Author: Martha Underwood

Assistant Professor, Early Childhood Studies program, at Arizona State University. Shes teaches early childhood courses for family advocates, child development specialists, infant and toddler specialist. Dr. Underwood is an advocate for infants and toddlers and has provided presentations at the National Association of Early Childhood Educators and has appeared various news and talk shows.
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10 Ways to Find the Best Babysitter for Toddlers

toddler girl with bubbles

Toddlers are a different species of human, as far as I’m concerned. With power struggles, tantrums, big feelings, and a lack of language; things can get pretty scary, pretty quickly.

That is why you need to find a babysitter that will keep your little soldier in line, lovingly of course. Read on to learn how you can choose a sitter that will not only keep your little love safe but also help them to become kind and respectful human being.

1. Look for Training for Early Childhood

You definitely want someone who understands your child’s age and stage. Toddlerhood can be tough and it’s easy to lose patience-especially when things start to escalate. When the watcher of your child truly understands what their little body and mind is going through, they can effectively apply tactics and other learned strategies to help them work through power struggles and tantrums.

2. Find Someone Who Oozes Creativity

You don’t want someone to sit for your child that just sits them in front of the television. It’s important that your toddler is kept busy, engaged, and provided with lots of creative play and art activities. A great interview question that tests the creative level of applicants could be, “Describe how a day would run when you are watching my child.”

3. Hire a Fan of the Outdoors

Most childcare facilities take all children outdoors every day, provided it’s not freezing in temperature. A little rain, flurry, or coldness should not stop a sitter from getting your active youngster outdoors. Be sure to inquire about their lifestyle (are they active or do they tend to be more dormant in winter) so you know if they are eager and willing to get your toddler up and moving outdoors-no matter what!

4. Look for a Helper, Not a Doer

What I mean by this is hire a sitter that encourages toddler independence. Often times, caregivers do so much for the child, it renders them helpless and makes them more dependent on parents. Toddler years are crucial for setting the tone for academic, social, and behavioral success. Find someone that will assist your toddler with getting dressed, rather than doing it for them. Same goes with teeth brushing, bottom wiping, washing hands, and cleaning up toys.

5. Find Someone that Will Transport Your Child to Play Groups

Whether it is gym time, art class, playgroup at the park, or swim lessons; it’s important to find a caregiver that is ready and willing to transport your child to social gatherings. They should have their own set of wheels, be insured, and should be open and honest about their driving record. You should provide them with a car seat or booster, and keep their travels close to home.

6. Consider Certifications

I know that I won’t leave my son with anyone that isn’t certified in CPR or First Aid. Emergencies and situations pop up all the time and your caregiver should not only be level-headed, but in the know when it comes to choking, sickness, and other accidents that could occur.

7. Observe Child Caretaker Interactions

The best test to see if your caregiver is compatible with your child is to observe the two in action. Set up a playdate prior to hire to see how they handle your child’s quirks and requests. You can also use the playdate as a time to have a chat with your little one to see how they feel about their new “friend.” After all, your child has to feel comfortable with whomever you leave them with.

8. Keep Cost in Mind

Cost is important. I know several couples that have nearly gone broke each month after shelling out payment to their nanny. Be realistic and set a budget. You know what you can and cannot afford. Often
times, if the sitter is truly interested in working with your family, they will tend to budget a little bit. On average, a qualified sitter earns $13-$15 an hour, based on age, location, and qualifications.

9. Find Someone Who is Understanding of Rules

Establish rooms that can be entered and ones that cannot. Decide if they should be the only ones in your home. Be firm with hours worked, and be sure to explain how you would like a day to run in your home. Can they make phone calls? Can they watch television? Can they help themselves to snacks? All of these things need to be discussed!

