A set of blocks is a simple toy with complex benefits! In our article about why blocks are the ultimate toy you can read about how block play contributes to
At this stage, little ones are gaining more control of their bodies. They may be able to walk down stairs without support, and leading with one foot (if they don’t
Around this age, toddlers are becoming more aware of how their body “fits” into the environment around them. When they were younger, for example, they might’ve tried to sit in
During this month gross motor skills continue to improve as toddlers learns to smoothly adjust their speed while walking or running. They can also jump forward 3-4 inches with both
Learning to catch a ball is surprisingly beneficial for your little one! She learns to move, become more coordinated, and stay fit, all while having tons of fun! Let’s talk
By the time they reach their second birthday, most children walk with complete ease, even on the balls of their feet. They also leave the floor more easily when jumping,
Now that they can run, children do not want to stop! Many children still only run in straight lines, and find it hard to stop. Others are beginning to run
At this stage, many children begin to understand the concept of day and night, which is a big step towards developing a sense of time. They also increasingly understand basic
At this age, children have a good understanding of the spatial location of objects around them and themselves (in front of, behind, above and below). They also better understand some
Children at this age are like little scientists, constantly exploring. They tirelessly investigate every drawer, play with and spill liquids, tear and scribble on any paper they find, and disassemble
Even though children at this age have a wide variety of gross motor movements, it will take a few more months to master them. They will gradually kick a ball
This is a month of exciting progress. Walking has improved and children can now walk in various directions – forward, backwards, sideways – and they tend to fall less. Some
Children continue to be interested in climbing on sofas, chairs and everything in their path. They are also interested in going up stairs, but they will need your hand and
One of the most thrilling breakthroughs in language development is when your toddler begins asking and answering questions. We’re not talking about just any questions either, we’re talking about wh-
This month children may increase their walking speed, they might walk backwards for a few steps, and can likely climb up and down from furniture like beds and chairs. However,
Although most children are walking by this month, some may take more time. Those who started walking earlier begin to expand their movement and might do other activities while walking.
The child’s range of motor activities is rapidly increasing – they will try to climb on small furniture and will be able to sit on low chairs more confidently. They
Exploration of all kinds continues to expand during this month as most children can cruise around using furniture for support. Some children will be able to explore while walking, although
Congratulations! Your baby is now one year old! By now babies have a growing sense of self. They perceive themselves as independent human beings. They are aware of their size,
As their first birthday approaches, babies are increasingly autonomous. Many of them will be learning how to stand on their own, and some will be attempting to take their first
Curiosity, needs, and desires are always a step ahead of motor skills, which could get the baby into some tricky situations. For example, your child might decide to grab a
Babies are likely to have at least one method of locomotion by this month (i.e., crawling, army crawling, rolling over and over, bottom shuffling), which supports their curiosity since they
Some babies might start crawling around this time; others will follow soon, likely in the next 2 months. For this reason, if you haven’t done it yet, this is a
Around this month, babies start figuring out how to get around, often in combinations of movement. Some army crawl, some attempt to get up to a traditional crawling position, others
“What if I get sick?” It’s a troubling thought, especially now that childcare centers are closed and we are discouraged from interacting with others outside the home. So what should
If you’ve ever told your toddler to “wait five minutes,” you know it’s more likely that she’ll suddenly grow an inch than understand what five minutes means! Understanding time is
Being pregnant during a pandemic can spark a lot of worry — both about you and your baby. As medical professionals and researchers continue to closely monitor COVID-19 developments, they’re
One of the coronavirus questions we’ve been getting from parents is how to keep babies’ and toddlers’ hands clean. What’s the best way to do it? Is hand sanitizer okay
Climbing stairs is an uplifting milestone that will elevate your child’s motor skills. Get it? Okay, no more stair puns! All jokes aside, it is truly exciting to see your
Playing with bubbles is probably a favorite pastime from your childhood, and it might be becoming one of your child’s favorites, too. Aside from adding lots of fun to a
If you were excited when your child started walking, just wait until he puts it in reverse! Walking backwards may sound like a silly movement milestone, but your little one
Toddlers love to scribble as they explore their creativity and put their ideas on paper. It’s also considered “pre-writing” – a task that gets them one step closer to writing
