Congrats to Cara Kent who won last week's featured product–a Chic Tots Bib.
Top stories this week
Choosing the best toys for your baby
Encourage learning and development with these top five toys for babies and toddlers
by: Nancy Ripton
Top 5 Toys
- Limiting the number of toys your child has access to gives her a chance to figure them out without just bouncing from one toy to the next.
- Most must-have toys can be introduced at age one or younger so your child can adapt her play with them as she grows.
- Basic building blocks are ideal–the more flexibility in a toy, the longer your child will be interested in it.
- Instead of buying a lot of different animals, get your child a mommy, daddy and baby animal from the same breed to help foster roll play.
- Crayons and paper are one of the best ways for your little one to express her creativity.
here's a fine balance between having sufficient toys to stimulate your child and suddenly finding your home overtaken with clutter. The good news? Less is more when it comes to toys. "When children have too many toys, they bounce from one to the next and gain no appreciation for them," says Peter Emmenegger, owner of Inquisitive Kid, an on-line natural toy and furniture store. "Limiting selection helps them stay with each toy longer and really figure it out." To view the full story click here.
Helping your baby overcome separation anxiety
Is your infant only happy when you’re within arm’s reach? Here’s how to ease her through this normal stage of development.
by: Elizabeth Pantley
Separation Anxiety
- Separation anxiety is a normal (and positive) developmental stage that most babies experience between seven and 18 months.
- The development of separation anxiety shows your baby has established a healthy bond with you and that she is developing intellectually.
- Your infant may be experiencing separation anxiety if she becomes clingy, afraid of strangers and cries when you're out of sight but is easily comforted in your arms.
- Give your baby lessons in object permanence with games like peek-a-boo and hide-and-seek and practice with quick, safe separations (go into another room and whistle, sing, or talk to your baby so she knows you're still there, even though she can't see you).
- Don't sneak away when you have to leave her–tell your baby what to expect and express a positive attitude when leaving her.
f you leave the room and your baby cries as if you’ve left the country, she may be suffering from separation anxiety. First of all, don’t worry that you’ve somehow spoiled her–nothing you’ve done has “made” your baby act this way. It’s a perfectly normal and important developmental adaptation and nearly all children experience separation anxiety between the ages of seven and 18 months. Some have more intense reactions and, for some, the stage lasts longer than it does for others. To view the full story click here.
How to help your infant learn language
Your guide to communicating with your baby from day one
by: Sydney Loney
Language development
- Research shows babies as young as seven months old are aware of how sentences are organized.
- Speaking "baby talk" or parentese can help infants learn language.
- Repeat words, babbling and gestures to your baby from the beginning, then repeat your infant's words back to her as she acquires a vocabulary.
- Research shows babies exposed to sign language can sign five to six months before they can speak words verbally.
- It's never too late to start signing with your child–just start with basic signs (eat, milk, more) and incorporate them into your daily routine.
ou probably can't wait to have a real conversation with your baby, but you'd be amazed at how much you can say to one another long before she surprises you with her first word. Whether you're chatting verbally or trying your hand (literally) at baby sign language, here's how to open the lines of communication with your infant. To view the full story click here.
Turn those terrible twos into something terrific
Eight tips for maintaining your sanity with a toddler
by: Joanne Baum
Toddler Time
- Remember that the world is still new and challenging to your child. Be patient with her and watch how she manipulates through her day–you will be rewarded with glimpses of her ingenuity and creativity.
- Understand your toddler's challenges and frustrations so you can learn to avoid some of them. If a new task is stressing her out, let her try something she's already mastered to help boost her confidence.
- Avoiding "stimulation overload" will help keep toddler tantrums at bay.
- Toddlers learn through their curiosity–encourage your child's exploration of the world in safe ways and take the time to answer all her questions as you share in her new discoveries.
ou're no longer operating in a totally sleep-deprived state and rarely have spit up on your clothes, but now your child is beginning to voice her concerns, needs and wants with actual words–and sometimes more forcefully than others. Occasionally, you find yourself wishing she came equipped with a "pause" button.
Not to worry–all parents find themselves in the same position: loving most of it and wondering, at times, what they've gotten themselves into. Here are eight tips to help see you through those tricky days of toddlerdom: To view the full story click here.
When little tempers flare - dealing with tantrums
What to do when your sweet little baby has a sudden freak out? Here’s how to get a handle on toddler tantrums.
by: Elizabeth Pantley
Toddler Tantrums
- Baby (or toddler) tantrums start around age one.
- A toddler tantrum is due to an abrupt and sudden loss of emotional control.
- If you can identify the tantrum trigger (such as hunger or frustration), you can more easily calm your baby down.
- Keep your schedule as regular and predictable as you can.
- Give your baby toys that are geared to his age and ability level so he doesn't get frustrated.
- When your baby is overly emotional, keep yourself as calm as possible.
aby's first tantrum can take you by surprise. You'll be shocked at the shrieking, stamping and hitting that can come out of such a little body. Don't take it personally. Toddler tantrums aren't about anything you've done wrong, but there are a few things you can do to help calm your little one down and prevent the kicking and screaming from starting in the first place. To view the full story click here.
