A smile. A laugh. A hug. Children with Down syndrome (DS) are seen as cheerful, affectionate, and sociable. Positive interactions with others is a common strength for little ones with
If you’re a parent of a child with Down syndrome (DS), you may wonder how DS will affect his motor development. While every child with DS is different, it’s common
One of the goals of early childhood is getting a child ready to venture out in an educational environment, where new skills and friends await her. Because intellectual disability is
Not all little ones develop at the same rate, which is why milestones are based on averages or age ranges. But sometimes a parent or caregiver may suspect that a
If you pay attention to your little one, you’ll notice that he plays in different ways, often with the very same toy! If you’ve ever wondered why he does this,
When we talk about child development, we often focus on the usual superstars: The brain for processing information, arms and legs for moving, hands for grasping… We don’t talk as
In infancy, your little one’s eyes play at least three big roles: Learn how to focus, track, perceive depth, and discriminate visual information. Take in rich sensory information that helps
The majority of children with Down syndrome (DS) have language delays, although they often have stronger receptive language skills (what they understand) than expressive language skills (their ability to communicate).
You may be familiar with Down syndrome (DS), but do you know what causes it and what its characteristics are? DS begins during conception, when a baby’s 23 chromosomes are
Disagreeing with your partner about parenting is a common issue couples face after having children. Deciding on a set of “rules,” so to speak, can help you create a positive
Do you have plans to visit family this summer? Head to the beach for a week? Take a vacation? Just because you’re taking a break from everyday life doesn’t mean
As adults, we each have a unique style of artistic expression. Toddlers, though, in general, all scribble the same. Across cultures, they go through predictable stages of scribbling—from a single
When parents live separately (usually because of separation or divorce), getting both on the same page is extremely important; successful parenting involves consistency, after all. Once custody is worked out,
A baby is upset and letting the world know through a bout of crying. Wow, a completely rare occurrence, right? What the baby’s caregiver does next is key to how
Some little ones adjust easily to sleeping in a big kid bed. Many, though, go through a period of ups and downs – literally! If the switch from crib to
In our article about when to make the switch from crib to bed we talked about the timing of this big milestone. But once you’ve decided it’s time, how do
Graduating from a crib to a bed is an exciting milestone, but it can be hard to know when your child is ready for it. Some milestones, like starting solid
Congratulations on your new baby! In the first days of life, babies follow unique behavior patterns as they face all sorts of experiences and sensations for the first time. They
If your experienced crawler made her way to the edge of a tall bed, would she fall off? What if your brand-new walker toddled to the top of a climbing
It’s a thrill to witness your little one point to a firetruck and say wed! (aka red), or hold a puzzle piece and try to articulate the word “triangle.” But
Maybe you have a great relationship with your parents and in-laws. Or maybe you feel like you might explode if they give you one more piece of parenting advice. Either way,
If you’re scrambling after a toddler to keep her from standing on tables or scaling bookshelves, you’re not alone. Toddlers LOVE to climb, and for good reason! After mastering crawling
You’re at the park with your toddler and an airplane flies overhead. He runs to you, tugs your sleeve, points up and says, “Pane!” He looks at you as you
When you think of “scaffolding,” you may envision the temporary structure at a building site that allows construction workers to get to heights they wouldn’t be able to reach on
From an infant discovering her hands to a toddler feeding herself with a fork, children’s hand-eye coordination steadily develops during the first years of life. How does hand-eye coordination work,
Sitting down as a family to eat (especially with a wiggly toddler) may seem overwhelming. You have to cook, set the table, and convince your child to eat her peas
Puzzles are a childhood mainstay. Like blocks, balls and dolls, they’re a toy that’s stood the test of time — for good reason! Puzzles support virtually every area of toddler
It’s thrilling to imagine changing your little one’s final diaper, isn’t it? Before you get there, of course, you need to potty-train him. It’s usually not a parent’s favorite phase,
In this article we covered the basics of pumping breastmilk. Once you’ve pumped it, though, you need to store it and serve it to your baby at a later time.