Updated April 5th. We know it can feel overwhelming to read through all of the coronavirus developments and recommendations, especially if you’re a parent worrying about your family’s health while
Where’s Nana? Why can’t I play with my friend? Why is he wearing that mask? Why are you washing my toy? Why are we staying at home? Why can’t I
As we navigate the uncharted territory of the coronavirus COVID-19, many of us are facing closures of daycare centers and childcare programs. These closures can present major financial and emotional
In this unprecedented time, the coronavirus (COVID-19) is on every parent’s mind. If you are a parent of a baby or toddler, whose immune system is still developing, you may
Hiring a nanny or babysitter for the first time is a big deal for parents. Once you’ve found a caregiver you trust to hold down the fort while you’re away,
It’s natural for kids to have meltdowns. One sweet day in the future, your child may calmly say in the supermarket: “Excuse me, madam, I’m tired and hungry and I
Mindfulness exercises for busy parents? Like you need another item on your to-do list, right? Point taken. However, studies show that being present and tapping into feelings of joy and
When you think of reading with a baby or toddler, you probably think of language development (and cuddling, of course!). Reading is certainly a language powerhouse, but did you know
Whether it’s a plant, a pet, or a relative, your child may face loss. You may struggle with what to say when loss occurs, and there’s a good reason for
One, two…three! It’s exciting to hear your little mathematician count his first sequence of numbers. And the best part is that babies and toddlers develop counting skills through simple play
Your heart may skip a beat the first time your baby grasps a rattle (only to promptly drop it!). Hand grip is something your baby starts working on as young
If there’s one moment in time that you could record and play on repeat, it would probably be your baby’s first smile. It’s an image that will never get old!
There’s no doubt that unstructured play is valuable for your little one’s development, and she should be doing plenty of it! But, whether it’s organized play with you (like our
In the sea of parenting approaches you might have come across “Peaceful Parenting.” What is it, and how does it differ from the classic authoritative parenting style research points to
Ah, sugar. There’s plenty of buzz about monitoring children’s intake of it, and researchers are discovering more reasons why it’s important. A new study released in the Journal of the
There are a few ailments in early childhood that are hard to avoid: Ear infections, the common cold, and of course, rashes. While most rashes are harmless and disappear over
Curiosity is stirring this month! You hear more “why?” questions than ever before, but that’s a healthy sign of your toddler’s desire to learn more about the world. In fact,
At this stage, toddlers’ creativity and imagination are flourishing. They love to play make-believe games with caregivers or playmates – assigning different characters to each person (I’m a superhero! You’re
Around this month a turn in communication may occur as others start to understand about 75% of what toddlers are saying without parents or caregivers having to translate. Shorter versions
Did you know that your kitchen is a prime spot for learning? Think about it: In every drawer and cabinet, there is something new to explore. From using food storage
More and more, research is showing that limiting screen time for your toddler is a good idea. That’s why the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests just one hour of
This month, children can start to combine communication and self-control to attempt to manage aggression and explore new ways to resolve conflict. As an alternative to a frustration-fueled outburst, caregivers
Are you in the market for a baby bassinet, but you don’t want to pay new prices? We all know baby stuff is expensive – and there’s so much of
At this age toddlers are little adventurers, scooting down slides, crawling through tunnels, and running around the playground with more style and sturdiness. They’re like tiny gladiators ready for their
Extended breastfeeding (breastfeeding your baby past the age of 1) is a highly debated topic among parents. Those who argue against it believe it can impede a toddler’s ability to
Around month 31, children begin to use interjections and attention-grabbing words like “Hey!” when they want your attention, or “Yucky!” when they see a squashed bug on the sidewalk. They
Children at this stage begin to notice defining characteristics and make comparisons between themselves and others. They not only detect different features, they also use the proper possessive pronouns (“your
This is a time when children are in love, maybe a little obsessed, with their favorite stories. You read a story with them over and over again and they’re just
Around this time, children are thrilled to be the center of attention. They jump into the spotlight to show off their funny faces or silly dance moves. As long as
Deciding whether or not to pierce a baby’s ears is different for every family. Some choose to go for it while others prefer to wait until their little one can
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 1 in every 1,600 babies in the United States is born with a cleft lip and a cleft palate.