10. Express Importance of Honesty

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard of sitters telling families that everything was “fine” when in fact, the child threw dozens of tantrums, hit and kicked the sitter, and went as far as to ride their tricycle down the sidewalk in order to outrun them (according to a by standing neighbor). Often times, sitters want to keep their job, so they tend to fluff a child’s behavior or sugar coat a bad day. Find someone that is ok with speaking to you honestly and openly about your child, their progress, and behavior.
Finding the right sitter for a toddler can be a tough task, but it can be done. Keep these 10 characteristics and qualities in mind before you make a hire!

Source: Bitsy Bug Boutique

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Organic Baby Food Now Available in Some States for WIC

toddler eating

More states add organic baby food to WIC program. Every year, almost two million babies are born into families that are eligible to participate in The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). This program provides grants to individual states to support low-income households (under $46k in annual income for a family of 4) who are nutritionally at-risk.2

These families receive funds for a defined set of foods to help subsidize the cost of feeding their children. However, currently, very few organic options are authorized for purchase with WIC funds.

In fact, today only 12 of the 50 states approve organic products for infants at all.

Happy Family Organics is proud to introduce Happy Baby® Clearly Crafted™ Jars, creating an option from their premium, organic line for WIC families. 45% of parents use glass jars to introduce their baby to solid foods.

48% of WIC-eligible moms feel that there are not enough organic brands available to them.3

This didn’t seem right to us,” said Anne Laraway CEO of Happy Family Organics. “Clearly Crafted jars are truly meant for all babies in the US and this is the first moment that we are able to say that. We’re really proud to provide a premium, organic option for more families – one they can feel confident feeding their children.”
Happy Family Organics is proud to be working with the various state WIC organizations toward state authorization of its Happy Baby Clearly Crafted Jars.

The first 1,000 days of a baby’s life is a vital window that defines a child’s wellness blueprint.

And, since Happy Family Organics’ portfolio is 100% organic, parents can be sure that they are free from pesticides that are harmful to human health.
The jars are already WIC-authorized in Florida, Minnesota, Texas, West Virginia and Vermont(approximately 20% of the organic WIC market) and are in the process of receiving certification in additional states.

Happy Mama Mentors

WIC program offers a free, live chat service on their website in 2017,  providing parents individualized support from Happy Mama Mentors.  They are a team of experts lactation specialists and registered dietitians certified in infant and maternal nutrition (and all moms!).

Through this service, Happy Family Organics has provided free advice to more than 15,000 parents and is continually finding ways to expand this service so that more parents have access to quality nutritional information.
“The feedback we receive from parents who chat with us is so inspiring. Providing this free service has been extremely rewarding for the team, knowing we are positively affecting the health of more children,” said Laraway.

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Why Should I Make Sure My Baby is Screened for Critical Congenital Heart Disease at Birth?

baby girl and dog

New study confirms a dramatic decrease in infant deaths

Infant deaths from critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) decreased when babies were screened for Congenital Heart Disease at birth.

  • a decrease of more than 33 per cent in eight states that mandated screening for CCHD using a test called pulse oximetry.
  • And deaths from other or unspecified cardiac causes decreased by 21 per cent.

Pulse oximetry is a simple bedside test to determine the amount of oxygen in a baby’s blood and the baby’s pulse rate. Low levels of oxygen in the blood can be a sign of a CCHD.

About 1 in every 4 babies born with a congenital heart defect has CCHD and will need surgery or other procedures in the first year of life.

In the U.S., about 7,200 babies born each year have one of seven CCHDs
CCHD screening nationwide could save at least 120 babies each year, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

This study is the first look at the impact of state policies to either require or recommend screening of infants for CCHD at birth.

The study, Association of U.S. State Implementation of Newborn Screening Policies for Critical Congenital Heart Disease With Infant Cardiac Deaths, shows that states that required their hospitals to screen newborns with pulse oximetry saw the most significant decrease in infant deaths compared with states without screening policies.

47 states and D.C. now have mandatory screening policies in place and one additional state, California,  requires screening be offered. These results serve as a reminder to hospitals across the country to remain vigilant in their screening for CCHD.

