Choosing toys for your baby can bring a lot of joy to parents but can also be an overwhelming experi...

Choosing toys for your baby can bring a lot of joy to parents but can also be an overwhelming experience as there are a lot of choices available.

Top 7 Tips to Follow While Choosing Toys for Your Baby

A toy is an item that is used in play while the same toy can be purchased for the purpose of gifting

Toys&Gifts

Get answers to your questions about all things newborns and infants, including sleep, breastfeeding, bottles, postpartum recovery and your new role as a parent.

infant

Growth is the progressive increase in the size of a child or parts of a child. Development is progressive acquisition of various skills such as head support, speaking, learning, expressing the feelings etc

Growth&Development

A woman who has just delivered a baby is also called a new mom

NewMom

When your child is indulged in some games that he may find enjoyble or full of fun is known as activity. The activity may be organised or unstructured.

Activities

The process of meeting all the needs that a baby may require during the growing up years

BabyCare

Newborn care and safety are the activities and precautions recommended for new parents or caregivers 

NewbornCare

It involves learning to interact with other people and to understand and control your own emotions

SocialDevelopment

Milestones are behaviors or physical skills seen in infants and children as they grow and develop.

Milestones

Language development is the process by which children come to understand and communicate language during early childhood

LanguageSkills

Development of the human brain occurs rapidly in the first few years of life and continues at a slower pace into adolescence

BrainDevelopment

Postnatal care is the care given to the mother and her newborn baby immediately after the birth and for the first six weeks of life

PostnatalCare

Points to Remember While Choosing Toys for Your Baby

<>Priyanka | Mylo Editor

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A growth spurt denotes a time during which your baby experiences a period of intense growth. It is the time when your little one may require more attention. 

Everything You Need to Know About Baby Growth Spurt

Physical growth refers to an increase in body size (length or height and weight) and in the size of organs

PhysicalGrowth

A motor skill is simply an action that involves your baby using his muscles

MotorSkills

Developmental disorders comprise a group of psychiatric conditions originating in childhood that involve serious impairment in different areas

DevelopmentDisorders

Move at a regular pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, never having both feet off the ground at once.

Walking

Growth Spurt in Babies: What You Need to Know

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fatherRole

Do you know what it means when your baby makes an eye contact with you?  

The Oxford dictionary defines parenting as &quot;raising of children and all the responsibility and ...

Read this article to know 14 parenting tips every parent must be aware of to make their parenthood journey smooth.

Tips to raise your child and understand him/her

ParentingTips

Being a parent is a role that can bring you great joy and happiness as well as challenges to deal with. Nurturing your child and watching them grow and develop into their own unique person can add meaning and purpose to your life

BeingAParent

Parenting Tips

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Shyness is quite normal in toddlers and parents can help them overcome it. Here are 9 things to keep in mind when dealing with a shy toddler.

How to Deal With a Shy Toddler?

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Your baby&#39;s development four months after birth will continue to be supported by breast milk or ...

Read this article to know about the development of your kid at the age of four months.

Developmental Milestones for 4-Month-Old Baby

A growth chart is used by pediatricians and other health care providers to follow a child's growth over time

GrowthCharts

The process of moving forward on the hands and knees or by dragging the body close to the ground.

Crawling

The Development of Your Kid at the Age of Four Months

Once you celebrate your baby&rsquo;s half birthday your baby might surprise you how quickly he/she i...

Taking care of the safety and wellbeing of yourself and your baby

Safety&Care

Activities that will help you stay healthy and fit 

DailyCareTips

Know more about Infant developmental milestones for 7-12 months old. 

Your child has stepped into a new world, and it&rsquo;s time for Emotional Development Milestones. A...

Never miss these crucial warning signs of emotional development problems in your baby. Read this article to know the emotional development milestones in your baby. 

A Parent’s Guide to Emotional Development in Babies

Emotional learning begins at a very young age, as children discover a wide range of emotions, and evolves as they grow

Emotions&Behaviour

A phobia or intense fear experienced by a person due to an object or an experience

Fears&Phobias

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Discover the top 5 benefits of playtime for your baby and learn useful tips to maximize their development. Read on to find out more.

Unlocking the Benefits of Playtime: 5 Key Benefits and Tips for Maximizing Their Development

Playtime for Your Little One: 5 Benefits and Tips for Making the Most of It

Baby’s Growth Plan (6m- 3yrs old)

When should I talk to my child about strangers?Two-year-olds and three-year-olds don&#39;t yet kno...

This is how you can talk to your child about strangers

Do you get the feeling that your little baby is growing too fast and you want a new way to strengthe...

Babies do not have regular sleep cycles until about 6 months of age. While newborns sleep about 16 to 17 hours per day, they may only sleep 1 or 2 hours at a time

BabySleep

5 Fascinating Bedtime Stories for Babies 

Playing is essential for your little one&rsquo;s learning, well-being, and overall development. It i...

Playing games with your baby can be a great way to bond, have fun and build their brains. Discover which games are best for the development of your baby.

An activity that one engages in for amusement or fun.

Games

Washing the body with a liquid, usually water or an aqueous solution, or the immersion of the body in water.

Bathing

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What Is Social Development in Early Childhood?

At home your toddler spends their time singing, dancing and chatting with you but as soon as the doorbell rings and the next-door neighbour comes visiting, your toddler hides behind you and refuses to say hello. Sounds familiar? While some children may be shy sometimes, others may be quieter and more withdrawn in most social situations. Either way, your child needs to feel comfortable and confident about themself.

