Learning by playing

LEARN BY PLAYING
By Carol HardingPlay is a child's "work" because it accomplishes so many developmental tasks. When children play they learn about themselves and the world around them - how to relate to others and how to communicate. A baby's playtime is equally important for parents. Playtime allows a parent and baby to share glee, and draws a parent into a baby's magical world. Tickle-tickle, peek-a-boo, and those made up interactive games are not only fun, but also bond baby and parent. The smiles and giggles that emerge make the simplest activities rewarding. Parents appear to be genetically "wired up" to enjoy being with babies. First movements, burps, and yawns provide parents with lifelong memories. A baby's first sounds teach parents to talk in a special language (called "motherese") that helps develop language skills. It is during playtime that parents and babies come to know each other and learn to communicate. Kicking, reaching, touching, gumming, wiggling, and babbling are all ways that infants and toddlers experiment with body sensations and motor movements. Swiss Professor Jean Piaget watched his own children and others engage in this kind of "sensorimotor" play as he formulated his theory of how humans develop knowledge. Babies' play, he believed, was the foundation for all later learning. To him, babies were like small scientists who experiment with their bodies and the world around them as they invent knowledge. Although healthy babies tend to play whenever and wherever they can, there are some ways that parents can help turn ordinary moments into fun learning opportunities.
Create a playful environment. Babies don't need toys as much as they need time and a child-safe space to discover themselves and their surroundings.
Let play happen. Don't over plan for play or structure too many activities for a baby or toddler. Quiet time and shared interactions that follow from baby's natural body movements and actions are the best ways to help a baby learn through play.
Both interactive play and individual playtime are important ways a baby learns. Diaper changing games and those invented together during bath time and mealtime are wonderful ways to interact and help your baby learn about the routines of life.
Support a baby's playtime. Talk with children about their play, be sure they have time for their own inventions and fantasies, and appreciate playtime in your own life.
Learn about play. Go to the U.S. Department of Education's Website and conduct a search for "play" for articles about playtime throughout a baby's development.

