Parenting a toddler has plenty of joy-filled moments, and lots of chaos too! Between the gear, toys, supplies, and chasing your on-the-move little one, it can be a challenge to
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If you’re a parent who works outside of the family, you’re probably familiar with the overwhelm shared by a majority of working parents: going back and forth between two worlds
When you think of our current workplace culture, words like family-friendly or strong parent support rarely come to mind. But recently, more businesses have been showing an interest in changing
Ear infections are incredibly common throughout the first three years of life. Most babies will have at least one before their first birthday. The majority of ear infections can be
Ah, TOYS! There’s no shortage of options for surprising your little one with something fun! Before you start shopping, remember that it’s possible to keep your child’s play interesting without
Highlights: The CDC released an updated set of developmental milestones in February, 2022. In an interview with a CDC representative and a consulting pediatrician, BabySparks learned that the updated milestones:
Experiencing or witnessing episodes of terror, violence and destruction places extra challenges on parents’ ability to talk about and respond to highly stressful events with their children. Whether discussing Ukraine
All parents and caregivers should have a conversation about bullying with school-age children. And according to experts, the sooner this discussion happens, the easier it is for kids to navigate
Parents and caregivers often cringe at the thought of peer pressure. It sparks visions of children being pushed by friends to do something dangerous, cruel, or just plain stupid. Peers
When so much of our media glorifies unrealistic beauty and image standards, both children and adults can struggle with body positivity. Teaching kids to value characteristics beyond appearance can certainly
Balancing parenting and working is top-of-mind for working parents, because it’s not an easy feat. It can be hard to plan for an important meeting when you’re waking up several
There are a few self-care milestones that parents eagerly await, and independently getting dressed is certainly one of them! Toddlers are still mastering motor skills that are essential for dressing
In many households, it’s time to go to bed are some of the least-loved words. Kids don’t like to hear it, and parents dread the chaos that often ensues after
Preschool is an exciting first step in your child’s educational journey. But how do you know if your child is ready? Kids develop at very different paces at this stage,
Sharp needles? No, thank you. Let’s face it — many adults tremble at the thought of getting a shot, so it’s no surprise that the majority of young kids are
As new parents, you’re not expected to know everything. However, there are certain things that should be a top priority for all caregivers, and that’s learning infant and child CPR
You’ve probably heard that self-care is essential when it comes to parenting. How can you care for your child if you’re not caring for yourself? These words of wisdom are
We know that naps are a must for babies and toddlers. Without regular naps, little ones are more prone to irritability, feeding problems, and poor nighttime sleep. In addition, new
Helping your child become an independent reader is an exciting (and sometimes frustrating) journey. They may struggle along the way, but encouraging a love for reading benefits children tremendously. Over
For some parents, choosing a school is easy. You may already be familiar with a fantastic school in your district or a great program that’s affiliated with your religious community.
If you’re parenting during the pandemic, you probably don’t need a scientific study to tell you that the spread of Covid-19 impacted your family in some way. Parents and caregivers
Watching children grow into their personalities is a fascinating process! Are they slow-to-warm-up to new people or places? Are they fearless risk-takers? Do they crave being the center of attention,
Preschool-age kids are often described as hyperactive, easily distracted, and impulsive — which just so happen to be the exact traits of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Because these typical
Childhood obesity has been steadily on the rise in the U.S., and the recent pandemic has worsened matters. A recent study showed that since the onset of Covid-19, there was
An average growth rate is one that moves along with the standard curves on the growth charts used at your child’s pediatrician’s office. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics
A recent study published in the Child Development Journal has found that extensive smartphone use by parents may potentially interfere with toddler development. Before we summarize these findings, we want
Preschool is a terrific time for encouraging little ones to begin doing new tasks on their own. Gaining a sense of independence in early childhood can help them be more
Preschool is a time when children take a look around their world and try to place themselves in it. They become more interested in other people, how their actions affect
Swaddling is a practice that’s been around for centuries, but if this technique should or should not be used has always been a question. Swaddling involves using a baby blanket
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve just discovered that your breast milk appears to be a color other than a shade of white. Before we explain the reason for
Toddlers aren’t famous for their patience and composure. They live in a world of limited power, control, expression, and dexterity, so becoming easily frustrated is actually quite common during this
It’s a classic conundrum. You’re tired of cooking. You’d like to avoid washing dishes for at least one night. Plus, the idea of someone preparing food for your family and
Written by Maureen Hoff One in every 1,000 babies is born with a congenital birth defect called clubfoot. The medical term is talipes equinovaris, but it is commonly referred to
Ah, daylight saving time! Just when you thought you and your little one were on a healthy sleep schedule, a new season rolls around and changes everything. Even though “spring
A sleeping baby and a clock that says it’s feeding time can present quite the dilemma! This is especially true when it’s late at night, you’ve had a long day,
Parents and caregivers are often surprised by little ones developing habits that are typically associated with adults, and teeth grinding is one of them. As adults, we may become teeth
If you think about it, your baby’s name is their very first gift from you! And because you most likely spent a lot of time considering this gift, you’re probably
Since toddlers are curious little creatures testing out new motor skills, even with the best babyproofing and a watchful eye, chances are they may fall down and bump their heads.
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
It’s common for parents and caregivers to wonder if their toddler is getting enough nutrients. Toddlers are infamous for having an inability to sit still during meals and getting easily
From pregnancy to childbirth and breastfeeding to caretaking, a woman’s body proves to be nothing short of extraordinary. And with these incredible feats also come incredible aches, soreness, fatigue, and
Being a parent or caregiver involves learning a lot about how the body works. To make sure our little ones are reaching developmental milestones, it’s important to understand everything from
Let’s state the obvious —babies don’t always love diaper changes! Having to lay still and remain calm can be a real drag when you’d rather be out on the move,
Even though you fully expected your newborn to frequently cry, it can still be unnerving to hear your little one belt out a wail and not immediately know why. Understanding
If you’re a brand-new parent, burping your baby will become second nature over the next few months. But it can’t hurt to have some handy tips on the baby burping
As parents and caregivers, we may feel like when it comes to positive language, we’ve got it down. We constantly tell our children how much we love them, marvel at
Occupational therapy can be very beneficial for little ones who need it, but many parents don’t know what it is or whether it might be a good fit for their
If you think about self-care trends, mindfulness is at the top of the list. Mindfulness is the act of observing the present without judgment, but its roots go much deeper
The connection between you and your child is a marvelous thing. Parenthood is filled with primal instincts and intuitions that can almost make you feel superhuman at times. Turns out,
Oh, how time flies! In the blink of an eye, your baby has mastered head control, they’re suddenly sitting up on their own, and that jaw movement has become pretty
If you grew up with a pet that you adored, you probably already know how incredible it is to have an animal as a friend. Pets aren’t only our friends,
Your 20-month-old can’t explain to you why something is right or wrong, but they are beginning to understand the concept. In fact, much of what they’ve learned up to this
Your little one’s ability to understand and use language develops at lightening-speed throughout their first three years. But using language is more complex than you might think! It not only
Your toddler – strong-willed or not – has thoughts and wants of their own. Sometimes, they won’t align with yours. Still, it’s important for your toddler to have the opportunity
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Es hora de dejar a los niños en la guardería. A medida que varias mamás y papás se preparan para dejarlos, algunos niños parecen preocupados, otros se
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