There are loads of benefits when it comes to giving your toddler quiet time, like boosting imagination and focus. But not every toddler adapts to quiet time easily. In fact,
When your toddler plays, it’s easy to see everything she’s learning as she interacts with people, toys, and her environment. Research shows, though, that quiet time has huge benefits for
Sniffles, rashes, and pink eye – oh, my! Being aware of common illnesses that show up in toddlerhood is an important step towards keeping little ones healthy. (If you have
As a parent or caregiver, it can be easy to worry when your baby is sick. We always recommended that you consult with your pediatrician when sickness hits your little
When it comes to giving sick babies and toddlers over-the-counter (OTC) medication, it’s important to consult your pediatrician, especially the first time, or if your little one is using more
Having a sibling is wonderful in many ways. It’s someone to share your childhood with and the only other person in the world who will understand when the house rules
Toys open a world of imagination for your toddler. From building blocks to musical instruments, every toy has a purpose for learning and development. Not all toys are equal, though;
There’s a long list of things we want to teach to our children: How to be patient, how to express gratitude, and how to be kind to others. But there’s
You: “Please clean up your toys.” Toddler: “Why?” You: “Because someone might step on them and get hurt.” Toddler: “Why?” Sound familiar? A constant string of questions is very common
Cooperation is the act of working together for the benefit of everyone involved, versus competing against one another for personal gain. Competition has its place, but cooperation is the backbone
We always want our children to depend on us for comfort and security. However, when your little one becomes a permanent fixture on your leg or hip, it’s okay to
Your child will go on to do great things in life, but there’s no doubt about it: Kicking will be one of her first amazing accomplishments! The evolution of kicking
You may have witnessed your toddler’s meltdown when you realized you needed to make an unplanned stop at the grocery store on your way from daycare. Or, you woke your
Your toddler is at an age when words and phrases start popping up left and right. When did he become such a little talker? Because speech and language are developing
From 12 to 36 months, your toddler is learning so much and becoming more independent. He’ll continue to have well-child visits with his pediatrician throughout toddlerhood to monitor his health
During your baby’s first year, he’ll have multiple doctor’s office visits to track his health and development. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends check-ups during your baby’s
Your little one started using the potty regularly a couple of months ago, and it seemed like the transition went smoothly. Now, you’re noticing that he’s using the potty less
When new research on child development emerges, BabySparks likes to be on top of it. That’s why we’re touching on a recent study published in the latest volume of the
Your child should be able to hold and use scissors when she reaches kindergarten (even if she doesn’t yet cut a straight line), so there’s no better time to practice
There are very few noises in the world that are less irksome than a child’s whine. Most parents would rather listen to an orchestra of soup slurping and car alarms
Developmental milestones can be a source of both excitement and worry. When your child reaches a milestone, it’s a reason to celebrate. But if you watch him struggle through certain
Your toddler is quickly growing into a little person with his own thoughts and feelings. He probably even voices what he’s thinking now, with words like, “Yay!” and “No!” This
You think your toddler isn’t quite ready to start potty-training, but Grandma insists on putting her in training pants and sitting her on the potty every 20 minutes. Grandma watches
Divorce is difficult. Period. Between the messy emotions, new living arrangements, and disruptions in your routine, divorce can turn your whole world upside down. While divorce can be personally painful,
When driving with your baby, it’s common to feel anxious about traveling with this precious cargo! But remember, most injuries that happen on the road are preventable. That’s why it’s
When your baby transitions into toddlerhood, you’ll start to notice some changes in the way he plays. He once was content playing alone or with you, but he’ll now begin
There’s a big difference between being bossy and being assertive, but these concepts are tricky to separate, especially with little ones who are growing into their own personalities. You see
Once your baby is just a couple of weeks old, she’ll begin to gain better control of her head and neck, although she’ll continue to make these muscles stronger over
People often say that music is a universal language. We can connect and communicate through eccentric melodies, whimsical arrangements, or the simplest rhythmic beat. If you’ve ever seen your toddler
When your child is sick, you probably want to do just about anything to get her to feel better. For many parents, that includes asking their pediatrician to prescribe antibiotics.