Growth chart

Look at any class picture, and you'll see kids of the same age in all shapes and sizes. Some kids look tiny next to their peers, while others literally stand head and shoulders above their classmates.
As easy as it is to make these comparisons and to draw conclusions about what you see, the reality is that kids grow at their own pace. Big, small, tall, short — there is a wide range of healthy shapes and sizes among children.
Genes and lifestyle factors like nutrition and physical activity play big roles in kids' growth and development. And those issues can vary widely from family to family.
So how does a doctor figure out whether a child's height and weight measurements are "normal"? Whether he or she is developing on track? Or whether there are any health problems that are affecting growth?
A doctor uses growth charts to help answer those questions. Here are some facts about growth charts and what they say about your child's health.
Why Do Doctors Use Growth Charts?
Growth charts are a standard part of any checkup, and they show health care providers how kids are growing compared with other kids of the same age and gender. They also allow doctors and nurses to see the pattern of kids' height and weight gain over time, and whether they're developing proportionately.
Let's say a child was growing along the same pattern until he was 2 years old, then suddenly started growing at a much slower rate than other kids. That might indicate a health problem. Doctors could see that by looking at a growth chart.
What Factors Affect a Child's Growth?
Genetics, gender, nutrition, physical activity, health problems, environment, and hormones all influence a child's height and weight.
If a Growth Chart Shows a Different Pattern, Is There a Problem?
Not necessarily. The doctor will interpret the growth charts in the context of the child's overall well-being, environment, and genetic background. Is the child meeting other developmental milestones? Are there other signs that a child is not healthy? How tall or heavy are the child's parents and siblings? Was the child born prematurely? Has the child started puberty earlier or later than average? These are all factors that the doctor will use to help understand the numbers on the growth chart.
Are All Kids Measured on One Growth Chart?
No. Girls and boys are measured on different growth charts because they grow in different patterns and at different rates.
And one set of charts is used for babies, from birth to 36 months. Another set of charts is used for kids ages 2 to 20 years old. Also, special growth charts are used for children with certain conditions, such as Down syndrome.
Commonly used standard growth charts include:
Ages birth to 36 months (3 years):Girls' length- and weight-for-ageBoys' length- and weight-for-ageGirls' head circumference-for-age and weight-for-lengthBoys' head circumference-for-age and weight-for-length
Ages 2 to 20 years:Girls' stature- and weight-for-ageBoys' stature- and weight-for-ageGirls ' weight-for-statureBoys' weight-for-stature
What Measurements Are Put on Growth Charts?
Up until the time babies are 36 months old, doctors measure weight, length, and head circumference.
With older kids, doctors measure weight, height, and body mass index (BMI). It's important to look at and compare weight and height measurements to get a full picture of a child's growth.
Why Is Head Circumference Measured?
In babies, head circumference (the distance around the largest part of the head) can provide clues about brain development. If a baby's head is bigger or smaller than most other kids', or the head circumference stops increasing or increases quickly, it may indicate a problem.
For example, an unusually large head may be a sign of hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid inside the brain. A head that's smaller than average may be a sign that the brain is not developing properly or has stopped growing.
What Are Percentiles?
Percentiles are measurements that show where a child is compared with others. On the growth charts, the percentiles are shown as lines drawn in curved patterns. When doctors plot a child's weight and height on the chart, they see which percentile line those measurements land on. The higher the percentile number, the bigger a child is compared with other kids of the same age and gender, whether it's for height or weight; the lower the percentile number, the smaller the child is. For example, if a 4-year-old boy's weight is in the 10th percentile, that means that 10% of boys that age weigh less than he does and 90% of 4-year-old boys weigh more.
How Are Percentiles Determined?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) created the growth charts that are most commonly used in the United States. They were last updated in 2000. After collecting growth measurements from thousands of U.S. children over a period of time, the CDC was able to show the range of these measurements on one chart, using percentile curves.
Being in a high or a low percentile does not necessarily mean that a child is healthier or has a growth or weight problem. Let's say that 4-year-old boy, who is in the 10th percentile for weight, is also in the 10th percentile for height. So 10% of kids are shorter and weigh less than he does, and most kids — 90% — are taller and weigh more. That just means that he's smaller than average, which usually doesn't mean there is a problem. If his parents and siblings are also smaller than average, and there are other signs that he's healthy and developing well, doctors would likely conclude that there's no cause for concern.
What's the Ideal Percentile for My Child?
There is no one ideal number. Healthy children come in all shapes and sizes, and a baby who is in the 5th percentile can be just as healthy as a baby who is in the 95th percentile. Ideally, each child will follow along the same growth pattern over time, growing in height and gaining weight at the same rate, with the height and weight in proportion to one another. This means that usually a child stays on a certain percentile line on the growth curve. So if our 4-year-old boy on the 10th percentile line has always been on that line, he is continuing to grow along his pattern, which is a good sign.
A few different growth chart patterns might signal a health problem, such as:
When a child's weight or height percentile changes from a certain pattern it's been following. For example: If height and weight consistently are on the 60th percentile line until a child is 5 years old, then the height has dropped to the 30th percentile at age 6, that might indicate that there's a growth problem because the child is not following his or her previous growth pattern. Many kids may show changes in growth percentiles at certain points in development, when it's normal for growth rates to vary more from child to child. This is particularly common during infancy and puberty.
When kids don't get taller at same rate at which they're gaining weight. Let's say a boy's height is in the 40th percentile and his weight is in the 85th percentile. (So he's taller than 40% of kids his age, but weighs more than 85% of kids his age.) That might be a problem. On the other hand, if he's in the 85th percentile for height and weight and follows that pattern consistently over time, that usually means that he's a normal child who's just larger than average.
If you have any questions about your child's growth — or growth charts — talk with your doctor.

0ne year baby

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Baby's First Year
BirthJanuary 30, 2000Meet Kobe. He was born on January 30, 2000 at 1:35am. Here he is on January 31, when he is about 36 hours old. He is a developmental powerhouse waiting to explode. Already he is alert and trying to figure out how things work in his new environment. Most of his movements are uncoordinated or involuntary reflexes.
-->Almost Two MonthsMarch 28At two months, Kobe has already changed quite a bit. He's lost that newborn look and he has developed more control over his body. He is beginning to interact with his world.
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Six MonthsAugust 10Look at Kobe! He can sit up and may begin to crawl. At home he is beginning to feed himself. He loves to play. At this age, most babies can sit up, roll over and grasp objects in their hands.
-->Nine MonthsNovember 8Watch out world, Kobe is mobile! He can get himself where he wants to go and he is so proud of himself. He loves to play peek-a-boo, and he can wave bye-bye and blow kisses to his mom when she goes to work.
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One YearJanuary 30Happy Birthday Kobe! He is "cruising" around the house—walking as he holds on to things. At this age, babies may take a few steps on their own. Although Kobe speaks only a few words, he can certainly let Mom and Dad know what he wants with gestures and sounds.

