From the moment you realize you’re pregnant, you start thinking about your baby. You’re anxious to learn all you can about your newborn and how he or she will develop. You buy all the books, visit all the websites, and talk to everyone who will listen to you.
Then you bring your child home from the hospital and you start to watch and wonder. You’re never such what’s “normal” for your baby. As your child grows physically, mentally, and emotionally, he or she will begin to develop new skills and abilities. Your baby will smile, recognize you and other family members, and even start to talk. But when is all this supposed to happen?
A baby’s development falls on a spectrum. It’s important not to panic if your baby isn’t crawling by seven months. Children develop at their own pace and most children will eventually catch up. If your baby is on the far end of the spectrum and you’re worried, speak to your pediatrician. A qualified doctor can usually assess your child for developmental delays. However, most children will develop all of the following skills.
0 – 6 Weeks
Newborns don’t do much. They’re too busy adapting to their new environment. It’s hard going from a warm, safe, dark womb to the bright and cold surroundings of the outside world. Your baby will squirm as he or she learns about the body they can now move freely. Your child may also grimace or smile, but this is usually due to gas.
Babies in this age bracket tend to respond on instinct. Most of what they do is based on survival. The mouthing reflex, for example, is an instinct designed to allow the baby to feed, as is the ability to latch onto a nipple. These responses are based upon certain stimuli, but they are not cognitive abilities. A baby’s cognitive abilities will begin developing at around the 4-6 week mark.
6 – 8 Weeks
Babies in this age range start to look around and focus on many different things in their environment. Motor reflexes begin to develop, though they are still slow and very awkward. Babies at this stage are not very steady, but they do attempt to move their heads around.
At around 6 weeks, babies begin to truly smile. Your child may greet you with a smile when you enter a room, and may attempt to turn towards the sound of your voice. Though his or her social circle is still limited to parents and perhaps other very close relatives (such as a sibling in the same household), the baby is beginning to develop socially.
2 – 3 Months
By this time, the strength of a baby begins to grow exponentially. Your baby may start to rock back and forth in an apparent attempt to roll over, and may even begin supporting himself on his hands if you place him on his stomach on a firm surface. Generally by 3 months babies learn to roll over onto their backs, but don’t be surprised if your baby then finds himself stuck. Babies at this stage do not have the strength to roll themselves back onto their stomachs.
Socially, your baby will begin to recognize other people. Your child may start responding to a beloved aunt or grandparent, and may even giggle when “Grandpa” comes to play. Your baby’s social circle is starting to widen, and he’s beginning to realize there’s a wider world than simply his parents.
3 – 4 Months
By this stage, most babies have learned to control their neck muscles enough to support their own heads. This means that your own baby will be able to look wherever he wants. And he’ll usually want to look at whatever is the brightest or fastest moving object in the room. This is a good age to invest in a mat with activity bars dangling overhead, and your baby will finally show an interest in these types of things.
Your child is also learning some basic motor coordination. He’ll learn to control the movement of his hands and feet, and may appear to be attempting to crawl (though actual crawling will not occur just yet).
Children at this age are also learning how to play, and the basics of cause and effect. By about 3 months, a baby understands that if he shakes a rattle, it makes a sound. He’ll also start to realize that you’ll pick up anything he drops. This may become a game to him, as he tosses various toys and expects you to pick them up.
4 – 6 Months
This is a very exciting stage for a baby. Most children have greater control of their hands and necks, and begin to truly roll around, back to front and front to back. Many babies even learn that they can roll to get around, their very first attempt at mobility.
Children also begin to have ‘conversations’ at this age. They will coo or gurgle at you, expecting a response. While this conversation doesn’t make sense quite yet, it is your baby’s first attempt at communicating with you through language.
Socially, children of this age love to play games. Peek-a-boo is especially popular, as is This Little Piggy. He’ll also begin to make associations regarding his own body, so this is a good age to begin teaching certain parts of the body, such as feet, hands, and nose. Don’t expect him to catch on immediately, but he’ll get it eventually.
7 – 11 Months
For many babies, this is the stage where truly mobility is gained. Crawling or scooting begins, usually followed by pull himself up using furniture. But the end of this stage, most babies have learned to walk while holding onto furniture. Some may walk independently.
Independence first begins to develop in the second half of a baby’s first year. He might choose to look at a cloth or board book without your help, and may become frustrated if you do attempt to render aid. This is a phase where it’s important to respect his independence as he begins exploring his world.