Electric, manual, single, double… With so many breast pump options, it can be hard to know which to choose. To start, find out if your healthcare plan offer coverage for
Whether you’re returning to work or storing breastmilk for a babysitter, want your partner to share the feeding experience, or your baby can’t nurse due to a medical or developmental
When it comes to vision, your baby’s development is impressive: From fuzzily making out a two-dimensional, fairly gray world at birth to seeing depth and full color with adult clarity
Bending your baby’s arms, bicycling her legs, putting her in different body positions. Why did we include these in our BabySparks development program? Exercising your baby’s large muscles, even when
When life gives your child lemons, you want her to do more than make lemonade. You want her to be able to manage and bounce back from tough situations with
When it comes to bottle-feeding your baby, chances are you’re overwhelmed by the baby bottle options. So many materials, shapes, and sizes. How on earth do you choose? There’s no
We’ve written a lot about breastfeeding, but we know there are reasons for parents to go the formula route. When it comes to storing, mixing and serving baby formula safely,
We’ve written a lot about breastfeeding, but we know there are reasons parents go the formula route. If that’s you, just browsing the endless formula options can cause mild panic.
Although we’ve written a lot about breastfeeding, we know there are reasons for parents to go the formula route. If that’s you, formula-feeding can seem daunting at the outset. So
You’re checking items off your pregnancy to-do list, and it’s time to pack a bag for the most exciting adventure of all: Meeting your baby! Here’s a step-by-step guide to
When it comes to setting up a nursery, there are must-have items (like a crib and smoke detector). Once you’ve checked those off your list, it’s time to focus on
A Birth Plan is a brief written document outlining your preferences for giving birth. While it can help you communicate your wishes for giving birth, the word “plan” is a
Setting up your baby’s nursery is exciting, but it can be overwhelming too. Amidst the dizzying array of options, you may wonder what you really need. We have a separate
Establishing who will oversee your baby’s health and development is an important task to check off your pregnancy to-do list. If all goes well, your family’s relationship with your child’s
Introducing your child (or children) to a new brother or sister is a moment you’ll never forget! A new sibling can be exciting for your older child, but it can
Where do you want to bring your baby into the world? Depending on where you live, you may have options: A hospital, a birth center, or even at home. Before
The last thing you want to think about when you bring your new baby home is shopping for baby stuff. You also don’t want to go overboard buying things you
When it comes to preparing for a new baby one important task is stocking up on essentials, including diapers. If you’re curious about cloth diapers, you’re not alone. Opting for
It’s impossible to know exactly how a birth will go, because it’s a dynamic process and unexpected twists and turns can arise. But no matter how it unfolds, knowing (in
While vaginal birth is the most common way to deliver a baby, about 30% of babies are delivered via Cesarean-section, or C-section for short (surgical removal of a baby through
If you recently found out you’re pregnant, it might seem like there’s an eternity between now and meeting your baby (congratulations, by the way!). But, as they say, time flies.
Something you may not have known before becoming a parent or caregiver is that baby poop comes in many colors. Luckily, most of them are normal (or coincide with an
Your life changes in many ways after you have a baby, including suddenly talking a lot about poop. You just can’t get around it, because from color to frequency to
“Kids and screen time” has become a buzz phrase as child development professionals grow increasingly concerned about the negative effects of screens being introduced at too young an age, and
If you’re wondering whether your child will be right or left-handed, you may be in for a wait. Some babies and toddlers show a hand preference right away, but it’s
Imagine your little one is in elementary school, stuck trying to solve a math problem one way. Then, his teacher shows him another way to approach it. He looks at
As adults, we choose clothes that match our activities: Work clothes for work. Work-out clothes for the gym. Dress-up clothes for special events. What is our little ones’ primary activity?
