Today Tile Triggered Content

In this video, Alistair and Jennie chat about brain development, the importance of repetition and slow deep learning.  

Building Babies' Brains 

Your baby is beginning to show signs of pulling themselves up. It won’t be long before one moment they are sitting, and the next they’re standing. 

Your baby’s brain is on the go – making new connections at a rapid pace and learning from every sight, sound, touch and experience it gets. While your baby is learning to move, their brain is actively learning how to connect their thoughts and interact with the environment and its obstacles.  

Fine motor is a skill that you'll notice developing from birth, right up until your child’s school days – and beyond! Over the years, you’ll find many toys and tools that you can use to help support this skill and other areas of their development. Here are a few ideas for toys to use with smaller babies who are developing their grasp.  

You may have come across the term “treasure baskets” or “treasure basket play”. Here, we look at what they are and the potential benefits they offer your baby.

As a parent, picking your way through the various advice and opinions on your baby’s actions and emotions can be overwhelming. Throw into the mix a load of words that have never been part of your vocabulary and this parenting journey can feel like another world.  

But don’t worry – we’re here to de-code, decipher and demystify wherever we can, and give you the information you need to make the decision that’s right for you, your baby and your family. 

Your baby is starting to realise that they can use a toy or object to get you interested in playing with them. This might not always work as you expect: they might look like they’re offering you something to hold or play with, but not let go! So, what does this new way of playing tell you about your baby’s social development?  

Have you found yourself thinking in your own mind, or you go to do something, and a voice inside your head stops you? This is your inner voice. If you hear it, you are not alone. Your inner voice is your own monologue – it is you thinking silently without sharing the thought... it's a useful tool and one that needs looking after. 

Many toys and household items contain batteries. The smaller ones – known as button batteries, or coin batteries – are particularly worth looking out for. Not only are they the size of certain sweets and chocolates so easily swallowed, but they are powerful lithium batteries that will cause damage. 

When your baby is playing, you may notice they are drawn to certain toys, types of play or particular things in the great outdoors. Following their interests is great for encouraging confidence and engaging play and conversation.  

Take notice