Education & play
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Learning to be human
There was a time in your life when you didn't understand the idea of intentions. Babies aren't born with this insight, they have to learn it.
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The miracle of pointing
Parenthood in early infancy is equal parts tedium and astonishment. The trick is telling the two apart.
Plunket baby records online
Plunket has begun testing new software that will create electronic health records for a quarter of a million babies and toddlers.
A house full of treasure
Little Vic is happy to occupy himself with pegs, water bottles, washing baskets, plastic containers, wooden spoons, straws, the dog's bed, hairbrushes and shoelaces...
We conquered Christmas
Waking up on Christmas morning with a child in the house is an entirely different experience to what I’m used to.
A date with Santa
I've already told you that I love Christmas (read: am completely bonkers about it) so getting a photo of Victor with Santa was a given.
More than just music to their ears
Occupational therapist Lynsey Taylor uses song and dance to help babies hone balance, perception, and minor and gross motor movement skills.
Baby's first words
Your baby's first word is a big milestone - along with those first shaky steps, it's a sign that he or she is becoming independent and entering the next phase of life.
Growing baby's brain
Research shows books and educational toys can make a child smarter, but they also influence how the brain grows.
Playing in the first six months
Babies learn about the world and develop vital skills through interaction and play. You want to choose toys that are going to stimulate them mentally, physically, emotionally and socially. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
Suggested routines
Babies are all very different but they are strongly influenced by the environment, daily activities and routines.
Baby bath activities
Playing helps make bath time a fun experience - just be prepared to get splashed.
Baby play 0 - 3 months
Both structured and free play have a positive impact on your baby's growth and wellbeing, and time should be allotted for both types of play each day. Here are some simple ideas for you to try at home.
Playing with your baby
Playing and interacting with your baby helps their developments - both physical and emotional.
Toys for your 6-12 month old
As your baby transitions to a toddler, he will be enjoying toys which stimulate his desire to move and communicate. Here are a few suggestions.
Encouraging baby's development
It seems we give our children less chances to play, to climb, to do some rough and tumble. We are often too careful and don’t give children enough time to practice these skills
How to play with your seven to nine month old
Your baby is integrating everything she has learned so far by seven to nine months of age, here are some great tips on using these new skills while playing.
Are we too obsessed with education?
Are we obsessed with educating our children? Do we really believe that a child should be subjected to formal learning during as many waking hours as possible?
Teaching your baby sign language
Babies learn to talk during the first two years of their life. By 10 to 14 months babies usually speak their first word but they can learn to use sign language from a much younger age.
Babies outperform best computers
Given a choice between raw broccoli and a salty cracker, 18-month-old children will invariably choose the tastiest: the biscuit.
TV 'of no benefit' for children under two
Parents of infants and toddlers should limit the time their children spend in front of televisions, computers, self-described educational games and even grown-up shows playing in the background.
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