Baby Development - But What Role do Parents Play?

It is truly amazing the development that a baby experiences in the first year of life. Every week seems to bring another milestone for parents as well as baby! The primary way a baby learns is through play and baby games, it is how they start to make sense of their world. By providing a nurturing and safe environment for our babies we help to promote this learning that aids their early development.

The main groups for baby development in the first year are

1.Cognitive- relating to learning and problem solving
2.Social- relating to language and interacting with others
3.Motor Skills- both fine and gross motor skills. Learning to crawl and walk as well as pick up small objects.

In the early months babies love their hands and are endlessly occupied just playing with them and putting them into their mouths. Once they start being able to efficiently grasp at objects they will enjoy being given new toys to explore with hands and mouth. Make sure these objects are baby friendly, there is a wide range of baby specific toys to promote learning and exploration at different ages.

Once a baby is able to sit and roll the world takes on a whole new appearance. She is now able to see her surrounding as others do, and rather than passively laying on her back she can move towards something if it interests her. She has gained control of her head and neck and can visually track an object before grabbing for it.

Around this time rosy cheeks may appear as the first teeth start coming through. Some babies sail through teething while others do not cope well at all. Provide plenty of different textures and shapes for chewing. Sugar free icy poles are available which you can hold for your youngster or portions of watermelon or other cool fruits that he will not choke on.

After the first six months babies become much more social, enjoying many more games, particularly those that involve clapping, singing or tickling. Very early in life babies are able to recognise games of anticipation and seem to love knowing that they are going to be tickled, as much as the tickle itself! They will love story time and enjoy the process of turning pages and exploring the textures found in many books. You will find them smiling and playing with those they know but often quite reserved around strangers.

The culmination of all these 'baby steps' in development is that by the time your child turns one he will be close to saying his first words and possibly pulling himself up in preparation for walking. Your once helpless and tiny baby is almost a toddler!

Enjoy the pleasure your baby gets from his play and enjoy your time spent playing with him. Your reactions and words of encouragement mean more than any milestone he may pass.

The place to go for all your games needs for 0-6 year olds is Kids Fun and Games. Educational baby and toddler games, party games, crafts, indoor and outdoor games, festivals and more.

---

Baby Development - But What Role do Parents Play?

It is truly amazing the development that a baby experiences... Read More

Does Your Baby Necessarily Need Shoes?

When you came up with such question, what will be... Read More

Potty Training Readiness Signals - Is Your Child Ready To Be Potty Trained?

So, you are thinking about potty training your toddler and... Read More

Hello World: Babys Third Month Guide

Remember how you wished your baby would learn there is... Read More

Planning a Baby Shower

This article has information for the novice as well as... Read More

Solving Baby Sleep Problems - Its Time to Sleep

If you're a parent with a young child then here's... Read More

How To Clone The Perfect Baby

How To Clone The Perfect BabySheep, Cows, pigs, mice, donkeys,... Read More

Stroller Facts And Tips

Did you know the first strollers appeared during the early... Read More

Baby Car Seat Glossary Guide

To the uninitiated parent, buying a car seat for your... Read More

Baby Shower Party Decorations to Liven up Your Baby Shower

An excellent source of information providing the perfect baby shower... Read More

Show Your Baby That You Read

When you take your child to the library, check out... Read More

Sharing Baby Photos Online with Birth Announcements & Baby Photo Album Services

Congratulations! You're a new parent and you've brought your precious,... Read More

Baby Eating Habits ? Which Approach Do You Take

One of the first decisions we make is if we... Read More

Unique and Unusual Baby Names

Today one of the biggest trends in naming is choosing... Read More

The 7 Biggest Baby Sleep Mistakes That Parents Make

When parents face difficulties with infant and child sleep issues,... Read More

Baby Gift Registry

A furniture gift registry helps us streamline to the best... Read More

Sweep Away Colic Baby Crying with White Noise

It doesn't make sense does it? You do everything possible... Read More

Guide to Easy, Affordable Baby Shower Decorations

Great baby shower decorations are more about using your imagination... Read More

Reading to Children ? Are We Doing It Right?

Setting the Stage - Reading is One of the Big... Read More

Unusual Baby Boy Names - Finding Exotic and Unique Baby Names

Unusual baby boy names and finding exotic and unique baby... Read More

Wooden High Chairs Offer Simplicity, Beauty, and Practicality for Todays Busy Families

Wooden high chairs with their looks and functionality make a... Read More

Your Baby?s Nursery ? What You Will Need

As an expectant mother, you are full of excitement and... Read More

How to Buy Used Baby Clothes Online!

There are multitudes of ways to purchase used clothing for... Read More

Free Baby Shower Invitations

Free baby shower invitations are the best! Everyone knows that... Read More

Feng Shui Fertility: Six Ways to Create More Baby Chi

Today, feng shui is used for everything from arranging office... Read More

Potty Training Techniques That Dont Work

Your attitude and actions have a huge impact on your... Read More

Baby Shower Checklist for Planning a Baby Shower

Most shower checklists will suggest you start planning approximately four... Read More

Top 3 Must Have Books for Your Baby or Toddler

Reading is one of the most important things you will... Read More

The Average Growth In Babies

Growth charts are tools your pediatrician can use to keep... Read More

Baby Signing ? 10 Easy Ways to Start Signing with Your Baby

Babies can communicate their needs and desires a lot earlier... Read More

Baby Shower Decorations

When decoration for a baby shower, there are a few... Read More

Teach Your Baby To Read English

If your child's first language is not English, he or... Read More

Heres What to Expect at a Baby Shower

A baby shower is a great way to welcome a... Read More