“More families are able to celebrate special milestones in a child’s life thanks to the early identification and treatment of heart defects,” said CDC Director Brenda Fitzgerald, M.D. “Screening newborns for critical congenital heart disease in every state, tribe, and territory will save lives and help babies thrive.”

Without screening by a pulse oximetry reading, some babies born with a congenital heart defect can appear healthy at first and be sent home with their families before their heart defect is detected.

CDC works to identify causes of congenital heart defects, find opportunities to prevent them, and improve the health of people living with these conditions.

For more information on congenital heart defects, visit https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/heartdefects/index.html and https://www.cdc.gov/features/congenitalheartdefects/.

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Child Development: Baby 7-12 Months Old

8 month old baby

Child Development – Ages and Stages 7 Months – 12 Months. Babies develop at their own pace, so it’s impossible to tell exactly when your child will learn a given skill. The developmental steps listed below will give you a general idea of the changes you can expect, but don’t be alarmed if your own baby’s development takes a slightly different course.

Child development by the end of 7 Months

Social and Emotional

  • Enjoys social play
  • Watches self in mirror images
  • Responds to other adult’s expressions of emotion and appears joyful often

Cognitive

  • Finds partially hidden object
  • Explores with hands and mouth
  • Tries to get objects that are out of reach

Movement

  • Rolls front to back and visa versa
  • Sits with, and then without, support on hands
  • Supports body weight on legs
  • Reaches with one hand
  • Transfers object from hand to hand
  • Uses hand to rake objects

Vision

  • Develops full-color vision
  • Distance vision matures
  • Tracks moving objects improves

Language

  • Responds to own name
  • Begins to respond to “no”
  • Can tell emotions by tone of voice
  • Responds to sound by making sounds
  • Uses voice to express joy and displeasure
  • Babbles chains of sounds

Developmental Health Watch
Alert your child’s doctor or nurse if your child displays any
of the following signs of possible developmental delay for
this age range.

  • Seems very stiff, with tight muscles
  • Seems very floppy, like a rag doll
  • Head still flops back when body is pulled to a sitting position
  • Reaches with one hand only
  • Refuses to cuddle
  • Shows no affection for the person who cares for him or her
  • Doesn’t seem to enjoy being around people
  • One or both eyes consistently turn in or out
  • Persistent tearing, eye drainage, or sensitivity to light
  • Does not respond to sounds around him or her
  • Has difficulty getting objects to mouth
  • Does not turn head to locate sounds by 4 months
  • Does not roll over in either direction (front to back or back to front) by 5 months
  • Seems impossible to comfort at night after 5 months
  • Does not smile on his or her own by 5 months
  • Cannot sit with help by 6 months
  • Does not laugh or make squealing sounds by 6 months
  • Does not actively reach for objects by 6 to 7 months
  • Does not follow objects with both eyes at near (1 foot) and far (6 feet) ranges by 7 months
  • Does not bear weight on legs by 7 months
  • Does not try to attract attention through actions by 7 months
  • Does not babble by 8 months
  • Shows no interest in games of peek-a-boo by 8 months

Child development by the end of 12 months

Social and Emotional

  • Shy or anxious with strangers
  • Cries when mother or father leaves
  • Enjoys imitating people in his play
  • Shows specific preferences for certain people and toys
  • Tests parental responses to his actions during feedings
  • Tests parental responses to his behavior
  • May be fearful in some situations
  • Prefers mother and/or regular caregiver over all others
  • Repeats sounds or gestures for attention
  • Finger-feeds himself
  • Extends arm or leg to help when being dressed

Cognitive

  • Explores objects in many different ways (shaking, banging, throwing, dropping)
  • Finds hidden objects easily
  • Looks at correct picture when the image is named
  • Imitates gestures
  • Begins to use objects correctly (drinking from cup, brushing hair, dialing phone, listening to receiver)

Language

  • Pays increasing attention to speech
  • Responds to simple verbal requests
  • Responds to “no”
  • Uses simple gestures, such as shaking head for “no”
  • Babbles with inflection (changes in tone)
  • Says “dada” and “mama”
  • Uses exclamations, such as “Oh-oh!”
  • Tries to imitate words