Most children begin talking at this phase. They’ll use simply words associated with familiar items, such as ‘ball’, ‘Mum’, ‘cat’, and other easy words. To encourage this, use words to communicate with him, putting everything he wants into words. Don’t expect full sentences to come out of your child just yet. Linking words to items is progress enough.
12+ Months
Infancy is generally considered to end around the 12-month mark. After this, children are generally referred to as toddlers. A baby will begin walking right around now, and may develop a resentment of all those baby gates you’ve carefully placed around the house. He’ll also start using more words, and may even join two or three words together. They may not make sense, but it’s a start.
This is an age of frustration on the part of your child. Expect him to be annoyed when something doesn’t go his way. This is a normal and healthy part of development. Expect him to challenge you as he passes his first birthday. This is his way of learning what the rules of his world are, so be consistent.
The first year of a baby’s life is truly amazing. Your child will go from a tiny infant barely capable of moving to a toddler dashing through your kitchen. Spend this first year engaging your child, and remember that most of his brain’s development will happen during this year. Don’t waste this precious time with your baby at he learns who he is and his place in the world.
Of all the things a new parent has to cope with, a colicky baby is one of the most distressing. Your baby is uncomfortable, irritable, and inconsolable. You are exhausted, frustrated, and perhaps you even doubt that this condition will ever come to an end. Try to remember that having a baby with colic doesn't make you a bad parent, and that all babies do eventually grow out of colic.
Before attempting to deal with colic, it is important to understand what colic is. While experts still do not know exactly what causes colic, or how to cure it, the most popular theory is that some babies get colic for a few weeks while their digestive system matures. Babies with colic may have painful and frequent stomachaches due to allergies or intolerances to substances in their formula or breast milk.
Colic might also be caused by a nervous system that is still maturing and has not yet settled, a buildup of gas in the intestinal tract, or even smoking around a baby. There are some theories to suggest that a mother who smokes while pregnant will have a baby more vulnerable to colic. The fact remains that no one really understands colic or what causes it. All the new parent can do, if their baby develops colic, is attempt to cope with some simply yet effective strategies.
Feeding Strategies
The way you feed your child can have an effect on how disruptive colic can be, both to you and your baby. Try to keep the baby upright while he or she eats to keep the formula or breast milk moving smoothly into his or her tummy. A child who is hunched over while eating is more likely to trap air in air or her belly. And remember to burp your baby often during feeding to excel any air that is in the belly. You should consider stopping every few minutes to burp the baby, not simply wait until the feeding is over. in this way you might reduce the likelihood of colic.
If you use a bottle, look for one designed to reduce air intake. Try to find one that is curved with an internal vent or liner that helps prevent air bubbles from forming in the liquid. These vents will also keep the nipple from collapsing. If you suspect that colic may be due to an intolerance of breast milk of the formula you've chosen, discuss an alternative with your pediatrician.
Comforting
Colic makes babies very uncomfortable. Try to soothe your baby by rubbing his or her stomach. Also try putting your baby on his or her stomach and rubbing the back in slow soothing circles. This might help release excess gas. You could also try a warm bath, though this only works for some babies. If all else fails, just hold and maybe rock your baby. He or she will be comforted just by your presence. This may not stop the crying, but it will offer some level of emotional comfort to your baby. In cases where nothing can be done to alleviate the pain of colic, comforting may be the only option.
Remedies for Colic
Several natural and over-the-counter remedies are available that might help a colicky baby. Some parents try weak teas such as fennel, peppermint, dill, anise, or chamomile to treat colic. Most pharmacies carry items such as gripe water or anti-gas drops that may also give your baby some relief, but make sure you’re purchasing products specifically designed for babies. Before you administer any of these things, be sure to discuss the situation with your baby’s doctor. Your pediatrician will know what is safe for your child and what remedies might be effective.
Swaddling
When a baby is the womb, he or she feels warm and save. The ancient technique of swaddling can reproduce this feeling and give your baby some measure of comfort. Try swaddling you baby during feeding or immediately before putting him or her down to sleep. Research shows that babies who are swaddled are more likely to sleep soundly, despite being colicky. If your baby responds well to swaddling and it seems to be helping with colic, consider investing in a swaddling bunting bag.
Take Care of Yourself
Having a colicky baby can be frustrating and upsetting. Sometimes it helps to sit down and have a good cry. This may not solve the problem, but it might make you feel better. You might also want to take some time for yourself. Ensure that your baby is safe with another competent adult, go where you cannot hear your child crying, and take a few minutes to de-stress. Having even a few minutes to yourself will help lower your own frustration levels.