Whether it’s shaking hands, kissing on the cheek, bowing, saying please, or speaking respectfully to your elders, manners are a mainstay in every culture. Yet in articles, classrooms, and kitchens
Traveling with a baby or toddler is a far cry from your pre-child days, when you could do things like (gasp) read on the plane. From lugging baby gear to
If just thinking about flying with a baby or toddler raises your stress level, rest assured that good preparation can set you up for fewer bumps in the road (or
Most babies and toddlers experience separation anxiety, but those with a “slow-to-warm-up” temperament are especially shy, cautious, and wary of the unfamiliar. They prefer observing before slowly joining in. They
All little ones are challenging at times, but some are challenging most of the time. According to research on temperament, roughly 10% of children fall into the “difficult or challenging”
All of us are born with a unique way of approaching, responding to, and interacting with the world — also known as temperament. Temperament, to varying degrees, remains stable throughout
Just as we’re born with a certain eye color, hair color, and body type, we’re also born with a unique way of approaching, responding to, and interacting with the world:
When you think of a baby or toddler, the opposite of self-regulation probably comes to mind: Throwing food despite your dozen reminders not to; hitting a peer even though you
Skin-to-skin is as simple as it sounds: Cuddling your unclothed baby against your bare chest. It’s a bang for your buck, developmentally speaking, because it’s so easy yet it benefits
W-sitting looks like this: A child sits on his bottom with his legs bent at the knees and splayed out to the sides. If you stood and looked down at
Whether it’s at a playdate, daycare, or park, toddlers and toys together usually leads to sharing squabbles. Rest assured your toddler’s sharing woes aren’t a reflection of bad parenting or
If your little one throws a fit any time another child even looks at his toys, you’re not alone. There are good reasons for why sharing is hard for toddlers,
Can you give your friend a turn with your truck? Your cousin is sad. Can you let her hold your teddy bear? Can you share your crackers with your sister?
If you’re the parent of a toddler who bites, you may feel embarrassed, frustrated, and worried. And for group childcare providers, little ones biting brings up safety issues and parent
If you’re the parent or caregiver of a toddler who bites, rest assured that biting in toddlerhood is common, and there are reasons for it. There are also things you
Despite being designed to breastfeed, nursing mothers everywhere run into similar obstacles — many of which can be overcome with simple, at home interventions (you can read more about these
Just because you’re designed to breastfeed your baby doesn’t mean it’s always easy. In fact, breastfeeding problems are common, especially at the beginning. Our tips for successful breastfeeding can help,
Even though women are designed for breastfeeding, it can be a challenge, especially when it comes to positioning. Whether you’re just getting started or encountering common breastfeeding problems, the first
What’s an inexpensive and surefire way to support your little one’s development? Use mirrors! A mirror is a “toy” she’ll love from the get-go, and one that will grow with
If you’re a parent of a new baby and your relationship with your partner is off track, you’re not alone. Decades of international research show that a whopping two-thirds of couples
If you sit down to type, what’s the first thing you do? Stabilize your trunk. Next you align your posture and hold your neck and shoulders still. Only then can
Sometime around her second birthday, your toddler may start refusing to sleep without a light on, or wake up crying from dreams. This is common, and there are several good
Your baby was finally sleeping for a long stretch at night, and suddenly she’s waking up regularly again. Or one day your new walker who was a nap champ starts
If you’ve read this article you know naps are essential for babies and toddlers. But just because they’re a must doesn’t mean they’re easy. In fact, making sure little ones
Babies and toddlers require a lot of sleep in a 24-hour period, and some of it needs to happen during the day. We’ll talk about how naps evolve during months
Little ones need three main things to thrive: Loving, supportive parents and caregivers who interact with them in meaningful ways, adequate nutrition and, you guessed it, adequate sleep. Sleep is
When we talk about infant sleep, we often focus on frequent wakings, feedings, instilling good sleep habits, and sleep training. Another important topic, though, is sleep safety. SIDS (Sudden Infant
Want to raise your child to be a happy and successful adult? Equip him with a tot-sized broom. Chores pack a punch when it comes to your little one’s development,
Some babies sail through teething with barely a whimper, while others cry their way through it. If you have or care for a baby with teething pain, the FDA says
Learning to use a cup is one of the developmentally-important, “big kid” tasks of babyhood. Here’s everything you need to know about the downsides of prolonged bottle use, when to
If your toddler spends mealtimes shaking her head and pushing her plate away, you’re one of countless parents around the world who deal with a picky-eating little one. There are
Your seven month-old gobbles up everything you put in front of her. At 18 months she decides the only things she’ll eat are applesauce and crackers. What’s going on?! Not
From sponge baths to splashing in the big tub, bath time with baby evolves through three stages during his first year. Here’s a step-by-step guide for each stage. Bath Time
It’s easy to make bath time fun, but it’s also important to make it safe. With these tips, you can avoid slips, falls, bumps, burns, and potentially life-threatening accidents. Supervise