Movement

  • Reaches sitting position without assistance
  • Crawls forward on belly
  • Assumes hands-and-knees position
  • Creeps on hands and knees
  • Gets from sitting to crawling or prone (lying on stomach) position
  • Pulls self up to stand
  • Walks holding on to furniture
  • Stands momentarily without support
  • May walk two or three steps without support

Hand and Finger Skills

  • Uses pincer grasp
  • Bangs two objects together
  • Puts objects into a container
  • Takes objects out of a container
  • Lets objects go voluntarily
  • Pokes with index finger
  • Tries to imitate scribbling

Developmental Health Watch
Alert your child’s doctor or nurse if your child displays any
of the following signs of possible developmental delay for
this age range.

  • Does not crawl
  • Drags one side of the body while crawling (for over one month)
  • Cannot stand when supported
  • Does not search for objects that are hidden while he or she watches
  • Says no single words (“mama” or “dada”)
  • Does not learn to use gestures, such as waving or shaking head
  • Does not point to objects or pictures
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Ways to reduce baby’s risk of SIDS and other sleep-related causes of infant death.

Parents, grandparents, family members, child care providers, health care providers, and others — are encouraged to learn about the updated recommendations for safe infant sleep.

US Federal agencies and the  American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provided this list of actions for safe sleep for infants younger than 1 year of age.

The main ways recommended for reducing the risk of SIDS remains the same:

  • Place babies completely on their backs to sleep for all sleep times, naps and at night. ( most important)
  •  Breastfeeding for at least 6 months,
  • Using a pacifier,
  • Having the baby sleep in or near the parent’s bedroom ( but bed-sharing shows and increases SIDS deaths),
  • Swaddling has been shown to have no impact on SIDS and can be dangerous if done when the infant begins to turn over.

Other important ways to keep baby safe during sleep include:

  • place baby to sleep on a firm sleep surface, such as a mattress in a crib that meets the safety standards of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
  • Another advises the removal of blankets, soft objects, toys, crib bumpers, and loose bedding from the sleep area.
  • Couches and armchairs can be very dangerous places for babies this is especially true if adults fall asleep as they feed, comfort, or bond with baby while on these surfaces.

Parents and other caregivers should be aware of how tired they are when feeding, comforting, or bonding with the baby while on these surfaces to avoid falling asleep in such situations.

How to  reduce SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths:

1. Back to sleep for every sleep.

  1. a.  Preterm infants should be placed supine as soon as possible.

    b. “Skin-to-skin care is recommended for all mothers and newborns, regardless of feeding or delivery method, immediately following birth (as soon as the mother is medically stable, awake, and able to respond to her newborn), and to continue for at least an hour.”

2. Use a firm sleep surface.

Place infants on a firm sleep surface (eg, mattress in a safety-approved crib) covered by a fitted sheet with no other bedding or soft objects to reduce the risk of SIDS and suffocation.

3. It is recommended that infants sleep in the parents’ room, close to the parents’ bed, but on a separate surface designed for infants, ideally for the first year of life, but at least for the first 6 months.

There are specific circumstances that, in case-control studies and case series, have been shown to substantially increase the risk of SIDS or unintentional injury or death while bed-sharing and these should be avoided at all times:

    1. Bed-sharing has an increased risk of SIDS.  If parents choose to feed their infants younger than 4 months in bed, they should be especially vigilant to not fall asleep.

4.. Keep soft objects and loose bedding away from the infant’s sleep area to reduce the risk of SIDS, suffocation, entrapment, and strangulation.

5. Consider offering a pacifier at nap time and bedtime.

Studies have shown a protective effect of pacifiers on the incidence of SIDS. The protective effect of the pacifier is observed even if the pacifier falls out of the infant’s mouth.

6. Avoid overheating and head covering in infants.

Although studies have shown an increased risk of SIDS with overheating, The definition of overheating in these studies varies. Therefore, it is difficult to provide specific room temperature guidelines to avoid overheating.

