Magda Gerber, world-renowned child therapist and infant specialist, revolutionized the way adults care for infants with her RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers ™) philosophy. Born in Hungary and educated at the Sorbonne in Paris, Magda Gerber came to the United States with her husband and three children in 1957, after fleeing her native Budapest in the aftermath of the Hungarian Revolution. She lectured world-wide at conferences, colleges and infant centers, and she established the RIE center in Los Angeles in 1973. Magda Gerber died in April of this year. But her ideas—which still seem radical to many—continue to help both parents and children.

Communicate Respect

The RIE method is based on treating infants with respect and trusting in their ability to develop naturally and at their own pace. Rather than just scooping your baby up from behind and changing her diaper (which can startle an infant and make her feel helpless), Gerber would urge you to start by telling her what you are doing and why, using brief, simple statements like, “I am going to pick you up to change your diaper; a clean diaper will feel better.” In this manner you are fully present with your baby and your baby learns how to communicate and interact. When you talk to your baby as if she understands every word, as if you are having a conversation, you involve her in what is happening. Gerber taught, “Involvement of the child in all caregiving activities allows the child to become an active participant rather than a passive recipient.”

Attending to your baby’s physical needs—whether feeding, diapering or bathing—is the perfect occasion for intimate, focused attention. And it is that kind of attention which is proven to help babies’ development more than any other activity.

Encourage Independence

In Magda Gerber’s words, the RIE method of caring for children is about creating “a balance between adult stimulation and independent exploration by the infant.” Gerber advised parents to ensure babies have plenty of freedom to explore from their own initiative. In her words, “Babies deserve uninterrupted space and time… Try not to disturb a baby who is very absorbed in studying her fingers.”

Likewise, trapping an infant in a walker or wind-up swing prevents her from exploring and interacting with her environment. It is only by lying on the floor that an infant can stretch, move, roll over, creep, crawl, and eventually walk. A confined baby cannot move freely and develop into a secure, stable child. Infants need to be free from restraints in order to work on large motor skills, like walking.

In Magda’s words, “The term 'walker' is a misnomer. It is a piece of equipment on wheels in which a dangling baby rolls across the floor. In order to walk, a baby needs to learn how to support her weight and balance on one foot. She does neither of these in a walker. Swings hypnotize children with their back and forth movement. I like for children to be aware of what they do and how they feel, even if what they feel is tired, hungry or frustrated.”

To learn more about Magda Gerber’s philosophy—and ways to raise a happy and resourceful child—read Your Self Confident Baby. It is an excellent introduction to her methods.