Reading to Baby: When to Start and How to Do it Well
By Jamell Andrews
In the age of television, internet, and ubiquitous gadgets, there is something refreshing about the quiet act of reading a good book. And although childcare experts say reading to a child has little significant effect until he or she is around the six-month mark, it is never too early to get started. Young children may not get the same things out of books that we do, but the reading experience is valuable for a number of reasons, and reading daily to your baby is a crucial stepping stone toward future linguistic and educational development.
Posted in Activities, Books, Dads, Development, Language Skills, Learning, Moms, Nanny | 
Leave a commentHow Can You Help Your Toddler Talk?
Babies, even before they are born have an inbuilt curiosity and interest in human voices. They instinctively want to listen to and concentrate on sounds especially human voices. When you are thinking about how you can encourage your toddler to develop his speech remember this in-built instinct he naturally has.
Posted in Activities, Bonding, Development, Language Skills, Learning, Motor Skills, Physical, Social Life | Leave a commentImportant ‘Tummy Time’ With Your Baby
Parents are now very aware of the importance of laying their babies on their backs to sleep as lying them on their tummies can increase the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). In fact, cot deaths have decreased by 40% since the recommendation was put into effect in 1994.
Posted in Activities, Babysitter, Colic, Dads, Development, Feeding, Health, Moms, Motor Skills, Nanny, Newborns, Nutrition, SIDS, Sleep, Sleep Care, Solids | Leave a commentSoothing a Fussy Baby
If you are the parent of an infant, it is pretty much inevitable that you will have to deal with a fussy baby at least from time to time. For many parents, dealing with a fussy baby is a regular occurrence that quickly leads to frustration, loss of energy, and a lack of sleep.
Posted in Activities, Care, Dads, Development, Moms, Music, Newborns, Sleep, Sleep Care | Leave a commentPreparing To Swim With Your Baby
Being in water is great for pregnant women and during labour. Swimming is also a great activity for babies. Before they crawl and walk, swimming enables them to move around independently as the water supports them.
Posted in Activities, Care, Dads, Development, Learning, Moms, Motor Skills, Physical | Leave a commentEncouraging a Newborn’s Social Development
With all the things that newborn babies need, it is easy to forget that the first few months of life are a crucial stage in a child’s social and emotional development. As long as you and your partner are loving parents who give the baby everything he or she needs, you do not have to be overworried about socializing your baby. That aspect of parenting becomes much more important later on. However, there are things you can do right now to make your baby happy while laying a foundation for strong social skills in the future. Here are a few ideas.
Playtime in the Bath
As baby gets older he will begin to love his bath. If the room is kept warm there is no reason why he should not be allowed a little extra time to splash around and enjoy the sensation of water on his skin and freedom from clothing. Eventually he will like to play with toys in the bath. However, no baby should be left in the bath without someone responsible being there to hold and watch him. Continue reading