EVERYTHING
FOR YOUR FAMILY
KID
QUIPS
During last July’s 5.8 earthquake, 3-year-old Bronwyn told her 1-year-old sister, “We’re going for a wiggle.” READ MORE
First Years
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Are you and your baby settled into a routine and ready to try a few new things? Here are 10 tips to pass the time with your little one in ways that benefit both of you: 1. Settle down for a story Don’t just save the fairy tales for bedtime. Reading to your child is a fun and simple activity that your baby can benefit from any time of the day. And according to local pediatrician Darren Murtari, of Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Santa Ana, reading is the single most important habit any parent can develop to help baby develop language skills. Studies have shown that the language exposure a baby receives during his first 2 years is indicative of an ability to develop linguistic skills for the rest of his life. In order for early language exposure to be effective, it must be interactive and personal, which makes reading an obvious choice. By reading to your child, you not only help him develop what is called “phonemic awareness” the first step to literacy but you’re also creating an excellent opportunity for bonding. One suggestion: Don’t force reading on your baby. If he’s not in a receptive mood, try again later. Reading should always be a positive experience for both parent and baby. (And remember to read to your child for as long as he is receptive, which could be relevant for boys and girls as old as 10.) 2. Time out for tummy It’s been a decade since the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development initiated the “Back to Sleep” campaign urging parents to place babies on their backs for sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS. As a result, many babies are delayed when it comes to developing upper extremity strength. Most experts recommend that parents spend 20 to 30 minutes of tummy time each day with their baby, beginning at about 6 to 8 weeks of age. Although some children may not enjoy tummy time at first, especially if they have never been placed on their tummies before, the opportunity to move freely and exercise a new range of muscles will eventually help them develop the upper body and neck strength needed to hold up their head and eventually roll over. During tummy time, Dr. Murtari suggests engaging baby with a bright, colorful toy that you can eventually use to encourage him to reach out, roll over and try other movements. Another activity that promotes bonding is stomach-to-stomach contact between parent and baby. “It’s great for a lot of different reasons, but most of all there’s something about the closeness that’s soothing to babies,” he says. 3. Put on your walking shoes and visit a park Getting out for a walk, even if only for 15 minutes, is another great anytime activity for mom and baby that is mutually beneficial. The most positive result of walking is the effect that exercise has on mothers, says Dr. Murtari. “Young babies, especially newborns, are very in tune with their mother’s emotions and feelings. If you have a mom who’s exercising and feeling good, her baby will most likely follow the same pattern.” Parks are a great destination and offer plenty of stimulation for babies, but Dr. Murtari cautions parents to avoid any playground equipment that may be too advanced. Babies shouldn’t be put in a bucket swing, for example, until they have significant neck strength, (about 1 year) due to the sometimes abrupt movements of swing-changing directions. 4. Make music Babies need to be able to explore, create and discover at their own pace, and music is a great way for them to do just that. Whether they’re banging on pots and pans in the kitchen, or “dancing” around listening to the radio, music in one form or another is an art that appeals to just about every baby. Even colicky newborns are often soothed by music. So put aside some time to enjoy whatever your baby likes, from The Wiggles to Wolfgang Mozart, and see what happens. 5. and 6. Join a club or start your own play group The sudden change from full-time work to stay-home mom is no doubt exciting, but when a lack of sleep, overwhelming household chores, and the general absence of adult conversation work their way into this new lifestyle, many women end up feeling lonely and isolated. Joining a moms club that offers regular opportunities to get together with other moms, or even starting your own neighborhood play group, can provide the framework for a much needed support network. Play groups can also help some babies overcome stranger anxiety that typically peaks at 1 year, and again at 2 years, of age. “It doesn’t always work that way for every child,” says Dr. Murtari. “But with some children, after a few immersions you can just see the anxiety melting away.” 7. Head to class If you think your baby has an innate talent for music, art, gymnastics, or just about anything else, chances are there are classes designed just for them, as well as any other curious toddler who wants to have fun. Places like Gymboree, My Gym, The Little Gym and Kids Gym offer classes for babies 2 months and older, while Language Door offers foreign language classes. In addition to whatever babies learn in these classes, the early social exposure is beneficial as well, says Dr. Murtari. The opportunity for parents to expand their network of friends also is a big plus. One word of warning: Don’t get caught up in the comparison game when your child is around others his own age. It’s a needless source of anxiety. 8. Create a keepsake Little hand and foot imprints can create unique and sentimental keepsakes for yourself and other family members. Find a paint-your-own ceramic shop where you can put handprints on coffee mugs, dessert plates or Christmas ornaments. Just be sure to have an idea of what you want to do beforehand so that baby’s participation is as minimal as possible, and have cleanup materials at the ready. There are also plenty of books brimming with ideas for capturing these tiny images before they outgrow the “precious” size range. Plaster products, non-toxic paints, and other easy-to-find materials can help you find your own inner artist. 9. Share down time Sometimes no matter how hard you try, your baby is just determined to stay on her own schedule, which most likely doesn’t coincide with yours. So rather than struggle through the day exhausted, try to rest when your baby naps. “If you’re anxious and stressed, babies will pick up on it,” says Dr. Murtari. “Take a nap whenever you can because you’re only going to be as good as you feel.” Taking a nap with baby will refresh you both for the next 10 things you decide to do together! 10. Have fun Every day as a parent is filled with challenges, especially when you’re still new at it. When things don’t go as planned, just remember that babies are adaptable and adjustable, says Dr. Murtari. Start each day with your own goals in mind, not those of your super mom friend. Most of all, trust your own instincts and have fun. Michele Piazzoni is a freelance writer and mother of 3 living in Folsom. She is a regular contributor to The First Years and Getting Started. A former Orange County resident, she has written for Parents, the Orange County Register and a regional home improvement magazine. |
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