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Ways You Can Teach Your Baby to Talk

admin — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Though the average baby won’t say their first word until close to 12 months there are methods to help them along. Baby’s love music, so naturally singing will grab their attention. Singing is a wonderful way for baby’s to discover new words in an atmosphere that is easy for them to keep focused on. As you will find, babies have a hard time focusing on one thing for very long, so along with singing using a high-pitched voice is a useful tool to get your babies attention right where you want it. Just remember when you have that attention don’t waste it on babbling, you’re baby already knows how to do that. Of course as your baby gets older and becomes more sight oriented using objects to reiterate that everything has a name will help them build the connection that there is a word for everything they see. Point out everything, when at home or when out, to your child and tell them the name. Though it may seem boring to a parent to repeat a word over and over while pointing to an object, to your child it is completely new and repetition helps build connections in the brain.

When You Should Start Reading to Your Baby

admin — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Babies, even before they are born, can hear voices. Research tells us they can distinguish their mother and father-s voices in the womb. When they are born, they recognize the voices they-ve heard throughout their gestation.
Reading is an activity that bonds a child to its parents. Hearing the pattern of stories and knowing parents are talking to them creates connections between the child and parent. It is never too early to begin reading to your child. If they are read to throughout their development in the womb, they will listen eagerly once they are born.
In reading to babies, you give them a head start understanding the use for stories and this will transfer later to understanding of books and the printed page. When the concepts are not taught until formal schooling begins, children are behind. So reading to a child from his earliest days will strengthen the love between a child and his parents and will give him a head start in his education. When reading to an infant it is a good idea to choose stories with pattern and simple words. Even though this is the best way to begin reading to an infant, it also good to read aloud whatever you are reading. This gives children information relating to things other than simple stories and allows them to learn that reading can be used to gain all sorts of information. Even though all the concepts won-t be understood, they will be familiar with how to gain knowledge. Reading is a priceless gift to give a child. Read to them from their earliest moments and never stop.

Getting a Picky Toddler to Eat

admin — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Nutrition is so important for growing children, especially toddlers. It is however, a rare two or three-year-old who enjoys eating a well-balanced, nutritious diet. Some kids are not crazy about broccoli and avocado, but they will eat other fruits and vegetables, as well as a variety of protein and grain sources. Other children will fight if they have to venture beyond their two or three comfort foods. There are solutions for even the pickiest eaters. Be patient and keep trying.

The first important tip for getting a picky toddler to eat is to always offer a variety of foods. For example, pair sliced apples and raisins with a grilled cheese sandwich, or steamed squash and rice along with chicken. If these foods do not work, try something different the next day. Even if they have avoided certain foods before, it does not mean they will not try a food the next time it is offered.

Another way to help a picky toddler eat is to experiment with new flavors. They may enjoy spinach with a little lemon juice, sea salt and butter. Carrot and celery sticks are delicious when dipped in ranch dressing, even to a child. Try bananas with peanut butter, sweet potatoes with butter and brown sugar or any other combination that combines approachable flavors with good nutrition.

Always offer new foods with a positive, inviting attitude. Forcing a child to eat is an effective way of creating an even pickier toddler. Showing your toddler that you enjoy the foods and encouraging them to try new things will allow meal time to be a positive experience.

Tips for Starting Your Baby on Solids

admin — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Most pediatricians recommend waiting until your baby is six months old before you start solids. Prior to that, milk provides all of the nutrients your baby needs. The first food that experts recommend is rice cereal. Once your baby is used to that and can handle other foods, you have a variety of solids to choose from.

Soft foods that are easy to eat without teeth are the best. Bite sized fruits such as pears or apples that are thoroughly cooked to a soft consistency are appropriate and tasty for your baby. Vegetables such as carrots that are cooked are also a healthy choice. Softer crackers are also a good option, especially for a baby that is teething. There is no need to add sugar or salt to foods; the natural flavor is best.

Avoid hard foods that can cause choking, such as crisp fruits or vegetables or meats. Baby foods are a convenient way to introduce your baby to solids or make your own with a blender. If you choose to give your baby regular foods, make sure you cook it to a soft, mushy consistency. Once your baby has a few teeth, they can eat more solid foods.