Early experiences do affect long-term development.
Social interaction is important right from the start.
Eye to eye contact between parents and infants adds to the baby's attraction to faces and decreases his fear of strangers. Since an infant's motor development lags behind his sensory and perceptual abilities, he needs his parents' help in discovering and exploring new things. Having him around people and providing an environment with an abundance of bright, attractive things to look at provide good learning experiences. Infants who are kept in a stimulating environment tend to be particularly alert. Even in his crib, a baby won't be bored if he's surrounded by brightly colored sheets and mobiles or other hanging objects on which he can practice focusing his eyes.