No toddler is a bully. Bullying requires a strong ability to strategize, a concept your toddler hasn’t developed yet. Toddlers don’t understand things the way we do, so what looks
The benefits of reading are virtually endless for babies, toddlers, and beyond. From building vocabulary to learning about emotions, your toddler has so much to learn from books, even if
When your toddler naturally delivers a “thank you” after you hand her a juice box, it’s not only adorable, but a good sign that she’s beginning to grasp the building
Toddlers are self-centered by design, so introducing the concept of gratitude can seem challenging. We also live in an era of consumerism, especially prominent around the winter holidays. After we
Hand strength and dexterity contribute to your baby’s overall strength, coordination, and ability to play with a variety of objects and toys. Without strong hands and fine-tuned finger movements, your
Whether you own a dog or not, it’s important to teach your toddler how to behave around dogs. Today you’ll not only see these furry friends around the neighborhood sidewalks
When it comes to whether you should use sign language to communicate with your baby, there isn’t a definitive yes or no. Opinions are basically split down the middle between
Your baby’s hands get into everything as she grows because they’re the best tools for exploring the world around her. Her hands and fingers help her feel textures, look at
If your toddler is like most, he’ll love digging into your food storage container cabinet. Through the eyes of a little one, there’s so much to explore in there. To
The ball is a classic toy that can be traced back to the beginning of civilization. While some parents are always on the lookout for the latest trends in toys
It’s probably not surprising that it’s beneficial to teach hygiene and self-care in early childhood. Understanding these tasks is a pretty clear-cut advantage for any human at any age! However,
Tantrums are not a perk of parenting, but they are a normal part of your toddler’s discovery and understanding of emotions. Sometimes tantrums are preventable, and other times you need
When you imagine cooking with your toddler, you might envision spilled ingredients, overly-salted soup, and a child with sauce all over his clothes. We get it, inviting your clumsy toddler
As a parent or caregiver of a toddler, you know it’s not always possible to prevent a tantrum – and that’s okay. Tantrums can be daunting and frustrating, but
In order to figure out what a newborn baby needs, we look for cues. Different moods, behaviors, and expressions can guide new parents in the right direction, but even the
You notice your little one sitting on the floor looking at her box of blocks. After several seconds, she picks it up, turns it upside-down, and watches the blocks spill
As common as tantrums are in toddlerhood, they are far from easy to navigate as a parent or caregiver. Once a tantrum starts, it’s tough to stop. And it sometimes
When your sometimes-fussy-but-mostly-calm baby turns into a screaming, crying, angry toddler, your world can quickly turn upside-down. Fortunately, there’s at least somewhat of a silver lining: The tantrum-throwing phase is
It’s lunchtime, and you try, for the third day in a row, to encourage your 1-year-old to eat some yogurt. You spoon some into his mouth, only for his face
There’s nothing quite like watching a baby play in the sand for the first time. Watching her eyes widen as she scoops it up and slowly lets it trickle through
Putting your baby or toddler in a childcare program can be a nerve-wracking experience for both you and your little one. However, the right childcare program can help your baby
When you imagine a pediatrician writing a prescription, you probably think of medication. But did you know that pediatricians are now being urged to prescribe something arguably far more important?
Whether you’re at the beach, by the pool, or simply in the comfort of your bathtub, playtime in the water is a wonderful opportunity for you and your little one
As your baby grows, you’ll notice all kinds of changes in his bowel movements. Some changes to the color or consistency of his poop are normal, but other changes could
When the Harvard Center on the Developing Child released the 5 steps of serve and return, we knew we had to share it! Every BabySparks instructional video incorporates serve and
Babies actively take in everything from the world around them. The colors, shapes, smells, textures – it’s all new and exciting to developing brains. However, your baby doesn’t yet understand
Transitional Objects: How Your Child’s Favorite Stuffed Animal Promotes Social Emotional Development
What is a Transitional Object? Transitional objects are chosen possessions that offer security and comfort to a child. They’re often soft and huggable items, such as teddy bears and blankets,
It’s an incredibly exciting milestone when your baby starts putting two words together, like “kitty tired.” But, there’s also a lot going on in that busy brain that’s more than
Babies go through several stages of emotional development from birth through age three. These stages continue to transform as your toddler becomes a child, teenager, and adult. In the early
Let’s face it, we all love pictures! Babies, toddlers, and even most adults would prefer to learn through pictures, symbols, and illustrations instead of words or auditory cues. Our brains
In every household, at one point or another, a purging of toys happens. Maybe it’s a seasonal cleaning or just an itch to donate. Regardless of the reason, when the
From a development perspective, this is one of the most exciting months of the first year! Babies at this age are generally happy, except when experiencing their first bouts of
Have you ever tried to learn another language as an adult? Maybe you’ve attempted to ask for directions or order food using the native language of the country you’re visiting.
