Baby Tips
- If your baby is peaceful during the night while you're pregnant, there's a good chance she'll be the same way as a newborn.
- Steady background noises, like the tapping of typewriter or computer keys, can actually help soothe babies to sleep, and will prepare baby for sleeping in the "real world" where noise is unavoidable.
- Sometimes too much light can be distracting to baby, making it difficult to fall asleep. It helps to use shades or drapes so baby can sleep later in the morning and nap soundly during the day. If baby is afraid of the dark, a night-light adds just enough illumination.
- Some mommy experts say that baby will sleep through the night once she reaches the magical eleven pound mark.
- When holding a new baby, aim for a technique that not only is safe, but feels safe for baby. Make sure to support the delicate head and neck, and pick babies up slowly so they're not startled.
- To get all the oxygen he needs, your newborn will take as many as 40 breaths a minute.
- Clothes with cotton are great for babies and moms-to-be because they're gentle on the skin and breathe well in the summer.
- If your baby dimples her cheeks while she's breastfeeding, some experts recommend that she be gently repositioned.
- Within the first few weeks of life, your newborn will be able to lift her head, respond to sounds, and stare at your face.
- Early in life, your newborn will spend extended periods of time staring at your face.
- Your baby may begin to smile and laugh as early as two months old.
- Your baby can develop recognition memory - the ability to identify people and objects she has seen before - as early as three months.
- Your baby should be ready to join you in the sea or pool at around four or five months - when she's able to hold her head up on her own.
- Your baby will begin to recognize her own name at about five months and repeating her name will help her learn it more easily.
- A baby doesn't understand the concept of independence and thinks she's still a part of her mother until she's around six months old.
- Soft, very well-cooked carrots are a great finger food to introduce to your baby when she's ready to feed herself (at about eight months).
- Some experts refer to "play" as "the work of children" due to its crucial role in a baby's physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development.
- Toys and laughter play an integral part in your child's development. The more she enjoys the activity, the greater the potential for retention and the more likely the learning process will evolve.
- Building structures out of wooden blocks with your baby will help her exercise her growing dexterity.
- Before she learns to play with other children, a baby first learns parallel play skills: playing separately but with the same collection of toys as a baby beside her.
- Most babies take their first small step, a giant leap towards independence, sometime between 12 and 14 months.
- Babies learn many of their language skills by interacting with others and their surroundings.
- Although the cute "baby talk" that parents initiate with their child prior to recognizable speech (around 12 months old) may seem meaningless, studies indicate that it appears to help foster language development.
- Studies have shown that exposing young children to a foreign language can yield advanced verbal skills, as well as greater facility with additional languages.
- Your baby will begin to scribble with a crayon or pen sometime between 14 and 20 months.
- Because your baby won't have the neural connections needed to read until she's five or six, the best way to prepare her for future literacy is to show her that books are important and fun by reading to her.
- In addition to being excellent medical school students, girls are also usually easier to toilet train than boys.
- To keep your child comfortable and occupied on a plane, pack plenty of snacks, a bottle, towelettes, toys, games and books.
- Because your baby is too young to sign her own passport, the State Department instructs you to print her name and sign your own with the word "mother" (or "father") in parenthesis beside it.
- A portable playpen is a great tool for keeping sand out of your baby's nap area during the family trip to the beach.
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Tips for Mom
- For many women, tracking the menstrual cycle to predict ovulation is the first step toward conception.
- Though she won't be moving continuously, you'll probably be able to feel your baby's fetal movements somewhere between 18 and 22 weeks into your pregnancy.
- To get the most out of your prenatal appointments, keep a notebook of questions and concerns to bring up with your doctor and discuss everything thoroughly and with an open mind.
- To accomodate the expansion an expectant mother's body goes through during pregnancy, experts recommend comfortable cotton clothes and elastic waistbands and leggings.
- In addition to being a great way to exercise during pregnancy, swimming also gives future moms a much-appreciated feeling of near-weightlessness.
- Experts recommend expectant dads prepare for fatherhood by considering what qualities they value most in their fathers and other male role models, talking to their partners and other dads, and enthusiastically participating in their babies' lives right from birth.
- Yogurt is an excellent source of calcium, doubly important to women while pregnant or nursing.
- Grains and legumes, such as rice and beans, are great sources of Vitamin B1, B2, niacin, and fiber essential to women during pregnancy.
- One of the keys to adjusting to the new world you find yourself in after your baby is born is to take naps when your baby is resting.
- City parks can be an excellent resource for new parents looking to stretch their legs and stroll with the little ones.
- A park is a great place to meet other new parents, share experiences and advice, swap bargains and babysitters, and find companionship for your children.
- To pre-empt your toddler feeling sibling rivalry toward your newborn, make nursing your baby a special time with your older child by reading or watching a video together, and use your newborn's naptime to do something special with your toddler.
- To help a new mom restore her body to its original size and appearance, experts recommend starting with a moderate routine of walking.
¤ More Parenting Tips ¤
Baby Names & Meanings, Advice & Groups,
Child Health & Safety, Training Tips & Advice
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