Remember that it’s not personal and your baby doesn’t hate you. Having a baby with colic doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent or that he or she blames you for the colic; babies do not yet understand the concept of blame. And when you’re comforting your baby, you are helping, even if he or she is still crying. Try holding, rocking, and whispering to calm your child, even if it’s not working. There is something to be said for simply being there for your baby.
Having a colicky baby is enough to drive a sane parent mad. You can’t do it alone, so don’t try. Enlist the aid of family and friends to care for your child and never be afraid to ask for help. Contact your doctor, pharmacist, or local crisis center if your frustration is building and you simply cannot cope. Your baby will eventually outgrow colic. You just have to be patient and nurturing.
For a beautiful and unique look at language and rhyme, try introducing your children to the literary classics of Dr. Seuss. The colorful illustrations will capture the imagination of any child, and no child should grow up without being exposed to these witty puns. One of the best ways to share Dr. Seuss with your children is to enroll in the Dr. Seuss Book Club.
Books are often quite expensive, and they don’t seem to be coming down in price. However, Early Moments, one of the best children’s book clubs in the world, makes acquiring quality Dr. Seuss books affordable and fun. Depending on the time of year and the current promotion being offered, you can receive up to 90 percent off the retail price of some books, with a commitment to buy a prescribed number of other Dr. Seuss books. If you find yourself unsatisfied with your purchases, you can have your entire payment refunded through the 100 percent unconditional money back guarantee.
The Dr. Seuss Book Club boasts some of the highest quality hardcover books that can be found. They are durable and will stand the test of time. And each month you will receive new titles for your Dr. Seuss library, all hand-picked by educational experts, delivered right to your door. These truly are some of the best books for children, both in terms of their binding and paper and their content.
These books will teach your children life skills such as letter recognition, reading, matching, rhyming, counting, and so much more. And not only will you receive books featuring characters created by Dr. Seuss, you’ll find a selection of books featuring popular characters such as Thomas the Tank Engine, the Berenstein Bears, Arthur, and many more.
Joining the Dr. Seuss & His Friends Book Club is simple. When you sign up for the club, you’ll receive five hardcover books, plus an exclusive Dr. Seuss tote bag, for the low price of $4.99. You’ll also have the option of purchasing two more bonus books for only $4.99 for both. The only commitment you have to make is to purchase at least two club shipments (excluding the initial shipment with the tote bag).
Each month following your initial purchase, you will receive a shipment of three books at a price of only $20.94 for all three. If you are unsatisfied with any particular shipment, simply send it back with no obligation to buy. You will continue to receive monthly shipments, unless you follow the cancellation instructions included with each shipment.
There are many benefits to joining the Dr. Seuss & His Friends Book Club. This unique book club was designed to help parents build an entire library of entertaining books for your children to enjoy. You can learn to recapture your own childhood as you explore Dr. Seuss through the eyes of your children, and you’ll reconnect with them through a shared love of language.
The cadence and rhyme associated with Dr. Seuss is perfect for soothing young children. Reading the tales out loud while holding your younger children can help you to create a calming, nurturing and pleasant environment. And these books bring so much joy that it’s easy incorporate reading into your children’s day. It will become something they anticipate and enjoy.
The magic of Dr. Seuss is something that no child should miss. The Dr. Seuss Book Club is more than worth the money. However, it is important to remember that offers change from time to time, so take advantage of the best offer you can find.
Snowball fights are a common sight in winter and can be great fun. Children (or even adults) dash to and fro, attempting to evade snowballs thrown by an opponent, while at the same time hoping to get in a few good shots of their own. Snowball fights are fun and exciting, and for some, they’re all about competition. If you are interested in truly winning a snowball fight, you’ll have to learn to strategize and take your opponents by surprise.
Before you even start thinking about strategy, you need to consider your equipment. Running shoes and your new hoodie just won't do. You need something that will keep you warm and dry, but still allow you to move quickly and quietly. This means that your old bulky snowsuit won't work either. Choose lightweight, but waterproof, mitts and boots. Your jacket should be light, so dress in layers. This way, you can discard a layer if you get too hot. You'll need snow pants of course, but go for the lighter version, perhaps the type with vents to help keep you cool if you're moving a lot. Choose a hat that will protect you from wild snowballs, such as one with ear flaps, and you should wear a neck warmer instead of a scarf. This way, you won't strangle yourself on a tree as you dodge flying snow-missiles.