11 month baby

YOUR ACTIVE 11-MONTH-OLDBaby talk -- it's so sweet and yet so important to a lifetime of communication for your child. Isn't it amazing how much baby's connecting with the world around him? And he needs your help more than ever to learn about the language of life.
Milestones this month Helping your baby master the wonderful world of words


Milestones this month*
Your baby now walks while holding onto furniture.
He uses the "pincer grasp" to pick up tiny objects between his thumb and forefinger.
Baby can stand alone.
He drinks from a cup.
Baby says "mama" and "dada."
He says a few other one-syllable words (like "hi").
Baby communicates his wants with gestures and words instead of cries.
He talks in conversational gibberish. *All babies have their own internal developmental timetable. If your 11-month-old hasn't yet reached these milestones, rest assured that he will in time. If you have concerns about your baby's development, discuss them with her doctor.
Helping your baby to master the wonderful world of words
Talk simply, talk often Use simple, one-word labels to identify every component of your child's life. Go for a stroller ride and point to every tree, flower, or bird you pass by. Continually name all the objects in his bedroom and the toys in his closet. And use your baby's name often so he develops a real recognition for it.
Listen Patiently listen as he weaves an incomprehensible tale, then respond appropriately and courteously. Try to pick out "real" words, then say them back to your child as a way of trying to understand him.
Introduce concepts Point to objects and describe them as big or little, empty or full, up or down. Illustrate ideas with objects or actions whenever possible.
Name colors When you label objects, identify their color.
Name numbers When you talk about objects, identify how many there are. ("You are wearing two blue socks today.") Sing counting songs like "This Old Man."
Don't always put words in your baby's mouth Instead of saying "I'll bet you'd like a snack," ask "Would you like a cracker or a piece of cheese?" This allows him to answer, either verbally or with hand gestures. Repeat his response: "You chose a cracker -- here you are."
Share the world of books with your baby Reading to your baby is among the most precious gifts you can give him. Make it a part of your daily routine; snuggling up with a few age-appropriate stories before nap time or bedtime will help both of you relax as it strengthens your bond and shows baby the wonder of words. \
My, how you've grown!
As impossible as it must seem, your baby has experienced almost an entire year of life. So many changes have sprung up at every turn, all leading you to even more fun and fulfillment. Only yesterday, baby just fit into the crook of your arm; today, he may be walking (which, of course, means that running is imminent).
Monitoring your baby's growth provides a constant in a world of change. As you record his monthly height and weight, you'll gain comfort in knowing that your little one is on a strong and healthy course.
During the eleventh month, it's common to notice a slight slowing in his growth. If your baby was larger than average at birth, he's probably now moving closer to his more genetically predisposed size. If you and your partner are short, it's only a matter of time before your baby drops down from the 90th percentile in height.
Most doctors are less concerned about graphs than they are about your baby's overall health. If he's eating, sleeping and maturing at a normal rate, the numbers on a chart don't mean quite as much.On the go baby
Because your baby is more mobile, you may be more inclined to include him in outdoor family activities.
Bicycling Make sure baby sits in a bicycle seat that has a safety belt. The seat should attach over the rear wheel and have spoke guards. It should have a high back and some support for his head. Bicycle helmets are available in infant sizes. Your baby always should wear a helmet, as should every member of your family.
Strolling Make sure your baby is safely secured in the stroller with both a seat belt and a strap between his legs. The stroller should have a brake to lock the wheels so it won't roll off unattended. Look for a stroller with a wide base and a basket that hangs at a low level to prevent tipping.
Shopping The same precautions apply whenever your baby is seated in a grocery cart. Use either the attached safety belt or a baby carrier designed specifically for shopping carts.