<h2>Is it normal for my toddler to be shy?</h2>

Yes, shyness is quite normal at this age. Toddlers tend to be shy because of two major reasons:

<h3>1. Shy temperament</h3>

Has your toddler always been quiet, inward-looking, or hesitant around strangers or group activities? Then, they&#39;re probably just somewhat timid by nature. Sometimes this kind of nature is called &quot;slow to warm up,&quot; since your child needs a little extra time to feel comfortable in unfamiliar situations.

<h3>2. Separation anxiety</h3>

If your toddler was previously outgoing and has recently become more bashful, he/she may have developed separation anxiety. They may suddenly seem even more attached than usual to you and to their carer but more reserved with others. Separation anxiety peaks sometime between 10 months and 18 months and usually diminishes by the end of the second year.

You may also like : <a href="https://mylofamily.com/article/amazing-ways-to-help-your-toddler-talk-100553?">Amazing Ways to Help Your Toddler Talk</a>

<h2>What can I do to help with my toddler&#39;s shyness?</h2>

No matter the reason for your toddler&rsquo;s shyness, the recommendation for you as a parent is the same. Help them feel comfortable in social situations by letting them interact with others at their own pace. It might help to ask visiting friends and relatives ahead of time to approach your child slowly and wait for them to reach out to them, rather than vice versa. When it comes to group activities, don&#39;t worry if they hover on the periphery rather than jumping right into a game or activity. 
 
Let your child sit on your lap when playing with other children, for example, instead of plopping them down among them. They&#39;ll get more satisfaction from participating on their own terms. Even if it&#39;s just watching from the sidelines, he/she will enjoy it more than being urged or cajoled into joining in.

<h2>What should I bear in mind when dealing with my shy toddler?</h2>

Here are some points to remember when dealing with a shy toddler:

<h3>1. Be sympathetic</h3>

Parents are the best support that children look up to, so be sympathetic when your child expresses their unwillingness to mingle. Hold them, if they want you to, and talk to them about the place you have come to or the people you are meeting. For example say, &quot;The children are having fun, aren&rsquo;t they? They are all here to wish Manya a happy birthday; do you want to see her birthday cake?&quot;

Exploring your surroundings together may make them feel better. If your child is fearful of something, acknowledge their fears instead of brushing them off. Your child should be able to trust you and feel secure when things seem a bit uncertain.

<h3>2. Accept them</h3>

Respect your toddler&rsquo;s need for space in social situations while quietly encouraging them to get over their wariness. Making your toddler feel that they are introvert or shy may make them feel different or the odd one in the crowd.

<h3>3. Don&rsquo;t label</h3>

Even if your child is not shy, describing them as &quot;shy&quot; may well lead them to believe that they are indeed shy. And if they are naturally shy, then a label will only make them feel like it is something to be ashamed of. Discourage family members, teachers and other people from calling your child shy or timid. When someone comments on their behaviour, describe it in a manner that will not harm their self-esteem.

If you are an extrovert, resist the temptation to make your toddler more &quot;outgoing&quot;. Try to remember what it was like for you on the few occasions that you found yourself feeling a bit reticent.

<h3>4. Encourage but don&rsquo;t push</h3>

Gently nudge your child towards activities which involve socialising with other children but take care to do it at a pace he/she is comfortable with. Take them to the park just before most children usually come so that they get some time to adjust to their surroundings before they are ready to interact. This is much better than being the last to arrive when there is already a huge group of noisy children playing. 
 
You may be tempted to &quot;show off&quot; your toddler to relatives and friends. However, don&rsquo;t force him/her to sing a nursery rhyme when they are clearly not at ease.

<h3>5. Don&rsquo;t criticise</h3>

Harsh criticism or even teasing doesn&#39;t serve any purpose and will damage your child&rsquo;s self-esteem. Shyness is more of a natural trait and is not something your toddler has control over. Loving them for all the qualities which make them unique will do wonders for your child&#39;s confidence. Don&rsquo;t force them to socialise when they&#39;re uncomfortable. Instead, focus positively on the times when they manage to overcome their shyness. 
 
Sometimes the more a child is forced, the more they will retreat into their shell where they feel safe. It may be a good idea to speak to family members and friends who could help you in your efforts.

<h3>6. Help them</h3>

Teach your toddler skills that may not come naturally:

<ul>
	<li>how to say &quot;hello&quot; or introduce themself</li>
	<li>how to answer common social questions</li>
	<li>how to ask another child to play with them</li>
	<li>offering toys to someone who has come home</li>
</ul>

Before going out, talk to them about where you are going and what they can expect. Knowledge about what is going to happen and people may make it easier for a shy child to prepare themself.

<h3>7. Don&#39;t avoid social situations</h3>

Keeping your child away from social gatherings and group activities won&#39;t make life easier for them. They may take a little longer to get involved in activities or join the table at a birthday party, but the more they&#39;re exposed to such gatherings, the more comfortable they&#39;ll become. Make an effort to find ways to reduce the stress of being in such situations.

<h3>8. Find less stressful ways for your child to be social</h3>

Choose activities that include smaller groups and quiet or known environments. Organising playdates can help your child practice social skills without a lot of pressure. If a storytelling session at the local club is one of your child&#39;s favourite places, take them to the story hour there or invite a friend to join you for a visit.

<h3>9. Listen</h3>

Encourage your shy child to talk about their experience in each social situation they are placed in and when they do open up, give them your full attention. If they come up to you while you are in the middle of a conversation, excuse yourself for a few minutes and listen to what they have to say without behaving like they are interrupting you. If they talk to you later, ask them questions about how they felt about the outing and what they liked and didn&rsquo;t like and how they could deal with it the next time. If he/she tells you that they didn&rsquo;t like someone&rsquo;s behaviour such as squeezing them or pulling their cheeks, acknowledge their feelings instead of brushing them away.