Bath time is a fun way to wind down and get your little one squeaky clean, but it’s also great for her development. Take a look at several ways splashing
Clothes, check. Socks, check. Shoes, check. Baby, check? That’s right, you can “wear” your baby in a sling, wrap, or carrier, and child-development experts say it’s good for babies, parents,
Aside from the classic five senses (touch, sight, taste, smell and hearing), there are two less famous but equally important ones: Proprioception and the vestibular system. The classic five are
When we think of the senses, the classic five usually come to mind: Touch, sight, taste, smell and hearing. There are two other important senses, though, and they don’t always
The sense of touch is also known as the tactile sense. We receive tactile information all over our body, but especially through the mouth, hands, and feet. For your little
Our sense of taste receives information through thousands of tiny bumps on the tongue that we know as taste buds. Our taste buds can detect five basic flavors: Sweet, salty,
Other animals are considerably better at detecting scents than we are, but our sense of smell is still impressive: Research estimates that the average person can distinguish between 1 trillion
Imagine you walk into a busy restaurant to meet a friend. You scan the room for her face, and maneuver your way around tables. You give your friend a hug
Think back to learning how to drive. Remember those first days of intently focusing on your every move while jerking a car through an empty parking lot? Now, you can
Attention skills are central to learning, engaging with others, accomplishing tasks, and succeeding in school and the workplace. They develop gradually and steadily, and as a parent or caregiver you
We’re all about improving children’s futures here at BabySparks—we built an entire program around it! So when we read this recent paper, published by The Harvard University Center on the
Spatial awareness helps us do things like read a map, put together IKEA furniture, trot up spiral stairs without bumping ourselves, and follow an instruction like: The keys are inside
We’ve already touted the benefits of being barefoot. Now let’s talk about ditching your baby’s clothes, too! Whenever it’s warm and safe to do so, consider stripping your baby down
It’s adorable to watch your toddler move her hips to her favorite song, but did you know that dancing with your child is good for her (and you!) in many
Ah, milestones. They’re a source of both excitement and anxiety. Watching your little one take her first steps is thrilling, but if she’s a late walker you may worry about
From marks on a paper to purposeful drawing (even though the “dog” she draws may still look like a blob), your child’s artwork steadily evolves during her first two years.
Taking time each day to massage your baby by gently pressing, rubbing, or kneading different parts of his body isn’t just a sweet way to spend time with him. It’s
Epigen-what? Put simply, epigenetics is the study of how environmental influences can switch genes on and off. Epigenetics is shedding light on the age-old nature versus nurture debate by showing
Welcome to the roller coaster! Full of exciting milestones, the toddler years are also prime time for frustrating parenting moments as your little one tests limits and deals with big
Entrusting your little one to a childcare program is a big step. While it’s important to choose a quality one, it’s also helpful to find one that’s a good fit
There are lots of benefits to choosing a childcare program like daycare or preschool for your little one. In order to reap those benefits, though, quality matters. To help you
Setting up childcare for your baby or toddler is a big decision. You want her to be safe, happy, and in an environment where she can thrive. An increasingly popular
Child-development professionals have long suspected that screen time with hand-held electronic devices like smart phones and tablets can negatively affect children’s development. Now, science is beginning to agree. Last year,
When we began BabySparks, research showed that 700-1,000 new neural connections were formed every second during a child’s early years. We were impressed. But new research shows that number is
At BabySparks we’re all about enhancing your baby’s learning from the minute he’s born. But that isn’t when learning begins. In fact, when he’s born he’s already acquired knowledge about
The importance of good nutrition for your child cannot be understated. It builds her immune system, keeps her at a healthy weight, and contributes to optimal development. When you’re feeding
Introducing your baby to the world of food is exciting, but it comes with lots of questions: When do I introduce solids? What type of food do I feed him
With so much buzz and shifting advice about food allergies, you may feel worried and confused: What’s the best way to safely introduce common allergenic foods? We’ve got you covered
When your baby can sit, that’s your cue to introduce solid foods. It’s an exciting, messy milestone that also brings concerns about food allergies. Let’s take a look at what
Discipline is all about rules and consequences, right? It’s serious stuff. Not always! When it comes to teaching your little one how you expect him to behave, tossing in silliness
Discipline at zero months old? What is that? According to authoritative parenting principles, discipline is less about correcting behavior and more about teaching children skills that help them behave according
You’re either born with a sense of humor or you’re not, right? Wrong, say humor researchers (yes, that’s a thing!). Not only have they discovered that humor can be taught,
Blowing raspberries on your infant’s belly. Delighting your baby with a game of peek-a-boo. Surprising your mid-tantrum toddler with a silly song. Using humor with your little one (and teaching
You want to raise a happy, well-adjusted and independent child who is equipped with skills to succeed in life. The question is, how? The answer depends on who you ask.