  1. In general, infants should be dressed appropriately for the environment, with no greater than 1 layer more than an adult would wear to be comfortable in that environment.

  2. Parents and caregivers should evaluate the infant for signs of overheating, such as sweating or the infant’s chest feeling hot to the touch.

Things parents and caretakers can do to protect babies from SIDS

7. Breastfeeding is recommended.

  1. Breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of SIDS. Unless contraindicated, mothers should breastfeed exclusively or feed with expressed milk (ie, not offer any formula or other nonhuman milk-based supplements) for 6 months,

  2. Breastfeeding has been shown to be more protective against SIDS than no breastfeeding.

8. Avoid smoke exposure during pregnancy and after birth.

9. Avoid alcohol and illicit drug use during pregnancy and after birth.

10. Pregnant women should obtain regular prenatal care.

Pregnant women should follow guidelines for frequency of prenatal visits.

11. Infants should be immunized in accordance with recommendations of the AAP and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There is no evidence that there is a causal relationship between immunizations and SIDS. Indeed, recent evidence suggests that vaccination may have a protective effect against SIDS.

12. Avoid the use of commercial devices that are inconsistent with safe sleep recommendations.

Be particularly wary of devices that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS.

Examples include, but are not limited to, wedges and positioners and other devices placed in the adult bed for the purpose of positioning or separating the infant from others in the bed.

13. Do not use home cardiorespiratory monitors as a strategy to reduce the risk of SIDS.

The use of cardiorespiratory monitors has not been documented to decrease the incidence of SIDS.

14. Supervised, awake tummy time is recommended to facilitate development and to minimize the development of positional plagiocephaly.

15. There is no evidence to recommend swaddling as a strategy to reduce the risk of SIDS.

Swaddling, or wrapping the infant in a light blanket, is often used as a strategy to calm the infant and encourage the use of the supine position.

There is a high risk of death if a swaddled infant is placed in or rolls to the prone position If infants are swaddled, they should always be placed on the back. Swaddling should be snug around the chest but allow for ample room at the hips and knees to avoid exacerbation of hip dysplasia.

When an infant exhibits signs of attempting to roll, swaddling should no longer be used. There is no evidence with regard to SIDS risk related to the arms swaddled in or out. These decisions about swaddling should be made on an individual basis, depending on the physiologic needs of the infant.

For more information and to see full report go to https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2016/10/20/peds.2016-2938

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Baby Shower Favors Ideas – Hip, Chic and Fun!

baby shower cake

Baby Shower Favors Ideas

Baby shower parties are festive occasions that are celebrated when expecting a baby or when the baby is already born. We all know that at a party you give a gift and you get a little gift too, at a baby shower it is traditional that the host gives a little favor to every guest.

A baby show favor need not be expensive, it’s the thoughtfulness that counts. Everybody likes to be appreciated, that is why you should give a small favor to each of your guests.

Here are some ideas for baby shower favors

  • Choc Lollipops
  • Bubble Gum Cigars
  • Candy bars with wrappers you print
  •  A little box of chocolates  with a note that says – “You are so sweet for coming to my baby shower”
  • One Fall shower had mini pumpkins as favors! Very unique.
  • Make or buy   fortune cookies with little personalized messages, you could use this to announce the gender of your baby
  • Decorated cookies.
  • Small mason jars filled with dry cookie mix or other treats see gifts in a jar
  • Small candles
  • Small bottle of lotion
  • A little vase with dried flowers in it.
  • Candy- rock candy, chocolate, or lollipops in blue or pink
  • Buy a big box of hershey bars and make my own labels for them baby shower gift tags,write thanks for coming to my shower.
  • Bath and Body Items
  • Notepads
  • Pictures
  • Gift Certificates
  • Coupons
  • Gift Baskets
  • Designer Candles
  • Baby Bottles with Candy
  • Baby socks or booties filled with candy
  • Baby theme cookie cutters
  • Wrapped cookies
  • Potpourri filled organza bags w/ a ribbon
  •  A nice booklet and on it to write a few words of appreciation, such as “thank you for being there for me” or ” I love you and I appreciate you love and support” or go for the simpler one- ” thank you for coming to my baby shower”.

