So you know what and how to feed your baby, how to change their diaper, and how to take care of them. But a baby’s needs go way beyond just the physical kind. Here’s how to take care of your baby on the emotional level, and to make sure they grow up both healthy and happy.

Face Watching

Just like most fully grown people, a baby can express different kinds of emotions through their cries and their facial expressions. A sensitive parent will be able to tell the difference between different types of crying and expressions, so keep an eye on their cute little face to read their emotions. Pay attention to how they express themselves and how they react to the world around them.

Independence

As your baby develops further, you'll have to allow them to learn how to self-soothe, or comfort themselves. The first place they’ll learn how to do this is during sleeping periods. Sometimes, your infant may cry in the middle of the night. At first, it’s normal to always check on them, but as they grow up, you’ll have to do that less and less. Provided that they are in a safe and secure environment (P.S. don't put anything in your baby's crib), you can just leave them alone. Other ways to teach them to self-soothe is by letting them pick up toys they dropped, or letting them get up on their own after falling. This will foster emotional independence in them; it teaches them that feeling bad is okay.

Playtime!

Another way to raise a happy baby is encouraging creativity and having fun! Let them play around with toys, like stacking blocks, simple puzzles, etc. The sense of creativity not only helps develop their brain, but also gives them a sense of accomplishment.

Photo from: https://cognikids.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/happy-baby-800x600.jpg