Sensitive

What is this?

Babies depend on us for almost every need.  They need us to comfort them when they are stressed, feed when they are hungry, settle in a quiet place when they are sleepy.  And just as important to chat and play when they are ready to have fun and explore!

Why does it matter?

Being sensitive is just about doing what babies need as soon as we can.  When we do this, something magical happens.  The pattern of “I have a need and you help me”, “I have a need and you help me” is what builds their own ability to one day manage for themselves.  It creates positive expectations about life and the world that the baby will use to soothe themselves in future.  And that will make life easier for us as we go forward.

What does it look like?

• Noticing cues from the baby that they have a need
• Responding in a way that shows we understand

It is usually very simple things such as:

baby is …	so we …
Happy	Laugh and smile with them
Sad	Show we care, talk softly and comfort
Scared	Remove whatever is scary, comfort and cuddle
Hot or cold	Solve the room temperature or clothing
Playful	Play with them, whatever they are interested in
Bored	Perhaps they’d like to play, chat, or look at a book or a toy
Confused	Slow things down, comfort and talk gently about what’s happening
Chatting	Chat back, give them plenty of time for a turn, use a tuneful voice
Sleepy	Slow and calm and soothe them to sleep

Show me some examples!

video coming

video coming