Getting Ready for the New Baby

The grand finale of your baby shower should be giving your guests little favors. It doesn’t have to be fancy and expensive, it just has to reflect your feelings and gratitude that your guests came to share with you one of the happiest occasions of your life.

Please share your ideas for Baby Shower Favors

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Baby Jaundice

newborn and mom

Baby Jaundice

Around 20% of newborn babies suffer from jaundice. The condition is not normally serious and usually clears up after a week or so.

What Are The Symptoms of  Baby Jaundice?

Baby’s skin will develop a yellowish tinge and she will look as though she has a suntan. Black babies will have a yellow tinge to the whites of their eyes.

What Causes Baby Jaundice

Babies are born with a high level of the chemical bilirubin in the blood and it may take a week or so for the liver to break this down. Baby will suffer no pain or discomfort as a result of having this condition.

How Is It Jaundice Diagnosed?

The first sign of jaundice is the change in skin tone. A blood sample will then be taken (usually a small sample from baby’s heel) and the levels of bilirubin levels are checked.

What Is The Treatment?

Exposure to sunlight will help break down the chemical. If you are still in hospital, baby will be placed under bright fluorescent lights for set periods; a few days of this treatment is usually sufficient and the yellowish tinge will fade. If you’re at home, place baby in as much daylight as possible (without clothing) – but be careful not to expose baby to direct sunlight as she could suffer from sunburn. Breastfeeding will also help (but you were going to breastfeed anyway, right?), and feed on demand so that the chemical clears the system more
quickly.

What If The Baby Jaundice Symptoms Persist?

If the symptoms persist after two weeks, a rare occurrence, it can be a sign of other complications and you should consult your
doctor.

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Your Baby And Social Skills – Babies-Toddler

taking baby for walk in a stroller

Your Baby And Social Skills

Your baby’s first year is filled with many challenges and new experiences for everyone in your family.

One of the many things that your baby is going to be learning in his first year is the ability to socialize and get along with others. The first place that your baby is going to learn to socialize with others is within your own family. You should also be exposing your baby to playmates and other people outside your immediate family. This is so that he can learn communication and interaction skills at as young an age as possible.

No matter how young your baby is, it is never too soon to let your baby enjoy social activities.

The earlier you start to teach social skills to your baby the better his social skills will be when he is older. You should be considering getting out with your baby a couple of times a week so that you are both interacting with other parents and babies.

Your baby won’t really “play” with other babies.

Babies will, however, be very interested in watching the other babies and at times may interact with them by hitting, touching, or grabbing them. Babies won’t participate in a “playing” activity until they are toddlers. What your baby gains by being exposed to other babies is the stimulation of being around other babies.

There are several ways that you can get out of the house and socialize with your baby. One thing you should keep in mind is that you should keep your baby away from other babies if your baby isn’t feeling well or if one of the other babies is sick. Babies are very susceptible to colds and you will want to limit your baby’s exposure to illness whenever possible.

Here are some things you may want to consider:

Try to expose your baby to as many social settings as possible.

There are many things that you can do in your own home so that your baby gets the socialization that he needs. this is especially important now during COVID-19.

  • Have your baby sit with you at the dinner table whether he has been introduced to solids or not. This is a great way for your family to spend quality time and for your baby to watch as others interact around him.
  • Include your baby in gatherings with family and friends.
  • Walk around the block, wave and smile at others
  •  Hold your baby when you talk on the phone or during a Zoom meeting
  • Sit on the front porch an engage other families as they go by,

Taking your baby out is a great way for you both to have a change of scenery and vary your daily routine. Your baby will enjoy going out with you, whether you are just going to the store or joining a parent-baby exercise class at your recreation center. He will be excited and stimulated by all the new faces, voices, and settings that he will encounter on his adventure.

