves be more mentally stimulated so i take pride in those things. in all do time when hes ready he'll learn those things, im not worried.

1/24/2011 04:02:04 PM Report Abuse
xblondie100 wrote:

Evy finally started holding her teething ring. She just got here 4 months ago and she's already in charge of what she wants.

11/10/2010 01:22:18 PM Report Abuse
myfamilymms wrote:

Every day is a new experience. My son just turned 6 weeks and he is growing so fast right before my eyes. I don't think there is anything greater then a mother's love for her child. He is a blessing and an angel, as are all children. May they all be healthy. My son has started tomake cute noises when I talk to him and smiles from the corner of his mouth like he is amused with me. It's amazing how smart they are and how fast they learn. May God Bless all our little angels.

10/26/2010 11:51:50 AM Report Abuse
kylebutterfly wrote:

My one year old daughter scrunches her nose when she doesn't get what she wants.

10/25/2010 07:58:54 PM Report Abuse
friendlybritgirl wrote:

My baby is 7 months old and is crawling, but is not sitting up yet by himself, i think he can do but doesn"t want to yet, is thay normal?

10/25/2010 02:24:20 PM Report Abuse
anonymous wrote:

My son is going to be 4 month in 2 days and he stands (with something to lean against) tries to speak, hums to himself before he falls asleep. Laughs and smile when I sing to him. He is so amazing...he's already in a walker and can kick his feet and move around. I hope I'm not putting to much strain on him but he loves it..if I don't lift him to stand he will cry until I do

10/20/2010 01:07:39 PM Report Abuse
Varda wrote:

I love the way my baby recognizes the cool stuff she does for the first time and enjoys celebrating it with me.

9/17/2010 01:54:23 PM Report Abuse
jaclyngeiger17 wrote:

my daughter is 17 weeks old and doesnt roll over yet...is she developmentally delayed?

9/8/2010 12:35:41 PM Report Abuse
caseec1 wrote:

I put my 3 mt old twins tummy side down over a boppy and they both crawl over it . It is so so cute.

8/2/2010 08:58:40 PM Report Abuse
cornkimberly wrote:

My baby girl just turned 4 months. She is smiling, gurgling, and babbles now, it's so cute!! I love watching her develop and change. =)

6/26/2010 05:27:40 PM Report Abuse
cvalencias wrote:

my son who is 10 mths, and still cries when he hears his 3 yrs old cousing laugh laud, or make loud noises or screams, is that normal? if so, what can I do to ease out their time together?

6/24/2010 12:06:58 AM Report Abuse
nerak92 wrote:

love this article!

6/18/2010 08:37:24 AM Report Abuse
milroyj wrote:

Baby's are cute!

6/1/2010 12:21:53 PM Report Abuse
hottieamanda94 wrote:

aww my baby is 5 months and she doesnt crawl, she laughs and trys to talk cant really understand what she is saying though

5/26/2010 07:45:26 PM Report Abuse
hottieamanda94 wrote:

I love my baby

5/26/2010 07:44:37 PM Report Abuse
jacquelinanders wrote:

This made me smile today :)

4/30/2010 01:05:05 PM Report Abuse
stang4201 wrote:

my son is a blessing...

4/27/2010 01:41:31 PM Report Abuse
cali2ny wrote:

My son is 9 months old and i think that he is ready to start going to daycare. He hasn't been away from me yet and i dont want him to be scared. I also have to prepare myself for seperation anxiety.

4/16/2010 04:45:11 PM Report Abuse
haliwright wrote:

My daughter Alanis is the most amazing lil 5 month girl. she laughs at everything, she is starting to crawl and she says dada.

4/5/2010 07:32:55 AM Report Abuse
alealemai wrote:

I love my daughter that is why I don't let her cry :)

3/1/2010 02:18:58 PM Report Abuse
lilmisskrizzle wrote:

My daughter jocelyn alexis is amazing. Watching her learn and seeing her beautiful smile everyday brightens my world. She wasn't planned but i cannot imagine my life without her.

11/14/2009 11:55:52 PM Report Abuse
h2ogypsies wrote:

I just think this article is great!

11/12/2009 10:59:09 PM Report Abuse
amyreed7 wrote:

My son is just about 3 months and giggles and coo to me every morning before I got to work -- its a bit of a double edge sword -- because I don't want to go to work, but it sure makes it fun to hurry up and come home after my work day is done.

10/14/2009 10:35:37 AM Report Abuse
miles_0108 wrote:

my 10 months son climbed up the stairs yesterday. he climbed up fast that i don't know how to react. i was amaze and at the same time very scared that he might fall. but when he reached the top he was so happy that he made it and he keeps on giggling!

10/10/2009 06:14:06 AM Report Abuse
kassiredmond wrote:

Isn't that amazing? Just this morning I handed my daughter her bottle to hold by herself and she did! Finished the whole thing by herself! It just amazes me the things she does -- and she acts like it's no big deal, like she's been doing it, like you said, since birth!

10/9/2009 08:08:26 AM Report Abuse
alyfields6_ wrote:

I handed my son a sippy cup for the first time today and he grabbed the handles with both hands, stuck it in his mouth and started sucking on it likes he's been doing it since birth!

10/4/2009 09:40:12 PM Report Abuse
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