You sit down with your baby to use play dough, a texture they haven’t experienced yet. You place it in their hand and immediately they throw it and start to
It’s true. Toddlers play favorites! While you may feel like the only parent in the world who’s been snubbed by your little one, it actually happens a lot. It’s incredibly
Is a vegan diet healthy for babies and toddlers? Experts say yes! But veganism can be tricky to navigate, even as adults, so it’s extra important to pay close attention
Feeding your little one is one is a big task! The nutrients they get from food are important for brain and physical development, energy, sleep, weight, and overall wellness. Once
From rolling over to running on the playground, your little one’s balance steadily develops during the first years of life. It’s all thanks to their developing vestibular system, or our
We all want to make sure our children get enough well-balanced food to keep their tummies satisfied and their bodies healthy. But for toddlers, mealtimes can be hit or miss
Your toddler and your kitchen are covered in puree, but you’re smiling from ear to ear. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for! After weeks of practice, you just
Around age 16 months, toddlers love to brush their own teeth (with your help). And learning how to keep those pearly whites clean is a big self-care milestone! But when
Toddlers are funny, adorable, intelligent little beings, but it’s not uncommon for them to turn angry and stubborn in a split second when they don’t get their way. You gave
Have you ever looked at your toddler twirling their hair or sucking their thumb and wondered if you should nip the habit in the bud? When it comes to habits,
Baby and toddler mental health? Do we really have to worry about that at their age? It might feel strange to imagine a toddler with anxiety, depression or other mental
Don’t you love getting lost in a story? Imagining a different world and following a character’s journey can be exhilarating at any age. Of course, reading a story and storytelling
“Your social life will completely change” is one of those classic nuggets of advice that can feel difficult for expecting parents to think about. You know there will be fundamental
In an earlier article we explored how symbolic, or pretend, play evolves during the first two years of life. Symbolic play is quite a cognitive feat, because it involves young
Parents around the world are facing tough decisions when it comes to the reopening of child care centers, daycares, and schools. There’s no question that the shutdown of child care
Tricycles and training wheels are classic equipment for teaching young kids to ride a bike. But there’s a different type of training bike that’s getting a lot of attention: The
There’s one number most new parents carefully watch after the birth of their child, and that’s their newborn baby’s weight. Too much weight gain or weight loss can easily turn
Singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star or Row, Row, Row Your Boat is a great way to keep your toddler occupied on a car ride. Turns out, these classic nursery rhymes aren’t
The postnatal period is one of the most significant chapters in a mother’s life. The World Health Organization identifies this postpartum stage as the first 6 weeks after childbirth, when
Here’s the scene: You spread a blanket on a play mat and place your baby on it, belly-down. Immediately, they wail. You can’t bear to let your little one suffer,
Ah, tummy time… Most of us in the child development field sing its praises and urge parents to start it right away. But what if your baby wails every time
It’s not hard to guess why parents and caregivers want their little ones to have a healthy dose of self-confidence. When children feel confident in themselves, they’re proud of who
When it comes to independence, your 2-year old is capable of more than you might think! With a little guidance and a lot of opportunities to practice, they can learn
Pretend play, also referred to as symbolic play or make-believe, has been around since…well, forever! For centuries, toddlers all over the world have engaged in pretend play without being taught
“Math talk” encompasses words that touch on concepts such as counting, measurement, operations, and comparing. The more you use words like more, shorter, plus, and pattern with your little one,
If you think about it, we learn a lot through imitation. We copy others when learning to play an instrument or a new sport. We follow the actions of locals
Measuring is a math skill your child will use a lot once they’re in school, but you may not realize how often they use it long before that – as
It may be hard to imagine a toddler feeling self-conscious. When they tear their clothes off in public or belt out their favorite song, you might assume they’re not capable
The sun’s rays are strongest between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, which is when most of us want to spend time outdoors. However, this window of intense sun can also
Spending time outdoors is good for the entire family, but it’s important to understand the potential dangers of sun exposure, especially for babies and toddlers. Here’s what you need to
Outdoor time benefits little ones in big ways. Fresh air can boost energy and promote healthy lungs. When it comes to play, being outside offers unique opportunities for children to
When a family welcomes a new baby, dads often feel excited, overjoyed and, at times, a bit useless. This is especially true when it comes to breastfeeding. But the truth
Fathering a new baby is filled with happy surprises, like how much they look like you, or how much you love those tiny fingers and toes. But for some dads,
Recent research has made it clear that fathers can play a unique role in supporting their babies’ development, especially when they establish a connection from the get-go. Of course, moms
When it comes to cognitive skills, child development researchers want to know everything that promotes it. Turns out, one of those elements is…dad! A study found that fathers who are
Has much of the parenting advice you’ve encountered focused on mothers? Traditionally, many experts have referred to the mother as the “primary caretaker,” suggesting that the father was “secondary” in
Change is inevitable. Even if we try to avoid it, it still happens (such as the worldwide pandemic we’re currently wrestling with). Even small transitions can be difficult for little
Did you know that babies start learning before birth? That means their memory is working, on a basic level, very early on, allowing them to remember things like sounds, tastes,
Yep! That’s right! This article is about teaching patience to toddlers and, no — this is not a joke! Most parents and caregivers will chuckle at the idea of trying