10 month baby

YOUR ACTIVE 10-MONTH-OLD About this time, your little one -- who not so long ago was content to lie on the floor and watch the world go by -- is crawling everywhere, standing by herself, and possibly trying to take her first solo steps. There's no stopping her now! Grab the camcorder before she's out of sight!
Milestones this month Fancy footwork Thanks for the memory


Milestones this month*
She can walk while holding onto furniture.
Baby can stand alone, possibly for a few minutes.
She drinks from a cup.
Baby plays pat-a-cake or waves good-bye.
She understands the meaning of "no."
Baby says "mama" or "dada."
She expresses herself with gestures and sounds instead of cries.
Baby can roll a ball to you.
She uses gibberish in a conversational way. *All babies have their own internal developmental timetable. If your 10-month-old hasn't yet reached these milestones, rest assured that she will in time. If you have concerns about your baby's development, discuss them with her doctor. Fancy footwork
Shoeless is cool You may wonder what's the appropriate footwear for your newly mobile baby. Most doctors recommend nothing. Your baby's feet develop best when they're bare; this helps build arches and strengthen ankles. But if you're looking for protection while you're outdoors, choose low-cut baby shoes with flexible soles, flexible uppers, flat nonskid bottoms and a roomy fit.
Stepping up Your active 10-month-old probably also has discovered stairs -- and how to climb them. Most likely, baby knows how to go up but not how to come down. Encourage her to crawl up the stairs, but make sure you're planted close behind her. Do the same as she maneuvers her way back down; help baby put her knees and feet in the proper positions for the trip back down. Never leave your child unattended on or near stairs; those tumbles can result in serious injury.
Exercise cautiously As your baby grows stronger and more active, it may be tempting to introduce her to some of the exercise opportunities outside your home. Before you engage in any "baby workouts," though, there are some things to consider:
Infant swimming Use these classes to help your child become comfortable in the water; your baby isn't quite ready to learn the breaststroke!
Baby exercise classes or videotapes Look for fun activities that provide socialization, not competition. Avoid those that promote passive motion (where you move your baby's limbs), stretching or any techniques that are aimed at improving strength, conditioning or coordination. These exercises could cause serious injuries to an infant's still-developing bones and joints.
Jogging Although running with your baby in a backpack may sound like a great bonding opportunity, keep in mind that the bouncing, jarring motions could injure her head or back. Also, you'll put her at risk if you fall or run into someone. Thanks for the memory Baby also may remember events. A song played on a carousel may trigger memories in your child when she hears it played later on a cassette tape. Though she may not be able to tell you in words that she recalls the song, her excited smiles and facial expressions will say it all. "Out of sight, out of mind" no longer applies. If your child has ever enjoyed unrolling the toilet tissue that sits on the other side of the cabinet door, she'll remember the pleasure every time she passes the door

9 month baby

YOUR INTENT 9-MONTH-OLDYour baby now loves to play games. He'd rather not go to sleep. And he loves to practice "walking" while holding on to a steady yet movable object (like a laundry basket)! Your 9-month-old is starting to have "a mind of his own." Isn't it wonderful to see your child seeking some independence?

