Importance of Stimulation for Infant Development
Infants are amazing; their brains are changing at lightning speed and these positive developmental changes are enhanced through infants' interaction with their environment. During this important time, it is essential that the infant be exposed to appropriate levels of stimulation - hence the term infant stimulation. By appropriate levels of stimulation, we mean that the stimulation should not overwhelm the infant or under-engage the infant, and that the stimulation should be oriented at supporting the infant's ongoing development. Infant stimulation is especially critical for infants who are born at high risk due to biological or environmental issues, or those infants with diagnosed disabilities. Stimulation can come in many forms; one type of intervention is reading. Research has consistently supported the importance of reading to children. Reading supports both short-term developmental goals and later school performance. In fact, reading is one of the best things a parent can do for his or her child.
It is never too early to start reading; even infants who are hospitalized due to a difficult birth can benefit from reading. The following information is provided through the Baby Awareness and Support through Interactive Computer Systems (BASICS) program:
BASICS gives reading tips and here are just a few:
Reading should not stop with the infant's hospital discharge; reading is a fun activity that should be built into the family's regular routine.