Baby Discussions
Raising a child can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Get answers to your baby questions, ask a question for our experts and interact with other parents in our baby discussions.
DiscussionWhat if my baby isn't walking yet?
As with every developmental milestone, babies walk in their own time. About 50% of babies walk by one year but that still leaves another half of babies that will learn between 12 and 16 months. Babies who are more interested in fine motor or verbal development may walk later than their more physical peers. The use of bouncers and walke...
Personal & Social Skills
When should my baby say her first word?
Some babies may utter their first words as early as 9 months of age. It’s important to note, however, that learning experts differ in how they assess whether a first word has been spoken. For example, some experts suggest that the first utterance of any word that sounds like a word used by adults, such as “dada” or “mama,” counts as a ...
Reading & Writing
My son is grinding his teeth. How do I get him to stop?
Two to three of every 10 kids grind their teeth. However, most will outgrow this habit by the age of six, or by the time all the permanent teeth have come in. The reasons for teeth grinding, or bruxism, are unconfirmed. Some children may develop the habit as a reaction to growing pains or times of stress. Help your child settle into a ...
Personal & Social Skills
Does learning sign language cause speech delays?
Baby signing is a wonderful way to communicate with pre-verbal babies and reduce toddler frustration (aka, tantrums). Experts also tout the intellectual, cultural and social benefits of introducing a second language early on. Still, some parents and well-meaning relatives worry that children will have speech delays or become confused i...
Reading & Writing
How can I help my baby reach her full intellectual potential?
All parents want the best for their children and hope to give them a head start on intellectual development. For the most part, the best thing a parent can do for an infant or toddler is to provide a warm, loving environment so that the child feels confident to explore. Proper nutrition is also essential for health and early brain deve...
Logic & Problem Solving
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...
Reading & Writing
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...
Reading & Writing
Should I throw a big party for my baby's first birthday?
How to celebrate a baby's first birthday is a family decision. First birthdays range from small family observances to large parties with ponies and "smash cakes." Your baby is unlikely to have any real "friends" at this age, will not have memories of the celebration and will not even realize if you skip the big party. However, your chi...
Personal & Social Skills
When should I expect my baby to start crawling?
Most babies learn to crawl between 7 and 10 months. Some babies prefer to scoot or roll and some never master crawling and skip right to walking. Some experts believe the bilateral integration of crawling is important to developing strength, motor skills, and neural connections. However, most doctors agree that lack of crawling is not ...
Personal & Social Skills
Why won't my baby play with her grandparents?
Older infants are going through a stage of separation anxiety. They may cry when others try to hold them. This can be particularly hurtful to new grandparents who can't wait to shower affection on the new baby. First, try to rule out anything that might be upsetting the baby, such as strong scents or scratchy clothing or beards. Then, ...
Personal & Social Skills
Is it okay to keep my kid up late for special events?
In some cultures, children stay up much later than children in the United States. Routines are important for young children. At the same time, attending special family events makes for great childhood memories. Try to have your child get an extra nap in that day, make sure there is a quiet place for your child to safely rest if he or s...
Personal & Social Skills
When should I start my baby on a naptime and bedtime routine?
One of the most difficult parts of parenthood is the lack of sleep! While babies are not likely to be receptive to any type of routine until they are at least 6-8 weeks of age, it is never too early to start a naptime and bedtime ritual. Doing so will calm your baby and help him understand that the bedroom is a place to sleep. Because ...
Personal & Social Skills