Top parenting stories this week
Tummy Time for Babies
Why it's important for your newborn to spend time on her tummy.
by: Nancy Ripton
Tummy Time
- Tummy time prevents flattening of the head and helps with motor development.
- The best way to ensure your baby likes tummy time is to start early.
- Five minutes a few times a day is sufficient tummy time.
- Firm, comfortable surfaces will make it easier for your baby to push up when on her stomach.
ummy time is important because it prevents flattening of the head and enhances motor development. “Tummy time teaches babies to push up on their arms,” says child development expert Lora Lesak. Motor development occurs from head to toe, so if a baby is slow to develop shoulder strength, delays will trickle down to rolling, sitting and crawling.
To view the full story click here.
Baby Talk
Your newborn can speak. The problem is you don't know her language. Here's how to decode what she's saying.
by: Nancy Ripton
Baby Talk
- All babies make the same sounds.
- Babies have five “words” to communicate their needs.
- It is easiest to hear what your baby is saying during the pre-cry phase before she starts screaming.
- When your baby is hungry, she will say “neh” or “nah.”
- The sound “owh” is created when sound is added to the yawn reflex. It means your baby is ready for bed.
hat new mom hasn’t wished her baby could just talk? Well, it turns out your newborn can communicate her needs. The problem is, you just don’t understand her language. To view the full story click here.
Help Toddlers Cope with Separation Anxiety
How to avoid tears when you take your child to preschool or daycare
by: Elizabeth Pantley
Separation Anxiety
- If your child is struggling with separation anxiety, try to transition slowly into the daycare or school program an hour at a time.
- Plan play dates: building deeper friendships with other children at the daycare or school can create security for your child.
- Coordinate your trip to school with another family. Having a friend to walk in with can make your child feel more confident.
- Try not to let your own anxiety show during drop off–staying calm and positive will help reassure your child.
eading off to daycare or preschool for the first time is a huge milestone in a child’s life. Some children happily run off to play, but others simply superglue themselves to your leg. If you have a superglue kid, here are some ways to help him loosen his grip so he can enjoy his new experience. To view the full story click here.
Why Your Baby Needs Toys
The right toy can both entertain and teach. Here's how to choose the best toys for your baby.
by: Elizabeth Pantley
Best Baby Toys
- Babies need a variety of toys to enrich their lives and encourage learning.
- Toys teach babies new ideas and show them how they can control things in their world.
- You don’t have to spend a fortune to keep your baby happy, interested, and learning.
- Even a crumpled paper or a leaf from a tree can be valuable playthings.
- When buying toys, look for age-appropriateness, versatility and long-term play value.
ou may not be sure what kind of toys, or how many, your baby should have. Here’s a guide to why toys are important for your child’s development, and how to choose the best ones.
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Coping with a Crying Baby
Here's what to do when your baby or toddler turn on the tears
by: Sharon Silver
Coping with Crying
- Unexplained tears are part of a newborn’s biology and usually peak around the two-month mark.
- By about five months old, crying becomes a form of communication.
- Toddler tears are often a sign of frustration, but they can also become a tool young children use to get what they want.
- The key is to teach children how to manage their emotional reactions to situations.
- Sometimes toddlers just need another outlet for their emotions, such as jumping up and down instead of having a temper tantrum.
haven’t met a parent yet who doesn’t feel a tug at their heart strings when their child cries. At the same time, I think most parents understand that crying is part of the language of early childhood. Here’s how to understand crying from baby to toddler. To view the full story click here.
