A Guide to Toddlers and Tricycles - BabySparks| BabySparks
That ball popper push toy does more for your toddler than you might think! From encouraging babies to stand and walk, to helping toddlers refine movements, push and pull toys support development in unique and surprising ways.| BabySparks
Pretend play is a mainstay of childhood — one with big, long-lasting benefits. Dressing up is a special part of this play. Whether it’s pretending to be a cowboy, doctor or chef, donning costumes and embodying a character supports development in important ways.| BabySparks
Playing with bubbles is probably a favorite pastime from your childhood, and it might be becoming one of your child’s favorites, too. Aside from adding lots of fun to a toddler’s day, bubbles have another purpose: They help your little one develop gross motor skills in several ways! From his arms and legs down to his feet, his whole body can move and play with bubbles.| BabySparks
The ball is a classic toy that can be traced back to the beginning of civilization. While some parents are always on the lookout for the latest trends in toys for babies and toddlers, they should never underestimate the amount of fun that can be had with a ball. The old phrase “we’re having a ball” had to come from somewhere! The best part is, balls provide a ton of developmental opportunities in addition to being a lot of fun.| BabySparks
When the time comes to refresh your little one’s toy box, you may want to think twice before tossing the Lego Duplos, Bristle Blocks, wooden shapes, or whatever form of building blocks you happen to have on hand. While these blocks may appear to be an ordinary toy, they’re really much more than that! Building blocks, or any form of solid shapes that are used to construct something, offer a wide variety of benefits for little ones – one of the reasons they show up in many of our BabySpar...| BabySparks
Imagine you’re playing peek-a-boo with your baby. At first, he is delighted: Every time you pull your hands away from your face his eyes widen, he laughs, and then he kicks his feet for you to do it again. Eventually he reacts less, and you realize he’s not paying attention to the game anymore. But does that mean peek-a-boo no longer supports learning?| BabySparks
Puzzles are a childhood mainstay. Like blocks, balls and dolls, they’re a toy that’s stood the test of time — for good reason! Puzzles support virtually every area of toddler development. We should note that we’re talking about the old-school variety of puzzles, not digital ones. Screen puzzles are no match for the learning that goes on when little ones are interacting with the three-dimensional world.| BabySparks
Imagine it’s summer and you’re about to get into a swimming pool with your 2 year-old, who is holding his favorite toy—a small, stuffed giraffe with a rattle inside. He turns around and sees an overturned bucket and a beach ball. He sets the giraffe on the bucket, comes back, and follows you into the pool.| BabySparks
Symbolic play (or pretend play) is a highlight of childhood. Remember when toy food and plates set the stage for an elaborate lunch served to stuffed animals? Or when picnic tables at the park were pirate ships, and long sticks from the ground were swords?| BabySparks
With the spike in anxiety, kids and adults need to be equipped with practical information and specific tips to manage anxious moments. In video 1, you’ll learn the basics about anxiety’s characteristics, the roles of genes and environment and action steps you can begin immediately, such as observing what anxiety currently looks like in your home and how you respond to it. This video also provides first steps you and your child can take to feel more empowered and hopeful about managing an...| babysparks.com
Connecting with your baby during pregnancy is a meaningful experience that begins long before birth. As your baby grows inside the womb, developing a strong emotional bond can bring comfort, joy, and a sense of closeness for both the pregnant person and their partner. While physical changes and sensations often help the pregnant person feel more immediately connected, it’s just as important for partners to find their own ways to build a relationship with the growing baby. Engaging with the ...| BabySparks
Beginning or continuing an exercise routine during pregnancy can offer tremendous physical and mental health benefits. From improving energy and sleep to reducing common pregnancy discomforts like back pain and swelling, physical activity can help support a healthier, more comfortable pregnancy. However, not all workouts are suitable for all pregnant individuals, and safety must always come first. Understanding how to begin a prenatal fitness routine safely can help you move with confidence t...| BabySparks
The second trimester of pregnancy, spanning weeks 13 to 27, is often considered the most comfortable phase. For many, the intense fatigue and nausea of the first trimester begin to fade, replaced by a noticeable baby bump and renewed energy. However, this period also brings a variety of physical and emotional changes as the baby grows rapidly and the body adjusts to support development. Understanding what to expect can help you feel more confident and prepared as your pregnancy progresses.| BabySparks