<h2>Final Thoughts</h2>

There&#39;s no way to know whether your child will remain shy, but countless people have outgrown childhood bashfulness. So try not to worry about the future and focus instead on providing the acceptance and support that will help your child face the world. Help them feel comfortable with themselves and the world, and the confidence you instil in them will help them succeed in whatever they try. At the end of the day, remember that shyness is nothing to be ashamed of, and that plenty of shy people lead happy, fulfilling lives.

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Playing is essential for your little one&rsquo;s learning, well-being, and overall development. It is through play that newborns learn about the world around them and how they can interact with others.

Besides this, playing together can help you to know your newborn better.

<h2>20 play ideas to aid overall development of your little one</h2>

<h3>1) Face-to-face play</h3>

This game will help sharpen their visual skills. When your baby gazes into your eyes, poke out your tongue slowly. Do it every 15-20 seconds. It may take some notice, but soon your baby will try to imitate your facial expressions.

<h3>2) Feeling different things</h3>

Give your baby different objects such as soft toys, books, rattles of different textures. Feeling different items will let them know more about the objects around them.

<h3>3) Give them tummy time every day</h3>

This is the time when your new-born practices holding the head up and see things from a different perspective. However, always watch your new-born during this time to prevent any hazards.

<h3>4) Have a conversation</h3>

This activity will help your baby become more vocal. Have a conversation and encourage him/her to try and form words as you respond to their coos and gurgles.

<h3>5) Play the music</h3>

You can perform this activity whenever your baby is grumpy. Put on soulful tunes and hold your baby in your arms. Prefer to sway gently. In case you get tired, put your baby down and perform silly movements in front of your baby, as such movements may be amusing to them.

<h3>6) Observe stuff</h3>

Babies love colourful things which can be fruits, vegetables or clothes. Keep some items beside you and show your baby different objects holding them about a foot away from your little one.

<h3>7) Blow bubbles</h3>

Babies are fascinated by bubbles around them. With your baby near you blow bubbles all around to see how they react. If they try to catch a bubble, it will pop and they&rsquo;ll learn about cause and effect.

<h3>8) The rocket ship</h3>

Once your baby can hold his head up, you can play rocket ship. Make realistic noises, as you hold him/her above the head and sink them quickly to the bottom.

<h3>9) Catch the toy</h3>

Place a small soft toy tied with a ribbon in front of your baby. Whenever he/she tries to reach to it, sway it a little. In case your baby touches it, praise him/her. This exercise can also help improve the hand-eye coordination.

<h3>10) Playing with puppets</h3>

You can either bring puppet toys or make some at home using old gloves to hold a puppet show which they will enjoy.

<h3>11) Empty the container</h3>

Stuff a lot of small toys and blocks in a container and help your little one to pick out the items from the container and then fill it back again.

<h3>12) Mini obstacle course</h3>

Create a mini obstacle course, with cushions and block toys. Encourage your little one to clear it up.

<h3>13) Crawl race</h3>

Imitate their crawling movement and nudge them to beat you at crawling a certain distance. This will help improve their leg muscles.

<h3>14) Building blocks </h3>

Once they grow up a little, this game can be introduced as it improves judgment in your baby.

<h3>15) The imitation game</h3>

As your little one will often imitate you, turn this into a fun game by performing funny actions.

<h3>16) Fun food game</h3>

In case you have trouble feeding your baby, try holding the spoon normally and as you come near your baby, use a bobbing motion along with any sound which your baby likes, to make feeding easy.

<h3>17) Clapping game</h3>

It will improve the hand coordination and will probably make it more thrilling. You can combine it with various nursery rhymes to make this activity fun.

<h3>18) Colouring</h3>

Introduce colours when your baby gets a little older and ensure proper supervision. Colouring is a fun filled activity which also improves your child&rsquo;s creativity and work on the motor skills.

<h3>19) Softball </h3>

Place a lightweight ball in front of your baby and let them try to swing it or move it with their legs or hands. This will help strengthen the leg and hand muscles.

<h3>20) Sing, chat, blow raspberries, have fun</h3>

It is these simple things that are best for your little one. Babies may also love nursery rhymes. Remember to enjoy and make it a fun activity for your little one.

<h3> </h3>

<h2>When should I talk to my child about strangers?</h2>

Two-year-olds and three-year-olds don&#39;t yet know what a stranger is, or who&#39;s harmless and who&#39;s not. However, you can still begin to teach your child about basic safety. He might not be ready for conversations about how to deal with strangers, but it is better to be safe than sorry. 
 
Remember at this stage, and even when he&#39;s a bit more older it&#39;s not safe to be left unsupervised in public, in common residential areas, or even in your gated neighbourhood. This is because he won&#39;t have good judgment yet or be able to control his natural impulses. 
 
As you begin talking about strangers, keep in mind that, stranger abductions are becoming alarmingly high these days. As a parent, hearing so many news reports of very young children being kidnapped, can sometimes leave you paranoid. 
 
While the safety of your child is of utmost importance, remember also that being able to talk to adults is an important social skill for your child. So try not to make him unduly afraid of talking to elders. You might have to take a balanced approach, even though you may be worried.

<h2>How should I begin talking with my toddler about strangers?</h2>

Start with basic safety 
Before trying to teach your toddler about strangers, have a chat about general safety first. When you go out, ask him to stay close and to hold your hand in crowded places. 
 
