Q: Even though we have a toddler, I’m still scared I’ll drop the baby. Do other dads feel like this? A: This is a normal and natural feeling and affects the majority of all new dads (and many moms!). Babies seem to be such fragile little creatures, especially because of their size compared to you. … Read more

Holding your newborn New parents, particularly first-timers, sometimes worry about picking their baby up or carrying them properly. However, newborn babies are not as fragile as you think. Although of course you still need to be careful when handling your baby, it’s best to trust in your ability. The more you practice, the easier it … Read more

Bathing and washing How to clean your baby There are differing views on how to bathe and wash a baby, but the general opinion seems to be that less is more. Some say it is unnecessary to bathe your baby daily, others say if you want to, just use water and, if you want, pH-neutral … Read more

Perhaps the most important, but also most challenging, part of being a parent is finding personal time. You have taken on a role, a label, and a host of expectations about your behavior, your priorities, your choices, and the use of your time, that will transform your life and your vision of yourself. “As a … Read more

In the next six months your toddler will be walking, and even running, more steadily, freeing her brain to focus on another vital skill: improving her ability to talk. A great deal of learning continues to take place through play and almost everything you do will offer potential for fun and ways to develop new … Read more

Q: My child seems to want to be online all the time. Could she be addicted to the internet? A: Using the internet can become a compelling and time-consuming pastime for your child. The excitement of making new friends, online gaming, and creating then refining a new persona for herself can keep her online. While … Read more

Managing the internet How to ensure safe, effective use The internet invites your child into an arena of learning, friendships, and fun that can be rich and exciting. She can reach out to other children across the globe and interact in real time, peer into the world of others through YouTube, and share something of … Read more

If your family has selected a hard-copy planner (or if you’re still considering this option), then this section is for you. You’ll design a location to keep your new planner and put in place the basic system that you’ll be using to organize your family’s schedule. Things You’ll Need  Your new planner Nails and hammer, … Read more

If your family has selected an electronic planner (or if you’re still considering this option), then this section is for you. Here, you’ll learn how to set up your electronic scheduling system, train your family in its use, and make sure you’ve input all the supporting information you’ll need to keep the system running smoothly. … Read more

Every baby is different, both in the way they approach mealtimes and in their individual tastes. There is plenty to consider when you begin weaning, but try to relax as you introduce your little one to solid foods, and choose amongst these tried-and-tested solutions for the hurdles you might encounter. Q: Where is the best … Read more

Weaning can sometimes be overwhelming for your baby, and he’ll take comfort in his regular milk feeds. What’s more, the nutrients in his milk will support his growth and development while he gets to grips with the whole new world of tastes and textures. Q: My baby doesn’t seem remotely interested in anything but milk—how … Read more

Over the next six months your toddler will start to replace her baby “babble” with real words to describe things. Her ability to understand what you say will improve much more quickly and you may be surprised to find how easily she follows basic instructions, too. “Your toddler may get frustrated at times. Imagine if … Read more

A big priority for your toddler during months 18–24 will be multisensory development. Sights, sounds, smells, and textures all contribute to the hands-on experience that will develop memory and help children remember things far more effectively than simply by telling them. Your toddler’s brain will continue to develop during months 18–24 in much the same … Read more

Q: I think that my daughter’s friends are a bad influence. Can I forbid her from seeing them? A: Banning something usually makes it more attractive. Trying to ban friends is practically difficult and may well mean that the friendship becomes clandestine, making it deliciously exciting. The subterfuge will only distance your daughter from you … Read more

Q: Everyone is giving me advice about my baby. How do I tell them nicely to back off? A: When you have a new baby it seems everyone is willing to offer advice, whether you want it or not. Even complete strangers will approach you to offer their suggestions for colic, crying, and all else … Read more

Ages, stages, and milestones What to expect Your newborn is prepared for the most rapid period of development in her life, and you’ll play a central role as caregiver and teacher. You’ll also witness her growing relationships, communication, and physical development. Below are some of the milestones you can expect her to reach in the … Read more

Q: What is a stillbirth? A: A stillbirth is when a baby dies in the uterus after 24 weeks’ gestation before it is born. Losing a baby is very different than other losses, which may be partly due to the fact that we do not expect to lose babies in this day and age of … Read more

So, now you have this great repository of knowledge about your family’s schedule. And, if it’s electronic, when it’s turned off and sitting there, it might just as well be a giant rock. Yes, we know we’ve told you to set up ground rules to have everyone check the schedule on a regular basis. But, … Read more

No matter what type of planner your family decides to use, you will always have a certain amount of paperwork that needs to be managed: mail, flyers, invitations, directions, concert tickets. Having an easy-to-use method for handling all of this paper can save your family many hours and much frustration. note EZ Pocket Home-Date Organizer, … Read more

Food allergies are on the rise, but still remain uncommon in little ones, and are very often outgrown. It helps to be aware of the symptoms, and to know where to turn. The best advice is not to panic, and to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns. Q: How will I know … Read more