What’s something parents can do today to help there kids be healthier for the rest of their lives? They can snuggle up and read a favorite book. Really. Hear me out. Kids who enjoy books may later learn to enjoy reading. The more they enjoy reading, the more they read. In other words, they practice…
If you have wondered whether your baby or child has autism, a first step is often an evaluation in the pediatrician’s office. Yes, it can be the same pediatrician that checks growth charts and treats ear infections. Many pediatricians do not formally diagnose autism (especially in one visit), but they can get the process started…
Kids need time outside to play. Just how essential is time in nature? What difference does outdoor play make? Today’s post is a collection of statistics and facts about outdoor play, health, and child development. Please note that some of the studies were quite small or observational, so take some of these statistics with a…
Wondering what to do to help a baby’s physical development? A baby uses gross motor skills when they use their large muscle groups. Think arms, legs, and trunk. So, how can parents support a baby’s gross motor development? This post covers several gross motor “activities” that caregivers and infants can enjoy at home. Parents need…
Maybe you’ve been told your baby has an umbilical hernia. You’re not alone. Umbilical hernias in babies are pretty common. They appear like skin-colored lumps that bulge out at the belly button. Families have many questions, of course. One that comes up a lot involves “tummy time.” Parents often ask if tummy time is okay…
Newborns are full of snuggles, wails, and wrinkly skin. They also have a bunch of funny movements. For example, parents may wonder why babies flail their arms out when surprised. These movements relate to the developing nervous system. Newborn reflexes are involuntary movements or positions. And, they begin to develop even before a baby is…
“Ba.” “Oh, you want to read that book?” “Yahhhhh. Ba.” “Okay, let’s read the book.” If you have a toddler, maybe this kind of conversation sounds familiar. To an outsider, it may seem a little silly. However, exchanges like this are one of the best ways to improve toddler language development. Reading, singing, and narrating…
Updated December 2022 For many families, age 5 feels like a huge transition from toddlerhood to “big kid” status. Children this age are still learning and developing at an incredible rate. However, they’ve moved beyond some of the toddler milestones like walking or saying their first words. 5-year-olds have a bit more finesse. Today’s post…
Updated February 2022 This post includes the updated milestones reflecting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) & American Academy of Pediatrics‘ evidence-informed developmental milestone update in February 2022. Are you wondering which skills a toddler may be ready to master? Sometimes, having a list of 18-month-old “milestones” can be helpful for families. That’s…
Babies and kids really need very few physical things. I always hesitate when asked what products someone “should” buy for their children, especially when it comes to toys. However, there is a toy that appeals to young babies and teenagers alike. It seems simple because it is. If someone is looking for a toy to…
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