You&#39;ll also need to watch over him when he is in the neighbourhood park or when you&#39;re walking about in your apartment block. Even though there may be security in and around your area, there are plenty of people coming in and out of your society. 
 
Delivery boys, drivers, maids, courier services personnel as well as local visitors, even though verified may not always have the best intentions. 
 
Teach him about body safety 
Children this age are too young to learn the names of their genitals and that it&#39;s wrong for most people to touch them there. 
 
You could keep a code word for his genitals and tell him that, no one other than mummy or daddy is allowed to touch his genitals. Tell him that even mummy and daddy will do this only to clean him or when bathing him. 
 
If you would like to discuss any worries or need help with handling a difficult situation here are some resources:

<ul>
	<li>Childline India Foundation. Dial 1098 -- a toll-free 24-hour child protection helpline, supported by The Ministry of Women &amp; Child Development.</li>
	<li>TULIR - Centre for the prevention &amp; healing of child sexual abuse</li>
	<li>RAHI - Recovering and healing from incest</li>
	<li>Arpan - Towards freedom from child sexual abuse</li>
</ul>

 
Here is an interesting way in which NSPCC of the UK helps teach young children about stranger safety. The NSPCC&#39;s Underwear Rule is a useful way to teach your little one about safety as he grows. Using the word &quot;pants&quot;, this rule teaches your child:

<ul>
	<li>P is for &quot;Private&quot;</li>
	<li>A is for &quot;Always remember that your body belongs to you&quot;</li>
	<li>N is for &quot;No means no&quot;</li>
	<li>T means to &quot;Talk about secrets that upset you&quot;</li>
	<li>S is for &quot;Speak up, someone can help&quot;</li>
</ul>

 
Introduce the concept of strangers 
Usually, your child will be ready for this by the age of four. However, it is not too early to talk about it even in earlier years. Explain to him that a stranger is anybody he doesn&#39;t know. 
 
You can point out examples on a typical day, for example, a man at the supermarket or a woman in the park. To avoid scaring your child, emphasise that just because a person is a stranger, it doesn&rsquo;t make them a good person or a bad person. 
 
Go over dos and don&#39;ts 
Create some rules with your child about how to deal with strangers. It is highly unlikely that he will go anywhere without you at this young age, or even if he is without you, he&rsquo;d be with someone whom you trust. Still, it is wise to give him a plan to follow. 
 
For instance, say you get separated while you&#39;re out. You could try saying, &quot;If you lose me in the supermarket, go to where we pay for things and tell them you want to see mummy. Don&#39;t move from there until I come to get you&quot;. 
 
Tell your child that if he&#39;s ever approached by a stranger when he&rsquo;s not with you, he should go straight to the person who is supposed to be taking care of him.Even at home, have a few rules in place. Teach him that if someone rings the bells or comes to the door, he shouldn&#39;t try to open the door. He shouldn&rsquo;t answer the landline until he&#39;s older. 
 
Point out adults he can trust 
Besides his grandparents and close family members give a few examples of adults he can go to for help, such as a teacher, or his ayah. Point out authority figures, like security guards and store employees, so your child can identify strangers who might be able to help. 
 
Explain to your child how he can recognise people who work in a shop, either by their uniform or because they are behind the billing counter. A security guard will be dressed in his uniform and will have an ID card. 
 
Your school-age child should know that although it&#39;s okay to say hello to neighbours when you are close by, he doesn&#39;t have to talk to any stranger and he shouldn&#39;t if you aren&#39;t around. 
 
Read about safety together 
There are plenty of books about staying safe that you can read to your toddler. Use stories to explain the concept of strangers. Role-play to teach, not to scare. Act out with your child what to do if he&#39;s approached while alone in the park. (For example, he should move close to you or his maid.) 
 
Avoid scary statements 
To drive the message home, you may be tempted to issue warnings about how a stranger could take him away from you forever. Try to avoid doing this as it will only unnecessarily frighten your child. 
 
Repeat the message 
Young children learn through repetition, so you should stress the rules whenever an opportunity arises, such as before going to the zoo or mall where there are likely to be big crowds. 
 
Protect him from online strangers as well 
Parents today are posting pregnancy and birth announcements online, setting up email addresses and domain names for unborn children, and blogging and pinning all the joys and aggravations of parenthood. It&#39;s no wonder that children are introduced to digital media at an early age. 
 
If you allow your child some time on mobile devices, keep screens in public areas of your home, like the drawing room. Don&#39;t allow children to take them into their bedrooms or use them without your supervision. 
 
Set parental controls so that your child cannot access chat rooms , download software or use the camera or share photos - even accidentally. Many child-centred games have a parent dashboard where you can adjust permissions for chats, messaging, and more. 
 
Reinforce these safety rules with the caregivers 
Go over all these safety precautions with anyone caring for your child in your absence. If you live in a joint family, you will most have additional help, though it also means your family may have more visitors. 
 
If you and your husband are away at work and your maid manages your child, ensure she understands all the rules. She shouldn&rsquo;t have visitors over in your absence as well as take your child out of the residential complex without your permission. If she takes your child to the park with your permission, she shouldn&rsquo;t leave your child unattended for even a minute. 
 
It&#39;s important that you only hire a person who can trust completely. Read our article on how to find trustworthy childcare.

<h2>How do I answer common questions about strangers?</h2>

&quot;Is Aarav&#39;s mum a stranger?&quot; 
You must define clearly who can be trusted. You will need to do this on a case-by-case basis, as while Aarav&#39;s mum is a family friend, the courier person is not. 
 
