Be sensitive to signals for time-outs


You should always be alert to the signals your baby gives you the moment she's done with play. A scenario to explain this: you and your baby are having fun talking and giggling. She smiles and gurgles and all of a sudden she yawns and turns away. She may grimace and try and twist away. When this happens your baby is letting you know she needs a break. One reason for time out is your baby needs quiet time to absorb the new experience or information. Another is your baby needs to calm herself down from all the excitement before entering another play episode. Your baby is not rejecting you; she just needs a rest period in between. The same thing is applicable when baby plays with toys. If she shows disinterest, waving the toy in front of her eyes is only going to upset her more. However if she is enjoying something, don't remove it to present another one in haste. Follow your baby's cues and prevent fun from turning into frustration.