With so many delicious, nutritious foods available, you can be forgiven for becoming confused about what your baby should and shouldn’t be eating. It’s a good idea to start slowly, and take your time in introducing new foods. Once your baby gets used to the idea that food can be fun and delicious, she’ll be … Read more

Finger foods Melt in the mouth: Steamed soft carrot sticks, broccoli, and cauliflower florets Pear, banana, apple, blueberries, mango, peach, strawberries Avocado Bite and dissolve: Steamed new potatoes Toast fingers Miniature rice cakes Well-cooked pasta shapes Mini sandwiches with soft fillings  Bite and chew: Oven-baked potato or sweet potato wedges Cucumber sticks Cheese, cut into … Read more

Play, fun, and learning are all the same thing to your toddler. She loves learning new skills and making new discoveries and you will notice fast and significant changes in her levels of understanding, reasoning, and speed of response during the months ahead. “Millie really loves action rhymes and songs. I find making up verses … Read more

Restoring the peace All parents of toddlers need to become referees as well as skillful mediators at playtime. Sally, age 23 months, and Malik, 14 months, are making music with wooden spoons and empty pans. Sally abandons her spoon in favor of a saucepan lid, at which point Malik picks up the spoon. Sally screams … Read more

Q: Where was the rush of love? A: It is a common misconception that bonding always happens with an outpouring of emotion and joy as soon as your baby arrives. While many parents do have strong feelings for their baby at birth, it’s just as normal for this to be a gradual process. If the … Read more

Creating a connection Building strong bonds The bond between you and your child can start before birth, with a rush as your baby is born, or more slowly over the first year as you get to know each other. This relationship will form the basis for her sense of security, give her the confidence to … Read more

Baby massage Beneficial for you both Baby massage has long been associated with improved parent–child attachment. It’s an activity that allows you to focus on your baby, calm her with touch, and tune in to her body language. As a bonding activity, it is ideal if you’re a working parent and want to reconnect with … Read more

All of us are busy, and it does make sense to rely on some ready-made purées for your baby from time to time. Balanced by a regular selection of healthy, home-cooked fare, your baby will thrive and learn to appreciate different tastes and consistencies. Q: Is there anything wrong with using jars occasionally? A: There … Read more

As parents we have a responsibility to ensure that our little ones get everything they need to grow up strong and healthy. That doesn’t mean serving boring “health” food, but encouraging a fresh, delicious and varied diet that will provide your baby with all the key nutrients she needs. Q: My baby will eat only … Read more

Preparing for an Activity or Event Some people thrive on anticipation and preparation. They don’t have too much trouble handling this part of the scheduling. Other people focus on the event itself and often find themselves running around at the last minute. A smooth-running schedule must allow time for all of the preparatory activity. You … Read more

Following Through After the Activity or Event The last component of any activity—the wrapping up, cleaning up, putting things away, enjoying the accomplishment part—is the one most overlooked and neglected by people who tend to be disorganized. These people’s creative tendencies find the last step boring or superfluous. They want to get on to exciting … Read more

During this six-month period, your toddler will go through a very complex series of changes, but will want a very simple range of responses. She will thrive on love and comfort, but also need an increasing number of very clear behavior guidelines and boundaries. “We found it hard to set consistent routines at first—but we … Read more

Your toddler is too young to understand “right and wrong” or why certain behavior is unacceptable, but she understands and likes routine, and thrives on your approval. As she gets closer to two years, she will understand that most behavior has good or bad consequences. “All children crave praise, warmth, and positive attention, but if … Read more

Q: When will my baby sleep through the night? A: Like most parents, you may be eager to know when you can expect a little more nighttime sleep from your baby and for yourself. The good news: About 70 percent of babies sleep through the night by three months of age, usually lasting from their … Read more

Myths and misconceptions Is it true that… Q: I will spoil my baby if I pick him up as soon as he cries? A: No! Your baby is crying because he needs you and his only way to call too you is to cry. When you go to him right away and wrap him in … Read more

Some babies find the transition to solid foods easy, while others can be more resistant. Try to stick to a daily routine, even if you are out and about, or on vacation. It’s not always easy, but with a little ingenuity and a good thermos, you’ll soon overcome any problems. Q: My baby refuses the … Read more

While many of the foods you offer your family may be a little heavy for your young baby, there is no reason why you can’t involve him in family meals, and purée some of the elements of every meal you prepare. Babies love to feel part of the crowd, and will enjoy eating the same … Read more

You think your three year old should learn how to swim and attend the library story hour. Your five year old wants to play soccer on a team with his friends, not take piano lessons. Your eight year old would like to continue in Scouting, join little league, and try out for a part in … Read more

Of course, determining which pursuits benefit and appeal to each family member is only half of the process. The important issue of working the activities into your family’s schedule remains. caution Just because someone is good at something doesn’t mean it’s the right choice as one of that person’s enrichment activities. You cannot be in … Read more

You and your baby will have a deep instinct for closeness and bonding which is driven by your need to nurture and his to survive. “Attachment” is a child’s overwhelming need to be near to a particular person who represents safety and comfort—this is usually, but not always, a parent. “Learning to ‘let go’ is … Read more