Find a parent/baby playgroup to join. Your baby will enjoy watching other babies and children while you interact with old and new friends. The more social settings that you take your baby to, the more broad his world becomes.

Taking your baby to a playgroup or for a swim at the pool gives your baby the chance to be part of a larger group. Your baby will quickly learn that the smiles and coos he uses on you at home get the same response when you are both out. He will learn that he can have a positive impact on others around him as he gets the response that he is looking for.

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Why You Should Teach Your Baby How To Swim

baby swimming in pool

Many parents are discovering the art of teaching their baby to swim. Not only is it fun for your baby to swim, bond with you, and play with other babies, it is a great way for you to interact with other parents as well.

It was only discovered in the 1960’s that babies were able to swim independently underwater. But since then, it has been learned that it promotes self-confidence and personal development – physical and emotional. It gives your baby a calming, zero-gravity environment to move freely where they otherwise could not on land. This is incredibly beneficial to babies with Downs syndrome and cerebral palsy.

What are the benefits of baby swimming?

  1.  Increased motor development, social skills and intelligence,
  2. Increased concentration, alertness, and perceptual abilities,
  3. Improved nap time and night time sleep patterns.
  4. Babies who learn how to swim have been known to walk earlier as well, due to their increased muscle control.

Babies automatically hold there breath underwater

It’s only natural for a baby to feel comfortable and happy in the warm water. You don’t have to worry about your child breathing, because they automatically hold their breath while underwater. This is called the “mammalian dive reflex”. After all, they did spend their first 9 months in fluid.

If you have your own pool, it is up to you as a parent to decide when you want your baby to start swimming. There is no age limit. They can even start right after birth.

When to start swimming lessons for baby?

Some classes, however, ask that you wait until they are 3 months. Others recommend you start as early as possible. But keep in mind, the longer you wait, their confidence in the water decreases.

Closer to their first year, they can actually develop a fear of water if they are not familiar with it. You should never force your child to learn if they don’t want to. This will only result in a stressful situation for your child which could become a problem later on.

Don’t expect your baby to start swimming like a pro right away. 

It takes time and patience. But even though they can’t swim on the water’s surface until they are about three, they can swim for short distances under the water with the help and encouragement of their parent. Have an underwater camera available to capture that special moment.

Check with your local community swimming pool to see if they have classes available. You and your new baby will love it.

 

Child Development: 3 – 6-Month-Old Milestones

A Baby Is Born With Certain Reflexes
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4 Educational Toys That Toddlers Love

toddler playing musical instrument

When children start to walk more steadily, run, push, pull, climb and grab things – they are growing from infants to toddlers. Between their first and second birthdays, they begin to do things like – to flip light switches, pour things in and out of containers, unwrap packages and empty drawers.


The toddler stage is very important in a child’s life. It is the time between infancy and childhood when a child learns and grows in many ways. Everything that happens to the toddler is meaningful.


I am a mother of two boys who I love dearly. I decided to stay home and raise my children with the best education and values I could provide. We made sacrifices and reorganized our lives for them.

I learned the importance of educational toys as we saw our sons playing together with toys all around the house. This is when I realized the value of educational toys and started

Ehome 15 Types 22pcs Wooden Percussion Instruments Toy for Kids Preschool Educational, Musical Toys Set for Boys and Girls with Storage Backpack

ABC Sound Book For Children

 English Letters & Words Learning Book, Fun Educational Toy. Learning Activities for Letters, Words, Numbers, Shapes, Colors, and Animals for Toddlers

Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Cube –

Classic Wooden Toy With 12 Shapes

Vstarner Stacking Cups

Baby Toys Early Educational Toddler Toys Baby Bath Toys & Rubber Animals BPA Free Recommended Baby Toys for 0 1 2 3 4-5-year-old Boys and Girls .（14 Pcs）

Baby Parent Gift Ideas – Gadgets and Apps for Baby and Modern-day Parents