Teaching to Make Good Choices

 
It is important for the mother to respect the baby's first choices as an infant. Even when he's a few days old the baby will tell the mother when he wants to be fed or when he feels like being held. If these choices are honored by the mother from the beginning, the baby knows that it is okay to have his needs aired and addressed. Similarly, if the baby shows a preference for mashed apricots over oatmeal, and he shows this preference by spitting out oatmeal, do not force feed him oatmeal or scold him for spitting out. This is the only way he knows how to show his preference.

Playtime is an excellent time to give the baby choices by holding two toys for him to choose from. If the baby is too young to physically indicate a preference with his arms, watch him and how long he stares at each toy and which toy makes him smile. These are all subtle indicators of choice in young babies.

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