Morning sickness, despite its name, can strike at any time of the day and affects up to 70% of pregnant women. It typically begins around the sixth week of pregnancy The post How to Handle Morning Sickness Naturally appeared first on BabySparks.| BabySparks
Good nutrition during the earliest stages of pregnancy — and even before conception — plays a crucial role in the health of both mother and baby. Among the most vital The post Pregnancy: The Importance of Folic Acid and Early Nutrition appeared first on BabySparks.| BabySparks
Finding out you’re pregnant can be one of life’s most joyful and emotional moments. But once the initial excitement sets in, the next big question often arises: “When and how The post Telling People You’re Pregnant: When and How appeared first on BabySparks.| BabySparks
The first trimester of pregnancy (weeks 1 to 12) is often filled with excitement—and a fair amount of discomfort. As your body rapidly adjusts to support your developing baby, you The post First Trimester Symptoms and How to Cope appeared first on BabySparks.| BabySparks
Pregnancy is one of the most talked-about and advice-filled experiences in a person’s life. Friends, family, social media and even strangers often offer opinions that may not always be accurate. The post Top 10 Pregnancy Myths Debunked appeared first on BabySparks.| BabySparks
Pregnancy comes with lots of physical changes—some more uncomfortable than others. Whether you’re dealing with nausea, headaches, allergies or a cold, it’s natural to reach for relief. But when you’re The post Safe Medications During Pregnancy: What’s OK and What to Avoid appeared first on BabySparks.| BabySparks
Prenatal testing is a crucial part of pregnancy care, offering important insights into the health of your baby and helping to prepare you for what lies ahead. With many types The post Understanding Prenatal Testing: What You Need to Know appeared first on BabySparks.| BabySparks
Prenatal visits are a cornerstone of a healthy pregnancy. Whether you’re a first-time mom or expecting again, each check-up offers reassurance, guidance, and an opportunity to ensure both you and your baby are thriving. Understanding what happens at each visit can ease anxiety and help you feel more empowered in your pregnancy journey.| BabySparks
Congratulations! Finding out you’re pregnant is an exciting and life-changing moment. Whether it was planned or a surprise, you’re now embarking on a journey filled with physical, emotional, and lifestyle changes. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed at first, but by focusing on a few key areas, you can set yourself up for a healthy and positive pregnancy experience. Here are the top things to focus on after that first positive test.| BabySparks
Proper nutrition during pregnancy is one of the most important ways to support a healthy pregnancy and give your baby the best start in life. A balanced diet helps reduce the risk of complications, supports fetal development, and keeps you feeling your best during a time of rapid changes in your body! Pregnancy is a time of increased nutritional demand, but with the right approach, you can meet your body’s needs without feeling overwhelmed.| BabySparks
Ah, TOYS! There’s no shortage of options for surprising your little one with something fun! Before you start shopping, remember that it’s possible to keep your child’s play interesting without buying new toys. But when you’re on the hunt for something special, you should consider a few things before grabbing the latest trinket on the shelves. | BabySparks
Gain insight into the new CDC developmental milestones & learn how to use them for effective parent guidance. Get key tips from pediatricians on how to spark conversations with your child's healthcare provider.| BabySparks
Experiencing or witnessing episodes of terror, violence and destruction places extra challenges on parents’ ability to talk about and respond to highly stressful events with their children. | BabySparks
All parents and caregivers should have a conversation about bullying with school-age children. And according to experts, the sooner this discussion happens, the easier it is for kids to navigate the inevitable aggression and power struggles in school settings. Bullying can begin as early as preschool and traumatize children for decades. But when parents forewarn kids about bullying and prepare them with the tools to manage it, they can learn to treat others with empathy and overcome even the ...| BabySparks
Parents and caregivers often cringe at the thought of peer pressure. It sparks visions of children being pushed by friends to do something dangerous, cruel, or just plain stupid. Peers are incredibly influential to school-age kids, but it’s important to remember that some of that persuasion can be positive. It’s up to parents to help kids learn how to resist negative peer pressure and lean into friendships that positively impact their lives. | BabySparks
When so much of our media glorifies unrealistic beauty and image standards, both children and adults can struggle with body positivity. Teaching kids to value characteristics beyond appearance can certainly be a challenge. But doing so early helps kids (and even parents!) learn to love their bodies and see themselves and the world through a more accepting lens. | BabySparks
