Parenting is hard. We all strive to be the best versions of ourselves for our kids, but when it comes to babies, they’re far more aware of everything than you might think. Babies take in everything they can with their eyes, ears, and senses.
That means the environment around them can have a major effect on their development. Of course, there are certain things you should keep in mind when your baby is around. Your behavior, actions, and language can all impact your baby’s emotional and cognitive development.
8 Things You Shouldn’t Do in Front of Your Baby
1. Arguing or Fighting
You may not think your baby can pick up on arguments or even understand them, but they can. And if they can, they’ll pick up on fights, especially if they see frustration in body language and voices.
Fighting and arguments are some of the worst things to expose your baby to. They can’t differentiate between emotions, but they can sense the noise, frustration, and aggression. This can lead to anxiety, lack of sleep, and even problems with bonding with your baby.
Try to calm arguments and make sure to leave the baby out of the fight. Choose a calm place or time to resolve conflicts, if possible. If you fight in front of your baby, it’s not the end of the world, but if you do it regularly, they will learn this behavior from you.
Related: How To Make Your Kids Happy
2. Using Profanity or Negative Language
You might think swearing or just speaking harshly from time to time is harmless, but it can have an effect on your baby.
At this age, babies can’t understand language, but they can mimic. They are little mirrors when it comes to listening to language, so if they’re constantly hearing profanity and negative language, they will pick up on it and repeat it.
Don’t curse in front of your baby, and try to focus on positive language and reinforcement. Keep an eye on your words and remember that they could not only shape your baby’s vocabulary but also their emotional expression.
If you’re feeling stressed or upset, try to filter your vocabulary. Negative words are quickly erased, but they can have a profound effect on your child’s development.
Related: How to Make Your Kids Feel Special Every Day
3. Overreacting to Their Crying
Crying is one of the most stressful things to hear for most parents. Babies cry for a reason, and even when they think they do, it’s part of parenting.
But overreacting to your baby’s cries is one of the worst things for both your and your baby’s development. Crying is a baby’s way of expressing themselves, so whether you get visibly frustrated, start panicking, or become angry, it can lead to stress and sadness.
It’s important to react with patience and understand that your baby is crying for a reason. Learning to recognize the different cries will help you understand whether your baby is hungry, uncomfortable, tired, or needs attention. Stay calm in these situations as much as possible. It will not only soothe your baby but help them understand their emotions and how to control them.
Related: How to Make Your Kids Listen
4. Showing Neglect or Lack of Attention
Babies are high-maintenance, and while they do like to sleep a lot, they need attention, affection, and a lot of care.
If you are constantly interrupted, working, or on the phone or computer for long periods, they may feel neglected. Babies love interaction and connection, and constant care and attention help them grow. Not just feeding or changing them, but being responsive to their needs is key.
We know life can be hectic, but try to spend quality time with your baby. Even just a few minutes a day of connecting—whether that’s during feeding time, playtime, or just holding them—can make a difference. Babies love to be held, and by being responsive to their needs, you can help them build a sense of security and trust.
Related: How To Make Your Kids Do Chores
5. Displaying Fear or Anxiety
It may not seem like it, but your baby can sense emotions like fear and anxiety. If you’re constantly worried or fearful, your baby could pick up on that and internalize those emotions.
This could lead to them being more anxious, restless, and having trouble sleeping later in life. If your baby senses these emotions, it can also make them feel less secure, so try to manage any anxiety or fear.
Try to reserve anxious or fearful emotions for when your baby is asleep or not in the room. Practice deep breathing or mindfulness techniques before picking them up or entering the room. Your baby needs to know that their world is secure, and you’re the model for those types of emotions.
Related: How to Make Your Kids Mentally Strong
6. Indulging in Excessive Screen Time
Screens are everywhere in today’s modern world. But while it might be easy to zone out in front of the television or scroll through social media, it can have a negative effect on your baby. As babies are visual creatures, watching screens can hinder their brain development. They need to interact with the world around them, not screens, so avoid sitting in front of the television or using your phone with your baby for long periods.
Try to avoid staring at screens with your baby and instead make more eye contact, hold them, and play with them. Talking, physical interaction, and sensory play are all good for your baby’s development. Engage with them, and you will both benefit from it.
7. Ignoring Safety Precautions
We all become complacent in our own spaces, but if you’re not careful, your baby can fall victim to hazards in the home or around them. This could be anything from leaving things within reach to not securing furniture properly or using the wrong car seats. Once your baby starts crawling and walking, they will start getting into everything. And if they can reach something or grab it, they will want to investigate.
Always be vigilant and prioritize safety around your baby. Keep objects out of reach, use safety gates, and ensure the baby’s sleeping area is safe. If you want your baby to explore the world, it’s important to let them know it’s safe.
8. Being Inconsistent with Routines
Babies like routines. From feedings to sleeping, babies need consistency, especially with things that happen every day, like bedtime and playtime.
Babies benefit from the structure of a normal routine, and things like sleep schedules, feeding, and playtime all benefit from a consistent schedule. An inconsistent sleep and play routine can lead to restless children and irritability.
Try to keep a daily routine for you and your baby. This will help you with your own development but also set a pattern for your child. Regular times for feeding, sleeping, and play can work wonders. Try to build a stable daily schedule to help with your baby’s development.
Final Thoughts
Parenting is a constant uphill battle with small victories along the way. We all know that our actions affect our child’s development, but being aware of what you do is half the battle.
It’s hard not to mess up, but try to avoid making some of these common mistakes as a new parent. It’s not all on you, but these minor changes can benefit both you and your baby in the long run.
It’s hard to believe that your baby is paying attention to you all the time, but they are. The good news is that with a little mindfulness, and plenty of love and patience, your baby will grow up feeling safe, secure, and confident.
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