When you think of science, you might picture lab tables, beakers and test tubes. But science is so much more than the classic experiments you did in high school. It’s
Forming friendships is something every parent and caregiver wishes for their child. You want them, throughout their lives, to experience the joy, love, and security that comes from strong social
Hypothesizing is the scientific term for an educated guess. The process of forming a hypothesis based on what you already know is something children continue to refine as they get
Emotional intelligence (EQ) has been rising on parents’ priority lists for the last few decades. While previous generations primarily focused on traditional concepts of intelligence – like learning colors, numbers
Throughout age 2, you may notice your toddler playing with more purpose. Perhaps you see their wheels turning as they line up blocks, eventually forming a “bridge” for cars and
Raising a tolerant child requires parents to think and act deliberately and positively when it comes to racial and other differences. But when should parents start to instill values of
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 40 million Americans suffer from some form of anxiety. Not only is it the most common mental health issue in the
You’re in the store getting ready to check out with your 2-year-old. All of a sudden, they point to the man standing behind you and say, “What those, Mommy?” as
Isn’t reading time the best? Cuddling up with your little one and diving into books is a great way to spend time together. Throughout months 25-36, reading time is especially
That ball popper push toy does more for your toddler than you might think! From encouraging babies to stand and walk, to helping toddlers refine movements, push and pull toys
When it comes to toddler communication milestones, we often focus on skills like expressive language, vocabulary, or articulation. We sometimes forget that being a good listener is also an essential
Nothing beats a cool pool on a hot summer’s day! Most toddlers love splashing and playing with toys in pools, lakes, or other swimming areas. But swimming – whether in
Puppets have been a classic, long-adored toy for generations, and there’s a good reason that many daycares, schools, and libraries still include them in their play areas (many good reasons,
Prosody is simply a fancy word for expressiveness in speech. It includes elements such as intonation, stress, tone, and rhythm. When we talk about language development, vocabulary and grammar tend
When your toddler is about 18 months old, you’ll notice a big change in the way they play. Symbolic (pretend) play emerges as they begin to use their imaginations rather
How can we stay upright while walking? Feel secure while swinging? Not lose our place while reading? The vestibular system! The vestibular system is our sense of balance and motion.
While driving around town, you might hear your toddler yell things like “Stop!” at a stop sign, or “McDonald’s!” when he sees the famous golden arches. It may seem like
When it comes to effective communication, tone is everything. In fact, the tone we use when conveying a message can sometimes say more than the message itself. Tone is simply
Babies and toddlers grow and develop at different rates, but in some cases they need extra help to reach milestones and early intervention services can help. Physical therapy for little
Has your toddler has been walking for several months, but still trips over their feet or runs into things? You may think it’s clumsiness, but it’s more likely that their
Ah, the binky! You once revered this tiny object for its soothing magic, but now you wonder if your little one is too attached. In our article about the pros
Throughout ages 25-36 months, toddler speech development becomes quite fascinating! They’re not only learning to communicate, but also to listen more and observe the world around them. Of course, toddlers
It’s never too early to invite your toddler to help you with recycling. Not only are you instilling planet-friendly values, recycling is a fun way to teach little ones several
There are lots of places for your toddler to play: The floor, the tub, a bed, outside… Playing at a table may seem boring in comparison for an on-the-move toddler,
A classic toy, puzzles support several areas of development, especially fine motor and cognitive skills. They’re also engaging and fun for babies and toddlers. Puzzle skills evolve just like other
Kid-sized tools are more than just fun for little hands to play with. They also open the door to many learning opportunities for babies and toddlers. From dramatic play to
Your toddler crawls through a cardboard-box tunnel, runs to shoot a ball into a laundry basket, and then hops with both feet over ropes on the floor. He’s mastering the
Toddler fears are common, as little ones learn about the world around them and go through a stage of confusing fantasy and reality. Our articles about helping toddlers cope with
Becoming a mom is filled with surprises. Even the most prepared are amazed by their addiction to baby snuggles, how loud a newborn can snore, or the wide range of
Pretend play is a mainstay of childhood — one with big, long-lasting benefits. Dressing up is a special part of this play. Whether it’s pretending to be a cowboy, doctor
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Even though there are countless brands and models of car seats, there are three main types. Many car seats are designed with a certain age in mind, but it’s important
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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
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 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,
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
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
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
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,
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
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
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
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.
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,
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
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
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
Stop and think about the complex wrist, hand and finger movements involved in things like zipping a sweatshirt, tying shoes, or using a can opener. Amazing, right? Long before these
Now that your baby has gained head control and learned to roll over, she is ready to pull herself up to sit! This exciting milestone offers her a new way
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
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 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
