How can I get my baby interested in books?The easiest way to get babies excited about books is to make reading a consistent and fun part of your day. Some parents find reading is a relaxing activity that helps babies wind down at nap time and bedtime. Whenever you read, cuddle your baby close and let your baby explore the book (sturdy board books are better for babies who want...
Is babytalk bad for my baby?Experts distinguish between "parentese" (high-pitched, stretching out the sounds in words) and "babytalk" (meaningless babble sounds). Childhood language specialists suggest that while goochie-goo style babytalk is unecessary, parentese plays an important role in infant development. Parentese is a universal practice across languages an...
Should I worry if my baby skips crawling and goes straight to walking?With more parents placing infants on their backs to sleep, in accordance with doctor recommendations for preventing SIDS, more babies are skipping crawling. Some experts believe the bilateral integration of crawling is important to developing strength, motor skills and neural connections. Because both sides of the body must work togeth...
What parents do and don't knowThough most parents are clued in to their child's physical and intellectual development, misconceptions prevail on their social and emotional milestones.
Reading ritualsMy kids will crawl into my lap pretty much anytime I am seated (which, given that I am almost 8 months' pregnant, is fairly often) and pick out book after book to read.