When we think of 2 year olds, we usually think of the terrible twos. It doesn’t have to be that way. Most 2 year olds really just want to please you, and if you use that pleasing attitude to your advantage, you can really enjoy your two year old. To help you attain the upper hand in your relationship with your 2 year old, you will need to be patient and firm and always remember to keep your sense of humor.
One of the wonderful milestones of your two year old with be the building of their language and social skills. You child could start this year off with as little as 50 words, but during this year she will begin developing two word sentences, and then piecing together three and four word sentences and possible by the end of this second year, she may be using up to six word sentences. Not only are the words that she is speaking being added to on a daily basis, she is also beginning to comprehend even more of them on a daily basis. This is usually the time when parents feel the need to spell words to keep their toddler from following along with certain conversations.
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by Jennifer Shakeel
The purpose of this article is really to inform and remind all parents of what to expect in the first year of your baby’s life. It was also a nice refresher for me, being that there is a 10.5 year difference between our middle child and our baby. While doctors and friends say, “Oh you’ve done this before,” with such a gap in between our children I feel like a first time mom, again. So read on and learn what to expect and how you can encourage your baby to grow and develop.
In one year, a baby undergoes more development than he will ever experience for the rest of his life. You can look forward to plenty of excitement as you watch your baby first lift his head, smile, and speak. To keep his motivation high, give him constant positive feedback for each new development. Each month of life has its developmental milestones, so use this guide to monthly milestones to chart your baby’s growth.
The first month after your baby is born is fairly uneventful, at least as far as milestone are concerned. Your baby will spend the majority of his time sleeping, unless he is colicky, or is like my daughter who thinks that sleep is for “sissies.” However, when he is awake, you may notice that he is physically responding to his environment. He will gaze at objects around him, and move his arms and legs in a jerky way. He may also grasp your finger, and if you stroke his cheek he will physically react. More on Encouraging Baby Development – The First Year
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When you first found out that you were first expecting, one of the most exciting tasks that you might have throught about is nursing your new baby. The joy of having baby that close and being able to offer baby the best nutrition possible. They say that when you nurse your baby, this is the time that all of the really close bonding takes place between mom and baby. But what does that mean if you can’t nurse baby?
Unfortunately, not all moms are able to nurse their baby. This can be for a number of reasons, including baby’s preference, poor milk production, or maybe you have had a surgery that has made nursing impossible. This doesn’t mean that you will not be able to bond with baby. This doesn’t mean that you and baby are not going to be as close as you would be if you were able to nurse them. It simply means that you are going to need to do other things that will help you and baby bond.
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by Patricia Hughes
Most parents are very excited about baby’s first feedings. After waiting, reading and wondering about what and when to feed solid foods to the baby, you decide to give it a try. However, some babies just aren’t as enthusiastic about the idea of eating from a spoon as their mothers.by Patricia Hughes
If your baby is born in the hospital, chances are she will be swaddled when she is given to you. Hospital nurses are masters of swaddling newborns. The reason behind the nearly universal use of swaddling in hospitals is the belief that babies sleep better and cry less when they are swaddled. Those adorable, jerky newborn motions interrupt sleep, leading to tears.
The Benefits of Swaddling
Babies sleep longer: Babies are used to being snuggled tight in the womb. While being wrapped tightly in a blanket doesn’t sound great to most adults, it is for a new baby. Hospital nurses, friends and your mother will all tell you that babies do sleep better when they are wrapped. More on Benefits Of Swaddling Your Baby
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Babies have such tiny, soft nails that many mothers worry about giving them a trim. Since babies have fast growing nails, the time for the first nail trimming will come very soon after you get home from the hospital. Once your baby scratches you, or himself, a few times, you will need to swallow the fear and get out the nail scissors.
The best time to do the job is when the baby is napping. Babies are squirmy and accidents are less likely to occur when the baby is asleep. Accidents can happen, even when baby is asleep. This is the biggest fear new moms have when it comes to trimming baby’s nails. It can, and does happen. You need to forgive yourself and move on. More on Tips for Trimming Your Baby's Nails
