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Chapter 5: Activities for the young baby

A new baby does not usually look as though she is doing very much. She spends most of her time eating, sleeping, and resting. But even though she may not seem aware of her surroundings, a new baby is already starting to learn about her world. She does this by using her senses: hearing, touch, smell, taste, and sight.

A baby who is blind or who cannot see well also begins learning as soon as she is born. But she needs your help to introduce her to a world she cannot see.

You can help by giving her many opportunities to listen, feel, and smell.
Encourage her to explore and play.

If your child can see a little, knowing how she sees best also means you can choose activities that will help her make the most of her remaining sight.

She needs your help to find that out.

As you do activities with your baby, talk to her. Even if you think she is too young to understand the words you say, remember that listening to a person's voice is one of the main ways she will learn about the world.

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