At some point during this month, most babies are able to keep their head upright while being held in a vertical position. They are also learning to control movements of
During this month, muscles get more flexible and primitive reflexes begin to give way to voluntary movements. Babies will begin to open their hands and look at them with interest,
Picture yourself at the local playground. Just beyond the sounds of children laughing and the squeaking of swings, you might also hear some familiar commands, such as “slow down!”, “not
If you’ve considered the pros and cons of hiring a nanny and have decided to go for it, we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide about how to look
When it comes to childcare, considering the pros and cons of different options can seem overwhelming. We have several articles about childcare programs, but what about nannies? Here are some
Baby talk – that high-pitched, sing-song way we tend to speak to babies. It feels automatic, almost instinctual. Research shows that adults around the world do it. People who lack
Are little ones born with a built-in ability to learn language? Or is language all about learning from others? These questions are part of the classic nature versus nurture debate,
It’s common for autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), to affect a child’s cognitive skills – in different ways and to varying degrees. Cognitive strengths can include attention to detail,
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is usually associated with social, language, and behavioral challenges. Issues with motor skills are less talked-about, but it’s common for both gross and fine
Today, it’s easier than ever to diagnose developmental disorders. Some, like Down syndrome, can even be spotted during pregnancy. Others (like autism or language disorders) that used to be commonly
Type “educational baby videos” into a search bar and you’ll see about 200 million results. Despite experts warning against screen time in babyhood, developers of these videos claim they’ll give
Difficulty with social and emotional skills is a hallmark of autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Research suggests that this may be because certain areas of the brain that are
Challenges with language are a main characteristic of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and can interfere with a child’s ability to successfully communicate and interact with others. Because all children with
What is autism? Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), includes a cluster of neurological disorders that affect people in different ways and to varying degrees. In general, ASD interferes
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
What goes into a child’s mouth can greatly impact what will come out—in terms of how they grow and develop. (We don’t need to get into potty training here!) To
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,
Chances are you’ve heard the word mindfulness. In casual conversation, social media and research, mindfulness (or, put simply, observing the present moment without analyzing it) is gaining popularity as more
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
Like many areas of development, language tends to evolve in similar ways for most children. When they’re first learning words, though, there can be a divide: Some toddlers prefer a
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
Do you have a 2 year-old? Try this at home: Find two of the same object – something your child isn’t familiar with (like a kitchen tool or uncommon fruit).
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).
What is Down syndrome? What causes it? And how does it affect the children who are born with it? In this article we’ll explore all of those questions, and more.
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 holiday season? Head to the beach for a week this summer? Take a vacation? Just because you’re taking a break from everyday
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
The topic of what babies and toddlers can remember, and for how long, has captivated scientists for decades. Thanks to fascinating research we now know that a lot goes on
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
You organize a playdate for your baby, and he sits in a corner playing by himself. Or you observe toddlers at a daycare who are happily playing alongside each other,
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
Is your one year-old chatting away in what sounds like a foreign language? Or maybe you can understand what he’s saying, but you have to translate for everyone else. Rest
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
Your toddler may not accomplish much with his tot-sized broom, but encouraging him to help around the house is a unique opportunity to support his language development. According to Pediatric
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. Bath
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
Put simply, narrative skills are storytelling skills. You may not think of storytelling as an important life skill, but it goes far beyond entertaining friends at a dinner party. In
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
Did you make your bed this morning? How about a cup of coffee? Maybe you went to work and completed a multi-step project. All of these examples have at least
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
As your child gains developmental skills, reading with her will evolve. Below we’ll explore that evolution from months 0-24. Yes, we said zero! The American Academy of Pediatrics and others
Reading is jam-packed with developmental benefits, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you do it regularly, starting in infancy. Whether you’re reading to a newborn or a toddler,
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.
