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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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The New Year brings with it a sense of starting over, of bright beginnings and fresh possibilities. It also signals a kind of wishful thinking for the year ahead that more often than not results in everyone feeling guilty come December when we haven’t lost weight, started saving, or cleaned out our closets. Once we welcome a child into the world, it’s our opportunity to pass on these seasonal high hopes to the younger generation. After all, they have more energy for this sort of thing. A chronic overachiever, I must be careful when conceiving New Year’s resolutions for my 3-month-old. There are times when I lie awake at night and dream of how he will be the smartest, cutest, healthiest and happiest little boy in the whole, wide world. I read up on ways to stimulate his baby brain and exercise his mini muscles. I research organic baby foods and high-potency vitamins. I shop the Internet for award-winning educational toys and the hippest kid couture. Then, I hear a particularly high-pitched wail from the nursery and am reminded he is just a baby (and already has his own plans for the future which are hardly more complex than eat, sleep, poop…). We all know those pushy parents who think their kids can do no wrong and end up channeling their personal aspirations through junior. Still, it can’t hurt to take stock of how far your baby has come and how far he or she might go with a little help. Just be aware that “the best-laid plans (of moms and dads) go oft awry.” Resolution No. 1: Mom and baby will get some sleep For purely selfish reasons, this is the first order of business for my baby’s New Year. Though I have mastered the art of masking the bags under my eyes and can pull off a 20-hour day with only mild dementia the following morning, I desperately need my sleep back. I want to sleep like a baby, while my baby snoozes away in his crib for six, seven dare I dream - eight hours a night. Whether or not mom makes it to next year depends upon the success of lavender essential oil, a white noise machine and Dr. Marc Weissbluth’s “Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child.” In his infant sleep manifesto, Weissbluth says, “It comes as a surprise to many parents that healthy sleep habits do not develop automatically. In fact, parents can and do help or hinder the development of healthy sleep habits.” If reading your book will get me a good night’s sleep, Doc, I’m all for it! Resolution No. 2: One small step for baby, one giant leap for mom and dad “If you think it’s tough now, just wait until they’re mobile.” I hear it over and over again from experienced moms and dads. Naïve I may be, but I’m looking forward to the pitter-patter of little feet. The journey toward self-propulsion starts with sitting up at 5-7 months, progresses through creeping and crawling during months 7-9, and ultimately arrives at those first wobbly steps somewhere around baby’s first birthday. In order to build the muscles necessary to crawl, experts suggest engaging your infant in 30 minutes of tummy time a day. If your baby is like mine, lying face down in drool is not his idea of a good time. Try placing a rolled towel underneath the chest of babies who need a little support to see the world. Even if your child is slow to progress, he or she is likely to be up and running before you know it, so be prepared. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests conducting a childproofing survey of your home each year that takes into consideration “all the booby traps that await the curious toddler or preschooler. Think of poisons, small objects, electrical outlets, sharp edges, knives and firearms and places to fall.” Resolution No. 3: Baby’s first word will be “ma ma.” OK, so I’m being a little manipulative, but isn’t it time I was rewarded for all of those sleepless nights and dirty diapers? In addition to mouthing “ma ma” over and over again, I have been following the expert’s advice on building my son’s language skills. We have a small library of board books he seems to enjoy, and occasionally I even make it to “The End” before he starts to squirm. The AAP recommends “that parents start reading to their children at 6 months of age,” and engage their babies in activities that provide opportunities for speech. Though it may seem alarming to strangers, I have no problem conversing in public with my newborn. He’s a great listener, and I try to respond in kind. Each morning I ask him, “How were your dreams, my baby?” and he offers an “ah-goo” and a smile. It will be months before his adorable babble becomes words we can all understand, and I can’t wait to hear what he has to say. S. Danyelle Knight is a regular contributor to OC Family Magazine. |
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