&quot;What if a stranger gives me sweets?&quot; 
This question may be prompted by what your toddler has seen on TV or rumours he has heard from adults or other older children in the playground. Teach your child to firmly and politely decline. Remind him of the rule of immediately going to the person who is taking care of him at that point. 
 
&quot;What if someone tries to steal me?&quot; 
In the unlikely case that a stranger does put their hands on your child, tell him he should shout for help and say loudly that the person is not his mummy or daddy.

<h2>What else can I do?</h2>

Teach your child how to find you 
Start by teaching your toddler his own full name, then your full name, plus your address and telephone number. Many playgroups and preschools, have this activity even as part of their curriculum. Though your toddler may be still too small to remember everything, try to teach him as much as he can learn. 
 
Give your child a card to carry 
Additionally, you could give him a little card to carry in his pocket or pin it up on his shirt. The card should have all the relevant contact information mentioned above. If he goes to playschool or a daycare, he&#39;ll be given an ID card from the school as well. 
 
You may want to dress your child in brightly coloured outfits when he is out and about, so he&#39;s easy to spot in a crowd. Put a small card with identification information on it in one of his pockets in case you get separated, and keep a latest picture of him in case you ever need help finding him.

Choosing toys for your baby can bring a lot of joy to parents but can also be an overwhelming experience as there are a lot of choices available. As a parent, you want to pick only the best toys for your little one, but are unsure of what to look for when making the purchase. Always remember, playtime is not just about fun, it is also an educational experience for your little munchkin. Every toy brings with it some learning experience that helps to promote your child&rsquo;s development.

<h2>Things to consider when buying toys for your baby </h2>

Here are some things to consider while picking out toys for your baby:

<h3>1. Toys should be safe </h3>

Whenever you buy toys for your baby, ensure that the toy is safe for your baby. Ensure that the toy is made of high-quality materials which are non-toxic and that the colours pose no harm to the health of your baby. Make sure that the toys don&rsquo;t possess any sharp edges or corners that may injure your little one in any way. Always check for small parts like beads, marbles etc used to decorate the toy, these can act as a choking hazard if ingested as babies like to put everything in their mouth.

<h3>2. Toys should be age-appropriate</h3>

Your baby must be able to enjoy the toys you get them. A 5-year-old child will not play with a teeth ring and a baby will not use a cricket bat. Toys for children should be according to their interests and ability at the developmental age they are at so, that they can thoroughly enjoy the toy as well as develop the skills the toy is designed to teach.

<h3>3. Toys should encourage physical activity </h3>

A toy should encourage your child&#39;s creative side and encourage them to move. The toys can be mobile, have some feature that intrigues their brain and enhances or escalates their physical activity in some form. As a result, playing with those toys will help your baby reach their physical development milestones.

<h3>4. Toys should have multisensory experience </h3>

Only a bright colourful toy won&#39;t help. Think of a mobile toy that looks like a little pup. It could make different animal sounds, have shape sorting slots of different colours, comes with a string and has wheels, which a child can pull along and pretend to be taking his pup for a walk. These kinds of toys target multiple developmental skills of your child and make them more imaginative and creative.

<h3>5. Toys that align with your values</h3>

As a parent, you want to teach your child good morals and your family values. Toys can help you do that from an early age. You should avoid choosing toys such as guns that promote violence or fashion-forward dolls that may objectify women or promote beauty as the only important measure. Try to choose gender-neutral toys for your kids that promote positive values in them. 

<h3>6. Toys that don&#39;t frustrate your child</h3>

It&#39;s important that the toys you choose for your baby challenge them to build new skills and grow new abilities but at the same time, they shouldn&#39;t be so challenging that they set your child up for failure. Your child needs to experience success so that they are able to build self-confidence and develop a sense of autonomy. 

<h3>7. Toys that have multiple uses</h3>

Instead of choosing basic toys that are only meant for a single purpose, try to choose toys that can have multiple uses. For example, a plush ball can be used for rolling, tossing, chasing, throwing, hiding, kicking, batting at or catching. Toys with multiple uses enable your child to employ and build multiple skills and aid in their overall development. 

Every toy is designed to support children&rsquo;s learning in a &lsquo;Play-Way&rsquo; method. You have to be selective about what skill sets you would like to work on before choosing a toy.

Just when you think that you and your baby have slipped into a consistent feeding and sleeping routine, your newborn may suddenly be inclined to change the course. They may start eating every hour, crying more frequently and waking up more often at the night. Don&#39;t worry, you&#39;re not doing anything wrong, your baby is just experiencing their first growth spurt. 

In this article, we will discuss what are baby growth spurts, when do they occur, signs of a growth spurt and how can you manage your baby during a growth spurt.

<h2>What is a Growth Spurt? </h2>

A growth spurt denotes a time during which your baby experiences a period of intense growth. It is the time when your little one may require more attention. This period depicts a change in sleep patterns, crankiness and additional feeding.

<h2 style="text-align:justify">Timing of a Growth Spurt </h2>

Every baby is unique and will experience growth spurts during the first year of birth itself. You are likely to see baby growth spurts between 1 to 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 9 months. 

However, there can be a variation in this range as some babies may experience more changes than others. As long as you observe frequent eating and producing wet diapers, you can be assured that they are on the right growth track. 

<h2 style="text-align:justify">Signs of Growth Spurt </h2>

On witnessing the following signs, you are likely to see that a burst or spurt of growth is in work. 

<h3 style="text-align:justify">1. Increased number of feedings </h3>

If your baby becomes interested in more feeding and doesn&rsquo;t seem to be satisfied after finishing a bottle of milk, their appetite must have increased in order to meet the demands of their body. 

