In her book Playtime Devotions, Christine Tangvald writes, “It’s never too early to begin passing on your faith to your child. Your baby can learn.” Take advantage of this key learning time by talking, praising and praying with your child.

Talk

Studies have found that an infant recognizes and is soothed by the musical qualities in her mother’s voice. This finding only confirms what mothers of many cultures have known for centuries — singing a lullaby brings a sense of security and sanctuary to their babies.

Studies have also shown that an infant’s brain responds to the sound qualities of the human voice. Speaking to your child may help in brain development. And as you talk with your baby and teach her about God, remember that a child under 1 learns better when her parents speak to her in a high-pitched, sing-song manner.

Praise

As baby grows to toddler, she instinctively weaves musical play and song into her daily activities. Babies love repetitious rhythms and rhymes.

Sally J. Rogers, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, reports that giving young children the chance to experience a variety of musical activities can assist them in learning language skills.

Sing to and with your child. Let her snoop through a basket of small tambourines, baby rattles, maracas, keyboards and xylophones. Then join her as you strike up a tune. In Matthew 21:16 Jesus says, “From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise.” So praise God with your baby.

Pray

Grab your child, cuddle up and pray for her. If anything it’s a good excuse to thank God for your child.

It’s easy and fun to share God’s truth with your baby. She may not totally understand what you’re doing, but she will know she’s loved … by you and God.