Category — Baby Tips

When my two children were still babies, I used to do Infant Massage with them. I would tear up every time because it was such a special bonding experience. Those squishy little cuties would just lay there and stare into my eyes and I would get overwhelmed with feelings. It probably didn’t help that I was an emotional basketcase for at least a year after I had given birth. But it really is a special time when you can focus solely on your little one, and I think it’s something that every parent should experience.

Dads, if you’re looking for a way to bond with your new baby, this is it! It doesn’t take a lot of time but it provides many benefits for both you and baby. You can learn more about it in our new article:

Infant Massage – A bonding experience full of health benefits for you and your baby.

If you use infant massage on your baby or have in the past, please share your experiences in the comments!

In the past few months, both of my children have changed so drastically that it’s hard to believe.

My daughter started Kindergarten this year and my son is now in preschool. These were huge changes for the kids and a big change for me as well.

I was happy that my kids were getting a chance to play and interact with other children their age, but I was also sad when I realized how quickly it all happened.

My son is learning how to talk better every day and new words are always popping out of his mouth. The days of him saying things like “strawbies” instead of “strawberries” or “ladybuggy” instead of “ladybug” are over. My daughter can’t curl up in my lap like she used to because she’s getting so big.

They always say that “children grow up fast so you better enjoy them while you can”, but they were wrong. They don’t just grow up fast. They mature with lightning speed! Don’t just treasure each smile or each hug. Treasure every single second, even the ones where they’re screaming their heads off in the grocery store.

Take lots of pictures and videos. Save their drawings and crafts. Squeeze in as many hugs and kisses and cheek pinches as they’ll allow, even if they’re sleeping, because no matter how many you manage to get in each day, it’ll never be enough. And don’t ever let anyone tell you you’re spoiling your baby if you hold them too much. You can never hold them enough!

Every stage your baby goes through since they’re born has its ups and downs, but the ups always make the downs worth it.

Defending your parenting choices – Have you ever been attacked by another parent (or even someone who isn’t a parent) because of something you do or don’t do with your own child? Have you attacked other parents because you have a different opinion than them?

Mommy “Growth” Time – Until recently, I haven’t had much interaction with other moms. I’m a work at home mom so I don’t get out much. Now that my kids are in preschool and kindergarten, I get to talk to other moms who have kids the same age as mine and I have to say that it’s a breath of fresh air! It’s amazing how it can make a positive impact.

Just Another Mommy Moment – Now I don’t feel so bad that my son farted in the drugstore and blamed it on me.

A concerned parent recently emailed me with a question that I thought I’d share. She is worried about her son not being able to say more than “mama” and “papa” at 22 months old.

My son turned 3 in February and at the time, he didn’t have very many words in his vocabulary yet. I was worried because a lot of other kids his age that I know were speaking full sentences.

It’s been 7 months since then and now I can’t get him to stop talking! He seemed to develop a huge vocabulary overnight. My daughter (who is now 5 years old) was the same way. In fact, almost any baby I know is similar.

When it comes to development, it’s important to remember that each child develops at their own pace. Nobody is the same so it’s hard to judge when the right time is that they should be saying certain words or doing certain things.

As long as they’re healthy and continuing to grow and develop, everything should be fine.

To help your child learn how to communicate, speak to them all the time. When you’re out for a walk, talk about the things you see. When you’re at home, have conversations with them, even if it seems a bit one-sided.

Reading to your child often will also help them with their vocabulary skills. Dr. Seuss books have always been a favorite with my kids. They’re also recommended by teachers to help children learn how to speak and read.

Around 19-24 months, your child may be able to string a few words together to form short sentences. If they aren’t at that point yet, you can have your family doctor evaluate him. He may even be referred to a speech-language pathologist.

Just remember that if your child isn’t talking at the same level as another child who is the same age, it doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong. They may just need a bit more time like my own son did.

Each Tuesday I’ll be posting a short but helpful tip that I’ve either learned myself through experience or through other parents. Parenting isn’t all about instinct. A lot of it involves trial and error. Something a lot of parents struggle with is sleep. I know I sure did. My babies slept really well but they both had stages where they would wake up extremely early.

If the sun comes up early and your child is up and ready to go even though you just got to bed, try using a timer on a nightlight in their room. Even if they’re very young, you can still explain to them each night that it’s only time to get up when the nightlight goes off. Eventually they will understand.

Many parents have had success with this and it has helped them add at least another blissful hour of sleep to their morning.