<h3 style="text-align:justify">2. Crankiness </h3>

During a growth spurt, even the most cheerful babies can tend to become a little cranky. It can be the result or combination of increased hunger, disturbed sleep or growing pain. 

<h3 style="text-align:justify">3. Change in sleep pattern </h3>

A modified sleep pattern can be combined with the extra feed required by the baby. It also means more late-night helpings and waking up. 

<h2 style="text-align:justify">How to deal with baby growth spurts?</h2>

Here are a few tips that can help you manage your baby during a growth spurt:

<h3 style="text-align:justify">1. Feed at the right time </h3>

This period will likely last a few days; therefore, you need to ensure that you keep a few extra feeds handy and are able to meet all the demand needs. If you want you can complement your breast milk feedings with formula milk feedings. In babies over 6 months of age, you can also offer solid foods. 

<h3 style="text-align:justify">2. Help them get some sleep </h3>

Ensure that they are able to sleep peacefully after a meal, which at times can be a bit more challenging. However, this will get back on track once the growth spurt phase is over. Try to stick to your baby&#39;s bedtime routine as much as possible.

<h3 style="text-align:justify">3. Show patience </h3>

You may feel that your reserves of patience are at an end as your child gets more cranky and fussy. Try to spend some extra time together and enjoy with your baby as he/ she may become a little cranky. 

<h3 style="text-align:justify">4. Breastfeed</h3>

If you&#39;re breastfeeding then try to remain consistent with it. You may worry that your breast milk supply may fall short of your baby&#39;s increased demands but that is not so. As your baby&#39;s demands increases, your breast milk supply will also increase if you continue to breastfeed them.

<h3 style="text-align:justify">5. Pay attention to yourself as well </h3>

It&rsquo;s not just the baby, the changes can be hard on you as well. So, pay attention to your own nourishment needs as well and take proper rest when your baby is experiencing a growth spurt.

The moment when your infants&#39; eyes meet your own is one of the most emotional moments in your life. New parents who look forward to the day their baby looks at them often wonder when their infant will reach this development level. We know you can&#39;t wait to know when your child will make eye contact. 

Why is eye contact important? 

Eye contact indicates the normal progression of the baby&#39;s neurological development. When an infant makes eye contact, parents are assured that their child recognizes them. It also reinforces the relationship between the parents and the child. Eye contact also allows intelligence to be collected and analysed. When an infant sees their parents, they begin to relate to the voices and people, to understand what a smile means and what it means to be loved. 

When do infants make eye contact? 

Parents usually notice their baby&#39;s first direct eye contact between six and eight weeks old. However, this period can vary, which is still considered normal, and some perfectly normal and healthy infants do not begin eye contact before the age of 3 months. 

<ol start="1">
	<li>
	Usually, a baby starts to take a close look at his mother&#39;s face within seven hours of arriving in this world. Also, they tend to imitate facial expressions made by their mother. 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="2">
	<li>
	In the first couple of months, Baby&#39;s eyes can focus on objects that are about 8 - 15 inches away, just far enough to take in the face of the person holding them. 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="3">
	<li>
	About three months old baby will start concentrating on faces and nearby objects. Baby will also begin to track things in motion with their eyes. 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="4">
	<li>
	From the age of 4 months, the baby can see a complete range of colours. 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="5">
	<li>
	About seven months or so, the baby&#39;s vision will be completely mature. Meanwhile, the baby can track faster movements with his eyes. Baby can also show more interest in toys with complex motifs and forms. As the baby grows, it will make them more comfortable using their vision to explore their environment. 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="6">
	<li>
	When they are 9 to 11 months old, they master the ability to follow an adult&#39;s real gaze. At this stage, they understand what the eyes are, that is, to look and see. This may take a little longer for some babies, so don&#39;t panic if your baby is taking longer. 
	</li>
</ol>

Conclusion 

Let your child grow on their own pace and don&#39;t try to control them. If you believe your child has a problem maintaining eye contact, discuss it with their paediatrician. They can tell you whether your child is on track or not. 

Just like late eye contact, some may talk earlier and crawl later than others, etc., but as long as they stay close to the time frame when those things should emerge, you should not worry. Regular check-ups can determine if there is some area of development that is lagging.

The Oxford dictionary defines parenting as &quot;raising of children and all the responsibility and activity that are involved in it&quot;. Parenting refers to the overall development of a child from infancy to adulthood. It involves physical, emotional, intellectual and social development and not just physical or biological growth. Good parenting prepares the child to face the world strongly and bravely. Make wise and smart decisions and stand brave in every situation as it is not rosy in the real world.

<h2>PARENTING TIPS</h2>

Every new parent wants to be the best one and tries to give their newborn the most positive form of parenting in order to make them ready for all the exams of life. But parenting an infant is different from parenting a teenager. So let&#39;s first see parenting tips for infants.

<h3>1. Skin to skin contact</h3>

Feeling, kissing, hugging and smelling the parents help the newborn to have a sense of security and they are calm.

<h3>2. Smile more often while looking in the eyes of the baby</h3>

The child will act positively to such gestures and this will fill the baby with tons of positive energy.

<h3>3. Do &quot; baby talks&quot; in a soft voice</h3>

This will encourage the baby to talk and will help the child in hearing and memorizing things easily.

<h3>4. Play games with your baby</h3>

The game can be anything, simple puzzles games, hide and seek, looking at coloured pictures, asking simple questions about familiar things.

<h3>5. Use toys</h3>

This can be very helpful to make the baby memories of body parts. You can also use them as characters for different games and make the game more exciting.

