Why to Avoid Electronic Toys
Some very informative studies have recently been published and the findings might surprise you. Studies were conducted comparing electronic toys to more conventional toys such as blocks, puzzles, and wooden tools and they found that adults were less responsive to children when the children were playing with electronic toys than other toys. The studies […]
7 Benefits of Crawling
We applaud the first roll over, video the first step, and record the first words in baby books, but what about the first time your baby creeps across the floor? This is perhaps the most important developmental milestone, but definitely the most unappreciated. It is sometimes regarded as a nuisance milestone because the baby […]
Textures on Baby’s Skin
A great way to build those neuron connections in the brain is to allow your baby to feel different textures against her skin. Our skin is our largest organ and it has a large representation in the brain, so by stimulating your baby’s sense of touch with lots of different textures, you are stimulating […]
Stranger Anxiety
Suddenly he’s apprehensive about strangers! And even some family members. What changed? This is actually a sign of healthy development. He is learning that he is independent of you. While this is an exciting cognitive milestone because he now understands the difference between you and a stranger, it can also bring some tears. She has […]
Conversational Turns
Some studies suggest that babies understand the pause and flow of a conversation as early as three weeks. Pay close attention to your baby when you are having a conversation with someone. Does she look from you to the other person when you pause, anticipating the other person to talk next? When you talk […]
Object Permanence
Play is great fun, but structured play teaches your baby about the world and it is a great way for your baby to learn some early STEM skills. Object Permanence Games: Play peek a boo Hide toys under blanket or scarves and help your baby find them Play with toys that hide such as […]
Baby Sign Language Basics
The baby sign trend has been picking up steam over the past 20 years and is used in a lot of childcare centers and by parents alike. It makes great sense as their fine motor skills are developing ahead of their oral motor skills and they can use their hands to express themselves before they […]
Guiding Principles of Early Learning and Attachment
A recent study out of Amsterdam (UvA) tells us that parents’ level of sensitivity and the degree to which the parent is attuned to the baby’s thoughts and feelings plays a huge roll in infant-parent attachment. “Children who feel securely attached are, among other things, better at regulating their emotions, have higher self-esteem, and exhibit […]
Window Cord Safety
Window blinds are very common in homes around the country. Window blind injuries have been recorded in medical literature as early as 1945 and they continue to occur today. There are an average of 647 injuries annually from window cords, some resulting in strangulation and death. The dangers associated with window blinds are evident as […]