Playground Chatter: Discovering Similarities and Differences Between You and Your Baby 08/18/2011

As a parent, one of the most incredible things about watching your little one grow up right before your eyes is watching their personality develop. As babies grow and learn to walk and talk, distinct likes and dislikes, habits and preferences begin to emerge. It’s amazing to see one of our own traits show itself in our children, right from the beginning, and just as incredible to discover a characteristics that is distinctly their own. Getting to know your baby as his personality takes shape can be a wonderful, eye-opening experience, and it’s fun to wonder which things will change over time and which will remain into adulthood.

We recently asked our Facebook friends and Twitter followers to tell us how their babies are similar to themselves, and how they are different and received a variety of responses. We enjoyed their responses so much that we just had to share some of them with you.

Lenny said, “We’re both good shoppers and love food haha! We are actually very alike in temperament . . . quiet, always going and smiling, and have a love for animals! Something different? I like naps, he doesn’t nap all that much lol.”

Danielle shared, “We both love to make people laugh. He is independent but I would rather be close to people.”

Gabi confided, “So far, my 11 week old is more like my husband than he is me. He looks like him and makes similar faces. Plus they both seem to dislike our cat, lol.”

Lauraloo responded, “Alike: our dislike of shoes.. we prefer to be barefoot. Different: he sleeps soooooooo much better than I do!”

Megan said, “My 8 mo old fiddles with her fingers just like me. She is opposite my husband and I since she is quite the gabber.”

Libby said, “My son and I have the same exact birthmark in the same exact place on our bodies…he has a single palmer crease on the palms of his hands I don’t..”

Maureen shared, “We both have a full head of hair when we were born… He sleeps through the night and I had my nights and days switched…. ”

Raquel remarked, “Similar: we r both very curious…dissimilar: he is cautious I’m not”

Elektra observed, “We are both really nosey, always trying to figure out what people are doing. She is very outgoing just like her dad.”

Kayla shared, “My son twitches his hand in his sleep the same way I do. I’m kind’ve a picky eater, but he will eat anything ”

Brandon observed, “He is a mini me of his daddy. They sleep in the same way, have the same cow lick in the same place, will eat just about anything, and have the same temperament. As for mommy… nothing lol.”

How are you and your baby similar or different? Let us know in the comments!

Tummy Time Tips! 08/11/2011

Tummy time is an important strengthening exercise for babies, but it can also be an opportunity to play and bond with your little one.  While your baby starts to gain control of her muscles, you can have fun together with some simple games. If your pediatrician feels the time is right, make the most of it with these tummy time tips:

Laying Down With Lullabies
Lay down and put baby close on your chest so she can lift her head to look up at you. Once you’ve made eye contact, start to softly sing her a lullaby. She’ll be able to feel the vibration of your voice and feel soothed. You might also want to try holding her close as you rock very gently from side to side.

Delightful Distraction
Not all babies enjoy tummy time, so if your little one fusses, try to incorporate something she likes as a distraction. Find a toy that lights up or makes sounds. Place her on her tummy and kneel in front of her, placing the toy on your knees, and activate it to draw her attention. She’ll quickly forget the fact that she’s on her belly. Once she gets comfortable with this, you may want to start placing the toy on the floor in front of her and let her reach for it.

Mirror, Mirror
Many babies love seeing their reflections in the mirror. Try placing an unbreakable, baby-safe mirror such as on the floor in front of baby so she can check herself out.  Our Look At Me! Mirror Discovery Cards feature large reflective panels to captivate baby with her own reflection.

Face Time
Get down on the same level as your little one. Lay directly across from her so your face is right up close to hers. Start to make silly faces and add funny sounds. She’ll love exploring your face up close and will be intrigued by your expressions. Add a fun twist to a game of peekaboo by occasionally lowering your head until you’re face down,  then lift it up, making a different face each time.  Find one that makes her laugh and repeat it from time to time.

Has your little one started tummy time yet? Share your tips in the comments!

August is Family Fun Month! 08/04/2011

Did you know that August is Family Fun Month? To celebrate, we’re sharing some great ideas for activities for you, baby, and the whole family to enjoy together. Round up your family and let the fun begin!

Speak-a-Boo
Add a new twist to an ordinary game of hide-and-seek by adding sound. Clear some floor space so baby can crawl, walk, or use her jumper with ease. Have family members take turns hiding behind different pieces of furniture, corners, or curtains. Let them attract baby’s attention by repeating a sound or using a squeak toy. When baby notices the sound, help her explore the room to find the source. She’ll be delighted once she discovers it and is greeted with a big hug by a loved one.

Monkey See, Monkey Do
Babies enjoy imitating their parents. Gather your family together and have everyone sit on the floor with baby. Make a motion, such as clapping, and have your family members repeat it after you. Repeat with different motions, such as stomping, nodding, raising the arms, and patting the tummy. If baby doesn’t catch on, try guiding her through the motions so she can participate.

Beam Me Up, Baby
Younger children will love playing this game with baby. Using a flashlight, ask a family member to stand at a distance and shine it at the floor. Point it out to baby and once she notices it, move the beam closer to where she is sitting. Let it linger near her for a moment before moving it away, and help her chase it. Keep it still once in a while, or change up the tempo, but make sure to keep it slow enough so baby can follow. You can easily change the colors of the light by putting a colored fabric over it.

What family activities does your little one enjoy? Share with us in the comments!