Parenting style is a popular topic, with new advice popping up every day. It’s a hot topic, too, as experts debate the merits of being a “tiger mom” or a
The baby and toddler years are a time of rapid growth and development, with endless opportunities to say things like, “Good job! You’re so smart!” This kind of praise boosts
Renowned physician and educator Maria Montessori said: “Play is the work of the child.” Indeed, play is central to your child’s physical, cognitive, language, sensory, social and emotional development. But
It’s always a good idea to check in with your child’s pediatrician if you’re having a hard time potty training, but these are some of the most common issues that
According the organization Safe Kids Worldwide, in the US more than 10,000 children are seen in emergency departments every day for the kinds of injuries that commonly happen at home,
Have you chased your newly running toddler in the park today? Had a dance party in the living room? Tossed balls in the yard? If not, go for it, because
Pick a weekend to potty-train and check it off your list by Monday. Sounds amazing, right? In reality, it may take a bit more time (8 weeks or so) for
In the 1960s, Pediatrician T. Berry Brazelton developed a “Child-Oriented” potty training (CO) method because he was concerned that parents were pushing their children to potty train before they were
We’ve all heard a story about an 18 month-old toddler spontaneously potty training himself and wondered, Is he a magical unicorn? The truth is, potty training usually requires you to
Potty training usually isn’t something parents look forward to, but most are eager to get the job done. No matter which potty training method you choose to follow, it’s important
The idea of changing your little one’s last diaper is thrilling, isn’t it? Before you get there, of course, you need to go through potty training. It’s usually not a
Right around the time your toddler picks up her pace to run, she begins experimenting with jumping. Jumping enhances several developing skills, which we’ll explore below. First, let’s take a
Once your baby masters walking, it’s only a matter of time before he’s off and running! Let’s take a look at when and how running develops, and why it’s an
Your baby is born with a fully-formed set of baby teeth just below the surface of her gums. It’s important to start taking care of those teeth, even before they
Most milestones, like crawling, walking and talking are pure excitement. Teething, on the other hand, can be both exciting and a rough ride. It’s undeniably adorable to see that classic
Imagine a ten year-old boy. He enjoys going to school and playing sports. Ever since he was in preschool he’s loved art, and he often draws in his spare time.
If you have a colicky baby, you’re well-acquainted with the so-called “witching hours” in the late afternoon or evening. These hours are primetime for most babies with colic, and parents
If you’re a nursing mom, you may be wondering how to eat to provide the best possible nutrition for your baby. The good news is that breastmilk is truly a
If you recently gave birth, you may be anxious to lose some post-pregnancy pounds, have more energy, and beat the baby blues. One way to tackle all three is to
It’s common to experience the Baby Blues after giving birth—a brief period of adjustment when you feel down and weepy and moody. In fact, up to 80% of women experience
Throughout your pregnancy you prepared for your baby’s arrival. You set up a nursery, bought a stroller (and many other things), and stocked up on diapers. If you planned to
If you’re a new mom and wondering why you feel so sad after the highly-anticipated arrival of your baby, you may be dealing with the baby blues. You may not
Failure is often described as the opposite of success, but not many successful people have soared to the top without making mistakes, learning from them, and bouncing back along the
Your baby has finally arrived and you’re settling into a new normal. You’re probably tired, establishing new routines for your family, and wondering when you’ll be able to take a
It’s 5 o’clock and while many people are leaving work and getting ready to unwind, you’re gearing up for another long stretch of your baby crying inconsolably for no apparent
Have you ever wondered why so many babies spit up after feedings, sending their parents scrambling for burp cloths? It turns out this painless spitting up is a common type
Night terrors is one of the toughest child sleep issues a parent can face. If you’ve experienced your child having one, you know the scene: You jolt awake to the
Your little one laughs hysterically one minute and rolls on the floor kicking and screaming the next. Is your head spinning yet? Welcome to the world of her emotions, which
