Acredolo said their ideas are not about pushing or pressuring babies but about understanding what they are ready to do and allowing them to do it. We are hoping people will not see this as, you have to have lesson times, you have to have drills. If the baby's not having fun, then it's the wrong thing to do. Her presentation will include video clips demonstrating some activities and how babies respond to them. One of Goodwyn's favorite examples of babies' intelligence is an activity that works for those who are only 2 months old.
Parents can use a ribbon to tie a baby's foot loosely to a mobile hanging above the baby.
When the baby kicks, the mobile will move or make noise. If the ribbon is switched to the other foot or to a wrist, the baby will figure out the change, too. We're saying babies are born ready for these challenges. They love prediction, they love the challenge and they love interacting with people. None of the activities in either book should be drudgery or even work.