Here are some ways of helping infants achieve self regulation and develop coping skills Learn about the temperamental characteristics of each infant in your care by observing the infant intensely and over time As each new infant enters your program, ask the parents to describe their babys characteristics, preferences, and speeial needs. For babies who are over ve and excitable, use a quiet voice and soothing gestures to help them calm themselves and control their impulses. For babies who are usually inactive and lethargic, gradually introduce them to new experiences that are stimulating and engaging. For babies who are unusually sensitive or jumpy, try using only one or two senses at a time Talk to these babies in asof voice, without making eye contact, or hold them close and silently show them a toy Increase babies' ability to cope with novel situations by introducing them to new experiences when they are physically healthy and cheerful For babies who appear to be withdrawn, observe them carefully and search for subtle cues that are indicative of their needs. Keep track of the kinds of stimuli that are either aversive (unpleasant) or pleas- urable for each of the infants in your care (these are likely to change over time as you expose infants to different experiences)