Never has anything lived up to its name quite like the pacifier! It can pacify an upset baby in seconds, and can help the entire family get some much-needed sleep
Baby shoes are a big business these days! A miniature version of Dad’s favorite sneakers may be adorable, but research shows that it’s best for babies (and older kids, too)
Encouraging your toddler’s burgeoning independence sets her on a path towards self-reliance, builds her ability to plan and accomplish sequential tasks, and strengthens her fine motor skills. Here’s a guide of age-appropriate self-care tasks
Life with a toddler is busy. Getting out of the house, mealtimes and bedtimes are each a full production involving several steps. Does it make your head spin to imagine
With toys named after famous geniuses, baby-friendly smartphone games, and baby classes galore, raising a smart baby may seem like a sophisticated and expensive task. The truth is, science does
When you think of a creative person, a painter, composer or novelist likely comes to mind. We don’t always associate creativity with an executive who restructures a company, a doctor
Just as the top executive at a busy, successful company keeps everything organized and running smoothly, executive function skills allow us to focus, plan, accomplish tasks, control impulses, and manage
Around the time your baby learns to crawl, she will begin experimenting with pulling up to stand. Eventually she will be able to stand up on her own—quite an accomplishment
Your baby smiles at you and you smile back. Or you make a scene enthusiastically babbling back and forth with her in the supermarket line. Aside from generating warmth and
What do brushing your teeth, shaking someone’s hand, and reading this article have in common? A skill called “crossing the midline”. The midline is an invisible line from head to
Symbolic play (or pretend play) is a highlight of childhood. Remember when toy food and plates set the stage for an elaborate lunch served to stuffed animals? Or when picnic
Picture this: You’re finally getting out of the house with your new baby. Your pediatrician gave you the thumbs up to take her out in public, and after weeks of
Great news! Your sweet baby has graduated from the NICU and is now home. This means he can breathe, eat, regulate his body temperature, and is maintaining a healthy weight.
You might have thought breastfeeding would be a breeze. What could be easier than feeding your baby as nature intended, right? The truth is that breastfeeding can be tricky, and
As any adult who’s had trouble sleeping knows, the habits around sleep (like winding down before bed and creating a comfortable sleeping environment) play a big role in falling and
If you’re a parent of a new baby, you’re probably tired! Most new babies wake up frequently. Tiny tummies fill up and empty quickly, and babies seek comfort as they
One of the biggest questions new parents have is when to introduce different types of solid foods. As specialists in feeding, speech and language, Integrated Children’s Therapy (ICT) has a
Have you heard? The American Academy of Pediatrics issued its 2016 recommendations about screen times for children. Their report makes it clear that there are long-term negative consequences for introducing
According to March of Dimes, approximately 1 in 10 babies are born prematurely in the US each year. Definitions are evolving, but premature babies are generally those born before 37
Just like adults, babies are social creatures and seek out others for love and comfort. They communicate from the start that they seek nurturing. For a long time, the parents’
Music is a vital part of human culture. It’s how stories are told, it’s a powerful way to express emotions, and can be how we tell someone we love them.
You’ve seen it for sure. Your baby looks at your concerned face, and the bright smile washes away from hers. Or your toddler looks over at the crying child at
It’s drop off time at day care. As several moms and dads prepare to leave some of the children appear concerned, some edge closer to the door, others might fuss
Messy play involves children engaging with substances like sand, water, clay, cooked spaghetti, and other things that are gooey or sticky. It’s no surprise that parents tend to avoid these
As your little one looked back at you for the first time, you no doubt wondered what she saw and whether she recognized you. Scientists are also curious about what
Babies give us cues all the time, but we need to look carefully to see them. Especially to a newborn, the world can be very stimulating, with so many new
It’s probably the most common question a parent gets when their baby passes 6 months of age. Personally, I dreaded the question. The thought that my son Javi might not
For those of us who have tried to learn a new language or sport during our adulthood, Early Stimulation will quickly make a lot of sense. Sure, it is never