A new tool developed by researchers in the 91探花School of Nursing promises to help parents, grandparents and other caregivers become more tuned in to the infants and young children in their lives. Designed for use at home, in the clinical setting or as a teaching tool in the classroom, BabyCues is an easy-to-use deck of 46 photo cards packaged in a colorful box. By comparing the cards with expressions their babies are using, caregivers can react to what is really going on.
This innovative approach to parent education is based on over 30 years of research into the ways that infants communicate their needs and feelings without speech. BabyCues are designed to enhance the quality of child-caregiver interactions. Properly used, the cards advance the child鈥檚 social, emotional and intellectual development.
The cards were developed by NCAST-Aven 91探花Programs using hundreds of videos and still photographs of a diverse group of infants and young children. The photographs were carefully sorted and screened for the best examples of common cues, such as the facial features or body language that might mean, 鈥淚鈥檓 full鈥� or 鈥淚 need a break.鈥� Each card includes a different photo with an explanation of the type and intensity of the cue on the back. Practicing with the cards can help parents gain confidence, improve their parenting skills and ultimately enhance their relationship with their young child.
鈥淏abyCues are a way to share the vast knowledge we have acquired about infant attachment and development directly with parents,鈥� says Dr. Jean Kelly, NCAST-Aven 91探花director. 鈥淲e hope that they will help improve the future lives of our children and the health of our communities.鈥�
BabyCues will be available for distribution July 7, including a Spanish version. Cost is $24.95, with all proceeds supporting further development and dissemination of research-based products. Orders can be placed on-line at , or by calling 206-543-8528.
NCAST-Aven 91探花is a self-sustaining non-profit organization that develops and disseminates research-based products for the UW.