<h3>6. Read stories to them</h3>

This will help them remember things and you can ask questions regarding them.

Parenting can be difficult and when it is for teenagers, it becomes a difficult task. One moment teenagers act like all adults and the next moment they become babies. So here are a few suggestions you can follow for good parenting of teenagers.

<h3>7. Remember, conflicts are normal</h3>

In the teenage years, a child is learning to be independent and is filled with confidence. So it is very obvious that your child will not always comply with what you say. But remember, conflicts are not always so try to find out the best possible way to find a middle way.

<h3>8. Set a few ground rules</h3>

Tell them about a few things that should be or should not be done with a logical reason. For example, if they are going out with someone who is that person and what time they should be back home.

<h3>9. Communication is necessary</h3>

It is very important to talk so that you can understand them and vice versa. Build a healthy environment in which they are free to share every problem with you.

<h3>10. Respect their opinions</h3>

Remember, if you respect their opinions they will respect yours too. It is not always necessary that they will agree to what you are saying or vice versa. Also, teenage is a time when children are exploring so give them their time and space.

<h3>11. Share your life experience</h3>

While sharing so, make sure you are not boosting your skills or achievement, but you should also share your low points of life. This can prepare them for failures and can also make them comfortable to tell you about their failure or about anything that is troubling them.

<h3>12. Patience is key</h3>

Always be patient with your energy babies. Hear them calmly and advise them. Give them their space to understand things on their own. Show trust in them.

<h2>PARENTING TIPS FOR NEW MOMS</h2>

The best parenting tip for a new mom is to trust yourself. This is the key to everything you do. Trust yourself and be sure that you will do good for your child.

<h3>Give time to yourself</h3>

Don&#39;t feel guilty for wanting to rest. You have just given birth to a baby and you deserve to rest.

<h3>Accept help and ask for it</h3>

It&#39;s okay to keep a nanny to look after your child. Ask about things you are not sure how to do and don&#39;t feel ashamed about it. Get all the help you need and you can get it.

Parenting is not an easy task but is a beautiful process. It can be hard but trust me, the result of all these years of hard work is a beautiful and smart child of yours. So read this article on good parenting tips and start your journey of parenting.

Your baby&#39;s development four months after birth will continue to be supported by breast milk or formula, which is still crucial. Expect to feed your baby five to six times a day on average if you&#39;re breastfeeding. A 24-36 ounce breast milk supply per day is reasonable.

Consult a doctor before starting foods with your child at the baby&#39;s four-month development milestone. After age 5 or 6, many doctors suggest that most infants begin eating solid foods.

You should remember that your infant only needs a spoonful of food once or twice a day if you start spooning up solids now. There will also be no need to eat the solids.

To maintain good body weight and height for the newborn, all that food will benefit. There are five feedings per day for formula-fed babies, and each bottle contains around 6 to 8 ounces of formula. This equates to 24 to 36 ounces of formula each day. It should fall between 10 and 19 pounds and 22 to 26.5 inches.

Your baby&#39;s doctor should not be alarmed if they fall outside this typical range, and you should not worry either. Just as every infant is unique, so is a baby&#39;s four-month development pattern.

<h2>Baby Food for a 4-Month-Old </h2>

Most infants are still breastfed, bottle-fed, or a mix of the two by the time they reach the age of four months. Every three or four hours, they&#39;ll consume a 4 to 6 ounces meal. Keep checking their diapers to make sure they&#39;re receiving enough nourishment. They need to have five to six wet diapers a day at the very least. If you see your infant making clicking noises while sucking, struggling to breathe, vomiting, or spitting up often, you should contact your physician.

Expect a dramatic shift in how often your baby wants to breastfeed as they become better at sleeping through the night and taking regular naps as a part of normal baby development for four months. Your baby may desire to breastfeed more often during development or illness.

<h3>Incorporating solid foods </h3>

Doctors recommend starting solids between the ages of 4 and 6 months, even if your baby requires breastmilk or formula at this point for four months of the baby&#39;s development. You should, however, always get the approval of your child&#39;s doctor before beginning any new activity. Dr. Garbi recommends that you only feed them soft things that they can smash with their gums after being given the all-clear. Watch for any allergic responses as you introduce them one by one.

Parents are encouraged by many physicians to follow their own child&#39;s signals when it comes to introducing solids, which is known as baby-led feeding. Solids shouldn&#39;t be taught too early since every infant is different. Some newborns may eat solid meals as early as four months, while others may not be able to until they are six months of age.

<h2>Tips for the Fourth Month of Your Baby&#39;s Life </h2>

Explore different textures with books such as Pat the Bunny or other touch-and-feel board books for your baby to play with for baby brain development at four months.

You should read or sing to your infant at least once a day. You don&#39;t need to be able to sing to make them happy; they&#39;ll be satisfied just being in your hands and hearing your voice.

Start thinking about childproofing now, even if your kid hasn&#39;t crawled or rolled over yet, as a part of 4 months of baby&#39;s physical development. Lock up cupboards, install stairway gates, and keep any cleaning supplies and other potentially hazardous items up and out of reach of curious babies.

<h2>Final Words </h2>

Your 4-month-old baby has been more awake and aware in the last few days. Babies love to grin, laugh, gurgle, and coo while they&#39;re this little.

Your child is eager to have fun, play games, and converse with you and anybody else who happens to pass by.

As a result, you can expect a lot of hilarity from him as he attempts his new identity.

