Calm & Soothe Baby Gym Board Book shows you how to bond with your baby through reading, touching, singing, and more. In addition to introducing new nursery rhymes and songs, this book demonstrates a few things you can do to help your baby connect to the rhythm of the songs. These tactics can help soothe her any time of the day.
Before, During and After Reading
Familiarize yourself with the book. Take a look and decide which nursery rhymes you’d like to sing with your baby. If this is your first time using this book, focus on just one or two nursery rhymes to sing to her for the week.
Phonological Awareness
Use the rhyme and rhythm of the passages to soothe your baby. In addition to singing these rhymes to your baby, you may want to try some of the suggested motions — like cradling and rocking, or lightly tapping on your baby’s back.
Oral Language
Expand on one of the rhymes you sing to your baby. For example, if you sing “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” point to the stars you see in the sky at night and describe what they look like. Sing the song while gazing at the stars. Most important, follow your baby’s cues to determine whether she wants to continue to play or not.
Try the At-Home Activity Flashlight Fun. As you shine the light on the wall, sing the song “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.”
Explore more recommended children's books for babies and infants from birth to five months of age. Or, find an easy at-home activity designed to build pre-reading skills in your baby.