You'll also need the correct ammunition. Powdery snow usually just falls apart when you try to make a snowball, but it can be handy for flinging into an opponent's eyes while you try to escape after finding yourself in enemy territory. Look for slightly damp powdery snow that can be easily molded. If you're near a driveway or roadside, look for slush. You can usually mix it with powdery snow to come up with a wonderful snowball that has great distance and accuracy. For even greater distance, find an old tennis or badminton racquet to hit your snowballs with. You'll be surprised at how far they'll fly. Now that you have your equipment, you'll need a strategy.
If you simply stand in the middle of the yard and throw snowballs, you’re bound to get hit a few times, probably in the face, and you’ll likely even lose the game. If you want to win a snowball fight, you’ll have to make the best use of available cover. Natural barriers such as trees and snow banks work well, or you can hide behind a deck, pile of firewood, or even behind a garbage can. To increase your own protection during a snowball fight, look for something that you can move with you. The lids of garbage cans work well, but anything that can act as a shield will do.
No cover? Create some. If you know that you’re likely to have a snowball fight in your front yard, get to work creating some clever places to hide. Pack snow into a ‘fort’ to provide protection. To strengthen this fort, pour water on top. The water will freeze, creating a barrier that is strong enough to withstand most attacks. If you have the time, you might want to stash some ready-made snowballs in your fort, in case of an emergency.
If you’re using teams for your snowball fight, make the best use of your teammates. Work together and plan together. Get an opponent singled out and split up, attacking from multiple angles. When attacking from different angles, it’s important that you do not completely surround the enemy. Your own teammates could get caught in the crossfire. If the rules of your game state that you’re eliminated as soon as you’re hit with a snowball, you could find yourself eliminating your own teammates.
If you have a large enough team, have some of your teammates wait at a designated location, hiding behind trees or snow banks. When things look bad for your team, make a show of retreating. Try to get the other team to follow you right into the heart of your ‘reinforcements.’ While this is a little sneaky and doesn’t guarantee a win, at least you’ll have done something creative.
Don’t retreat without a plan. If you team constantly flees, you’ll find that you’re soon cornered into one area of the playing field. At this point, you’ll be surrounded and probably be forced to surrender. Hold your ground, if at all possible. If you must run, have a plan in place before you and your teammates just start scattering.
If you’re running out of snowballs faster that you can make them, have a teammate or two leave the fight and focus solely on making snowballs for the entire team. This will speed things up and give anyone with a really good arm more opportunities to take out an unsuspecting opponent.
If you find yourself without a snowball when encountering an opponent, kick up some snow into your opponent’s face and run. Take cover and make yourself a few snowballs quickly, because your opponent is likely annoyed at you by now. He or she will probably be intent on shoving a snowball down your throat, so be prepared.
Don’t waste your snowballs. This means that you should avoid throwing them without a clear target. Before you throw a single snowball, find an opponent, get him or her in your sights, and then throw when you have the perfect opportunity. If this means that you have to wait before firing, then wait. Better to have waited a few seconds and hit your mark than fire immediately and miss.
Don’t be afraid to sneak up on people from behind. Hit-and-run is a perfectly acceptable tactic when engaging in a snowball fight. Just make sure you get out of there quickly, or you might become the target of the entire opposing team. Take shelter behind your own teammates, and if no one actually saw you attack from behind, deny, deny, deny.
Get your teammates to cover you will you try to get to higher ground. A deck, woodpile, play structure, or even high snow hill can work. If you have higher ground, you have a better chance of seeing who’s coming at you. If at all possible, have each teammate take a high position. This should help you to win the snowball fight.
When you see a snowball flying towards you, try to catch it in your own hands and fling it back at your attacker. Use soft hands to cup the snowball to help it maintain its integrity. Be careful when employing this strategy, because if the snowball explodes on your hands, it likely counts as a hit, and you might be eliminated from the game.
If you want to win a snowball fight, you’ll have to be quick. Make your snowballs quickly, attack quickly, and move quickly. If you stay in one place too long, you’ll likely have the other team descend upon you. Change positions frequently, and try not to let the other team discover exactly where you are, at least for a few exchanges.
A truly organized snowball fight will have rules. Make sure everyone understands the rules before you start playing. Remember to be specific when creating these rules. If you say you can’t throw a snowball at someone’s face, then you can’t really get to angry when someone throws a snowball at the back of you head. You should have been more specific and said no throwing snowballs at the HEAD. Know what’s acceptable and what’s not, and you’ll all have a more exciting game.
Above all, be safe. Dress warmly in waterproof clothing, don’t throw rocks or ice, and be gentle with younger children. If you follow these rules and are creative with your strategies, then you’ll soon find yourself enjoying a snowball fight that you likely have a very good chance of winning.