<h3>References</h3>

<ul>
	<li>National Library of Medicine. (1836) : &#39;&#39;Age-appropriate diet for children.&#39;&#39;</li>
	<li>Curtis, GB, (MD, MPH), and Schuler J. (2005). Your Baby&rsquo;s First Year Week by Week, Da Capo Press</li>
</ul>

Once you celebrate your baby&rsquo;s half birthday your baby might surprise you how quickly he/she is picking up new skills like laughing, standing, and sitting. You can expect your baby to continue to develop rapidly in the next few months. Your baby has become inquisitive and will closely observe the objects and people around him/her. Here are a few developments that can be seen in your baby when he/she is 7-9 months old: 

<ul>
	<li>
	MOTOR MILESTONES 
	</li>
</ul>

<ol start="1">
	<li>
	Can sit without your help and support 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="2">
	<li>
	Can reach out for the far-away toy without falling 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="3">
	<li>
	Will begin creeping and crawling 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="4">
	<li>
	During tummy time your baby can pick up his/her head and can push through elbows 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="5">
	<li>
	Turns head towards the toy that has sound and light 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="6">
	<li>
	Will imitate others in simple play 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="7">
	<li>
	Pick up small objects with fingers and thumbs 
	</li>
</ol>

<ul>
	<li>
	SENSORY MILESTONES 
	</li>
</ul>

<ol start="1">
	<li>
	Will enjoy rocking back and forth and bouncing up and down. 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="2">
	<li>
	Will carefully explore the object by using hands and will try to put it in mouth. 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="3">
	<li>
	Can turn several pages of a cardboard book. 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="4">
	<li>
	Will observe environment by changing positions like crawling, standing, lying on back or tummy, and sitting. 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="5">
	<li>
	Carefully focus on near and far away objects. 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="6">
	<li>
	Will scrutinize different objects of various shapes, textures, and sizes. 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="7">
	<li>
	Will experiment with the amount of force that is required to pick up different objects. 
	</li>
</ol>

<ul>
	<li>
	COMMUNICATION MILESTONES 
	</li>
</ul>

<ol start="1">
	<li>
	Can imitate sounds 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="2">
	<li>
	Will recognize the sound of their name 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="3">
	<li>
	Will turn head when familiar people or objects are named 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="4">
	<li>
	Will participate in 2-way communication 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="5">
	<li>
	Will sometimes show simple gestures such as shaking head for &ldquo;No&rdquo;. 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="6">
	<li>
	Will follow simple routine commands if instructed with gestures. 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="7">
	<li>
	Will use a variety of sounds while babbling. 
	</li>
</ol>

<ul>
	<li>
	FEEDING MILESTONES 
	</li>
</ul>

<ol start="1">
	<li>
	Will show a strong reaction on introducing a new food item. 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="2">
	<li>
	Will react to new smells and tastes. 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="3">
	<li>
	Will begin to eat thick pureed and mashed food items. 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="4">
	<li>
	Loves to chew toys during teething as that helps in massaging sore and swollen gums. 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="5">
	<li>
	Loves to sit on a high chair and will try to hold and drink from a bottle. 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="6">
	<li>
	Stays full longer after having 1 nutritious meal. 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="7">
	<li>
	Will look and try to reach out for objects like colorful edible items. 
	</li>
</ol>

Here are a few developments that can be seen in your baby when he/she is 10-12 months old: 

<ul>
	<li>
	MOTOR MILESTONES 
	</li>
</ul>

<ol start="1">
	<li>
	Will cruise along with furniture and will try to pull it. 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="2">
	<li>
	Will practice taking independent steps and will try to stand alone. 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="3">
	<li>
	Will try to move in and out of different positions to get desired toys. 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="4">
	<li>
	Will try to maintain the balance of the body while sitting and throwing objects. 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="5">
	<li>
	Will try clapping hands. 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="6">
	<li>
	Will carefully use fingertips and thumbs to pick up tiny objects. 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="7">
	<li>
	Can transfer an object from one hand to another. 
	</li>
</ol>

<ul>
	<li>
	SENSORY MILESTONES 
	</li>
</ul>

<ol start="1">
	<li>
	Enjoy listening to nursery rhymes, bedtime stories, lullabies, and songs. 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="2">
	<li>
	Will try to reach the object by crawling. 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="3">
	<li>
	Explore different toys with mouth and fingers. 
	</li>
</ol>

<ul>
	<li>
	COMMUNICATION MILESTONES 
	</li>
</ul>

<ol start="1">
	<li>
	Will speak &ldquo;Mama&rdquo; and &ldquo;Dada&rdquo; 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="2">
	<li>
	Can respond to simple instructions like &ldquo;come here&rdquo; 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="3">
	<li>
	Your baby will talk gibberish in social communication. 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="4">
	<li>
	Can speak 1-2 words 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="5">
	<li>
	Can respond to &ldquo;No&rdquo; 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="6">
	<li>
	Can express by using hand movements what he/she wants and needs. 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="7">
	<li>
	Will carefully pay attention to what you are looking at and pointing out. 
	</li>
</ol>

<ul>
	<li>
	FEEDING MILESTONES 
	</li>
</ul>

<ol start="1">
	<li>
	Will enjoy self-feed (finger food) 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="2">
	<li>
	Will try using an open cup 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="3">
	<li>
	Will eat a variety of food 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="4">
	<li>
	Will relish soft-cooked vegetables, soft fruits, and finger foods. 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="5">
	<li>
	Wants to try self-feeding with a spoon and cup. 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="6">
	<li>
	Will enjoy looking in the mirror. 
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="7">
	<li>
	Will enjoy simple activities like brushing hair by looking in the mirror. 
	</li>
</ol>

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