When infants are uncomfortable, hungry, or distressed they cry, make other noises and move in certain ways. Parents observe how their baby responds to their care and become attuned to the baby's body language. Parents who are actively involved with their baby increase their sensitivity and come to understand the baby's cues. They are in tune with the baby's signals and know how to provide comfort and amusement. As they get older, they want to play, to touch, to feel and to explore things in their environment.
Responsive parents observe and learn which activities and toys interest their child.
Children look to their parents for stimulation, encouragement and support as they explore the world around them and learn new activities. Between seven and nine months, infants seem to identify more strongly with some adults in their world. The adults with whom they have caring, supportive relationships are a source of comfort and security and they measure their new experiences against these relationships. Families can prepare for the change a new baby will bring to the household by discussing what changes are likely, how they will feel about these changes, and how they will support one another as they adapt to having a new baby. An excellent book on this is When Couples Become Parents by Cowan and Cowan, Basic Books, 1992.