The next time you think your child is "just playing," think again. Play has a fundamental role in your child's development. Find out why play is as vital -- or even more vital -- than reading, writing, and arithmetic.
My 8-month-old son has started sitting unsupported but he seems more interested in standing. We've tried placing objects just beyond his reach to encourage crawling. He is content with stretching, rolling, or pivoting on his tummy. Do you have any suggestions to get him crawling? He's a healthy breastfed baby who weighs 14 pounds, 5 ounces.
One Step Forward, Two Steps Back Once she's off, there's no stopping her! Over the next month or so, your baby will be concentrating on moving around – by crawling, bottom shuffling or cruising along the furniture – and you may find that her skills (such as self-feeding or sleeping through the night) suffer as a result. But don't worry, this is only a temporary setback brought on by the sheer exitement and effort that goes hand in hand with becoming mobile.
Learning to Play You don't need to spend any money to keep your little one entertained at this age. Wooden spoons and plastic pots and cups are just as much fun as expensive shop-bought baby toys. With a little imagination you can turn most activities into game. Bathtime, for instance, will cease to be about getting clean as soon as your little one learns to splash and dunk her toys. And while you're cooking her meals, why not put a few ustensils on her high-chair tray - she'll enjoy copying your actions.
Skin Sensitive Touch is a well developed sense at birth, and therefore very important to your baby right now. Her vision is still under-developed and many sounds have yet to make sense to her. So it is through contact that she gains much of her stimulation. Touch is also very soothing for her. So use every opportunity for skin to skin contact: in the bath, in bed, or snuggled up together on a sofa in a warm room. To make the most of this sensory experience, why not try your hand at massagimg your little one.
Checking Baby's Progress Regular visits to your health visitor and GP are important, not just to keep an eye on your baby's health, but also to make sure that his growth and development are staying on track.
First Year Recap In the past twelve months, your baby has undergone an amazing amount of growth and development. She has trebled in body wieght, has started to talk and has learned to move around on her own. Socially, too, she has taken huge strides, becoming an active member of the family and finding out how to respond to people in the wider world. So what's in store for the year to come?
My son is 14 months old and if he doesn't get what he wants, he throws a terrible tantrum, throwing himself on the ground or hitting out at whoever happens to be near. Help! What can I do to stop this terrible behaviour?
My son has just turned 1, but he still prefers crawling to walking. He's been pulling himself up since 7 months and could stand and walk short distances with no problem at 9 months. Can I do anything to encourage walking?
In Germany, where we're from, children learn to walk barefoot. But a shoe shop in the UK told me doctors here recommend children learn with shoes for better balance. Should I let my 9-month-old learn to walk in shoes?
My 7-month-old daughter has been crawling since she was 5 months, and is now trying to stand and walk. Obviously she falls a lot, often hitting her head. Should I try to stop her attempts until she is older?
Before your baby has words, he uses sounds and gestures to communicate. Whether he's smiling or crying, kicking or waving, learn why this early communication is important and how to encourage it.
From babbling and crawling to starting solid food, there's lots to discuss at this well-baby visit. What should you do if your baby clings to you, or screams at the sight of the doctor? Read on!
Our 9-month-old son continually demands our attention. At this age, must we give it to him? Will we spoil him by doing so?
How many teeth does your baby have? Is she walking, talking, playing peek-a-boo? Learn what else your health professional may ask. Plus, how do you ease the pain of shots so your baby won't get so upset?
How can I help my 6-month-old begin to entertain himself? What is typical? What are realistic expectations? I get frustrated having to hold my son all day, as he seems to be able to entertain himself for only a few minutes at a time.
It's never too early to encourage a love of words that will help your baby learn to read. From looking at picture books together to talking about your day, here's how to start your child on the road to reading.
Nothing is more heartbreaking -- or nerve-wracking -- than a crying baby. What's more, children go through phases when they cry more or less. To understand your little one's crying and help him learn to comfort himself, read on!
I want to know some good toys that my 11-month-old baby could be playing with to help him learn developmental skills. I read to him all the time, but I know studies show good learning toys also help.
Does your baby turn towards new sounds? Does your toddler follow simple directions? Learn how questions like these can help you test your child's hearing and what you should do if you suspect a problem.
