Thursday, September 26, 2013

Hands to mouth- part of being a baby

Giving the baby a pacifier is good idea if Mom doesn't like her to suck on her hands. Baby is too little to understand that Mom doesn't want her to do this.  Most babies got through a phase where they put their hands in their mouth. It is part of the brain learning about the hands and the mouth.
 

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Little baby has a pacifier problem

Baby is happily sucking hard on the pacifier, but she can't control her hands yet, so the grabbing reflex makes her pull the pacifier out. Then she gets mad. Then, parents can get frustrated because they just gave it back to her, over and over again. Keep your cool and maybe hold the baby in a gentle way that keeps her hands away from her mouth. She is not doing it on purpose and this is a problem that will go away as she grows.
 

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Newborn burps

This family shows one way to burp a newborn. The baby looks relaxed. Mom and Dad seem relaxed. They are supporting the baby's head and chest so the head doesn't shake too hard while they pat the baby. Tilting the baby back and forward seems to let the bubble come up.

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Tantrum or communication?

What is the difference between a tantrum and expressing your opinion when you can't talk? It looks like playing with the cup was something to do while stuck in a car seat. This little guy doesn't seem emotionally out of control, he is just letting everyone know what he thinks.
 

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Run around or be carried- that is the question

One toddler issue- run or be carried.  This little guy is very happy running around "chasing" his Mom, until he is done and ready to be carried. Soon, he will want to get down and run again. This can be very frustrating for parents who are trying to get some place or who want the kid to get some exercise.  Often, everybody is happy if you can switch between running and carrying- real often. 

Thursday, September 5, 2013

"Feed the baby"= learning to pretend

Mom is helping her little girl learn to play "pretend".  It is important for kids to learn to do this kind of play.  Parents help by coaching their kids to act out everyday activities with their toys.  It can be feeding the baby, driving the truck to Grandma's, or whatever is going on in your daily life.