Reading to your toddler likely involves being interrupted, skipping pages, and conversing as much as reading. Far from a waste of time, this is developmentally appropriate and just what your
Should you really start reading to your baby when she’s a newborn? She doesn’t even know what you’re saying! No matter, say child development experts. Reading to an infant, even
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
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
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
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
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,
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
Imagine it’s summer and you’re about to get into a swimming pool with your 2 year-old, who is holding his favorite toy—a small, stuffed giraffe with a rattle inside. He
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
Whether it’s waving goodbye when you walk out the door, clapping when you act silly, or lifting his arms when he wants you to pick him up, gestures are a
Hearing your child say her first word is a thrilling moment, and a huge step in her expressive language development. Every toddler’s speech develops at a different rate. It’s normal
Like any parent, you want to raise a happy child, and research tells us you can take steps to do that. One of those steps, and arguably the most important,
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
By the time your child begins speaking, her receptive language development (making sense of sounds, speech, and visual cues) is already well under way. Receptive language is one of three
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’s first steps are a thrilling moment, for you and for her! While you proudly film her toddling and toppling around the room, she relishes a new, more efficient
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
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
You may have read our article about IQ (intelligence quotient) and be using our smart baby tips, but did you know that as your child goes through school, forms relationships,
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
During your baby’s first year, his emotions grew from simple reactions to how he was feeling in the moment to beginning to understand the meaning of emotions and how to
The topic of emotional development is gaining popularity as researchers, child development professionals and parents are paying increasingly more attention to its role in children’s wellbeing and future success in
By the time your child begins speaking, her receptive language development—what she hears and understands—is already well under way. Receptive language is often described as one of three areas of
One day your teenager will debate you on the logic of your rules, using words, facial expressions and gestures to communicate his thoughts, feelings and ideas. That’s expressive language in
Here at BabySparks we talk a lot about interacting with your baby. In fact, we designed our entire program around back-and-forth between you and your little one. Research shows that engaging
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
When we think of language, we tend to think of using and understanding words. Language, though, is full of social nuances that surpass words. Imagine you arrive home and see
Pulling up to stand was exciting for your little one. Suddenly he could see his surroundings like never before. To explore in this new, upright position, he starts shuffling his
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
Long before your baby utters his first word, he will speak by babbling. These adorable, non-sensical sounds are actually his way of making sense of using his voice box, mouth
You’ll have your first conversation with your baby long before her first word. Babbling starts around 5 months, and research shows that responding to your baby’s babbling in a meaningful way
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
During your baby’s first year, he discovered his hands and learned he could use them. He started crawling and you were probably two steps ahead of him, making sure the
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
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
When babies reach around 4 months of age, they have a cognitive growth spurt. Skills appear that form the foundation of a new, more advanced way of thinking. One of
What is tummy time? Simply put, tummy time is time your baby spends on their stomach while they are awake. Seems easy enough, right? As a pediatric physical therapist, I
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.
Hola. Bonjour. Ni hao. Hello. How many of these greetings do you recognize? Do you speak more than one language in your home? Does your child? Increasingly, the answer to
Fine motor skills are often thought of as the movements of the fingers and hands, but they also include movements of the toes, mouth, and eyes. Many important tasks related
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
As you play and interact with your baby during his first months of life, you may notice that he already has a wide range of movements from the first days.
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
What do tongues, clapping and peek-a-boo have in common? Imitation, that’s what. Babies love to imitate and we love to watch. As a newborn, when swaddled and facing you, babies
As your little one looked back at you for the first time, you no doubt wondered what she saw and whether she recognized you. In the past few decades, infant
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
Try this test: ask 5 parents when their children took their first steps. My guess is that 4 of them will be able to tell you the exact month it