Milestones this month*
Your baby now can pull himself up to a standing position from sitting down.
He can stand while holding on to someone or something.
Baby uses the "pincer grasp," holding tiny objects between his thumb and forefinger.
He can walk while holding onto furniture.
Baby drinks from a cup.
He can stand alone for a few seconds or perhaps longer.
Baby says "mama" or "dada."
He understands the meaning of "no."
Baby responds to simple commands (such as "Give Mommy the toy"). *All babies have their own internal developmental timetable. If your 9-month-old hasn't yet reached these milestones, rest assured that she will in time. If you have concerns about your baby's development, discuss them with her doctor. Skip that morning nap? Your baby's newfound independence may lead him to try to overthrow your sleep rules -- at nap time and at bedtime. At 9 months, he may start to wean himself from a morning nap. Be supportive, unless he just can't make it to lunchtime without being fussy and overtired. Bedtime rituals
Don't be surprised if your usually complacent baby starts refusing to go to bed. To keep the house calm at night, try these tips:
Establish bedtime rituals that relax your baby. Give him a warm bath, read him a book, listen to soothing music, or rock him in a chair and cuddle.
Don't rock him to sleep. Wait until he's very relaxed and drowsy but still awake before you put him in the crib. You want him to learn to fall asleep by himself.
Once the baby is in his crib, leave the room. Even with his eyes closed, he'll sense your presence, and that will alert and distract him.
Encourage your baby to become attached to a particular doll, stuffed animal, or blanket. Make sure it's with him when he goes to bed. Eventually, sleep will come easily again. And it should, for all the miles your baby's now putting on during the day. Playtime
Though it may be a bit too soon to break out the board games, your baby is more than ready to play lots of fun games with you. And while keeping him entertained is important, so are the social, language, and coordination skills he'll learn from these games. Here are some fun examples of activities you can share:
Peekaboo: Cover your face with a blanket or your hands, or hide behind something. Call out "Where's Mommy?" and then uncover your face and say "peekaboo!" You're guaranteed plenty of giggles -- and lots of requests for encores.
So big: Ask your baby how big he is, then indicate it by spreading your arms (and his) wide and reciting, "So-o-o-o big!"
One, two, buckle my shoe: This is a great opportunity to begin counting with your child, either with his fingers or while climbing stairs. "One, two, buckle my shoe. Three, four, shut the door. Five, six, pick up sticks. Seven, eight, lay them straight. Nine, ten, start again."
Face fun: It's hard to find a baby who doesn't love pointing to (and pulling on) your facial features. Turn this into a game by making funny noises for each feature; remember to repeat the feature's name each time ("This is Daddy's nose") so you'll reinforce the labels and language

8 month baby

YOUR CRAWLING 8-MONTH-OLDTake time to celebrate your baby's latest milestone: Crawling. And keep in mind that crawling means different things to different babies. One may be content to continue scooting along on her tummy. Another may navigate by walking on both hands and feet, her bottom pointed toward the sky. And yet another may be able to master a route using her hands and knees.
Milestones this month*
Your baby now can crawl or scoot on her stomach.
She can sit without support.
Baby can "rake" a small toy toward her on the floor and pick it up.
She can get into a sitting position from her stomach.
Baby can pull up to a standing position from a seated one.
She walks by holding onto furniture.
Baby can stand alone (for at least a few seconds).
She looks for dropped objects.
Baby shows unhappiness when you take something away.
She plays peekaboo.
Baby can say, "mama" or "dada."
She plays patty-cake and waves good-bye.
Baby understands the meaning of "no." *All babies have their own internal developmental timetable. If your 8-month-old hasn't yet reached these milestones, rest assured that she will in time. If you have concerns about your baby's development, discuss them with her doctor. Where the action is Your baby's new mobility means that it's time to further baby proof your home. Your baby will display an uncanny knack for finding any small item left lying on the furniture or floors -- and for putting it immediately in her mouth. Likewise, dropping her favorite items, picking them up, and putting them back in her mouth will be a favorite pastime. Remove any pacifier, bottle, toy, or food item that's been dropped before it finds its way back into your baby's open mouth.
A change in temperament Just a few months ago, your baby was a social butterfly. But these days you may notice a change in her happy-go-lucky disposition, and ask yourself:
Why is she so afraid of everything?
Why do her surroundings seem to intimidate her?
Why does she sometimes howl in terror at the sight of even close family friends and caregivers? Helping your baby find comfort in new surroundings
Hug and talk softly. Don't push your baby into situations with others if she's afraid. As you approach others, give baby little hugs and quietly tell her who's ahead. Alert the others to her anxieties, and ask them to move slowly. Suggest they talk to baby quietly and smile often, rather than pick her up or hug her. Remember -- even the sudden movements or loud laughter of others can panic her.
Accept separation anxiety, and move on. Your baby wants to be with you, so she may fall apart when you leave the room. Sometimes your baby even may lose control when her dad is left in charge. The good news is that most times, once you leave the room, your baby is just fine with another familiar face. If her separation anxiety is serious, you may have to limit your time away from your baby until she passes through this phase.
Let her find security. Now that your baby knows she's her own person and not a part of you, she may find that scary. She may attach herself to something else that brings her comfort -- a blanket, a pillow, a pacifier, or a doll -- something that doesn't walk away from her. Don't make an issue of it, but limit its use to the home or bedtime. And keep it clean, even if you have to throw it in the washer while your child is asleep. Don't allow her security object to be a bottle of milk or juice -- sucking on these liquids for long periods of time, especially during the night, can cause tooth decay.