Baby Rattles - Newborn to 12 months

Every baby's first toy is a rattle.  But why? Just a typical gift, cute to see a baby holding one or is there actual educational value to ensure your baby NEEDS to have a baby rattle?

As a mom and certified educator, I want to share a few reasons why there are benefits and differences of various toy rattles. I'll also share some educational insights that are quick and to the point so multi-tasking moms like me can be a mom-boss (or dad-boss) while making sure your baby is the smartest baby on the block! 

1. A baby rattle is a hands-on toy. Meaning, babies have to use their hands to play with it. Have you heard of kinesthetic learners? Some people's learning style is dominantly kinesthetic and for others, a dominant learning style is auditory or visual. As babies are learning, they are being exposed to all three styles: kinesthetic, auditory and visual. A baby rattle addresses all three! A baby can explore learning by looking at and listening to a baby rattle. For newborns, there are rattles that are black and white, since those are the first colors they see. I'll include a few idea below. As babies get a little older, you have more options. I had a container of rattles, mainly because it was a great deal for what was included. I love music and these rattles looked like various instruments. Most rattles have the noise makers inside of it, but it is a bonus to have some attachments that spark curiosity.

2. Can you believe that rattles can address the idea of cause and effect? When you shake a rattle (cause) it will make a rattling noise (effect). As you model how to shake the rattle, allow your baby to watch and listen. You can even say things like, "Look what happens when we shake the rattle!" "Listen to the noise we make when we shake the rattle." "If I shake the rattle, what will happen?" Your baby of course isn't going to answer, but the idea of language and changing voice inflections with statements and questions will engage your baby with this simple toy. You can talk like this with your newborn until they are one or even beyond that!

3. A baby rattle is a simple toy to bond over. As you teach your baby how to shake a rattle, it is okay to hold your baby's hand and gently shake the rattle together. As your baby has more practice with the rattle, she will eventually hold the rattle or try to grab it on her own. As my baby began to independently hold her rattles, I would help her shake it to understand what it does.

4. Now, as a one year old, she still plays with rattles. She understands how to pick them up, how to shake them, and it's a great toy for pulling out of and putting inside a container.

5. Rattles are a great toy for on-the-go. Some have simple attachments for strollers and car seats. They easily fit in the diaper bag. And best of all, they don't require any batteries or charging!

Who knew there could be so many benefits from giving your baby a rattle?

The links below are some rattles I have for my own baby.

Maraca Rattles by Fisher Price - good for chewing, shaking and making music!

Container of Rattles by iPlay, iLearn - Fun way to introduce musical instruments and great deal!

Container of Rattles by GizmoVine - Great variety of rattles that address different sensory modes!

World of Eric Carle Caterpillar Rattle by Kids Preferred - Fun rattle to bring your baby books to life!

Tummy Time!

 Tummy time is so important for your baby. But, with so many options to choose, how can you know which tummy time mat is best? To tell you the truth, as long as you are closely monitoring your baby during tummy time, and doing what your pediatrician recommends, you and your baby will be just fine!

However, if you want to add in some learning aspects into your tummy time with a learning mat, that is an added bonus. As a mom and certified educator, I'll share some insights into a few different tummy time mats that I hope will help you make an informed decision. I'll also share some educational tips that are quick and to the point so multi-tasking moms like me can be a mom-boss (or dad-boss) while making sure your baby is the smartest baby on the block! 

1. Keeping it simple: Tummy time mat with raised curved shape by Sassy or Bright Starts

    This tummy time mat is good for parents on a budget. It can easily be brought around your home and protects your baby from germs that might be on a walked upon floor. When your baby spits up or drools on the mat, it can be washed. The raised curved shape can help build your baby's strength too, ask your pediatrician when and how it should be used. This is the type of mat I used with my baby too. At first, she cried after a minute or less. But with each try, she was able to extend the amount of time on the mat. Eventually she started lifting her head side to side. This mat was a great way to build her physical strength. Even now, she has a really strong ab core and neck muscles. While on the tummy time mat, I would sing or play soothing music to add in a musical element of tummy time. I also like to take pictures and videos to note her progress.

2. Double feature mat: Tummy time and back time by Infantino or Fisher-Price

    I also had a play mat similar to this kind. It can be used for tummy time, just know it'll be a little more difficult for you as the parent to reach around the hanging toys (which you can remove) and through the corner poles. But you can save some money by skipping the mat from #1 and getting one of these. If you have a larger budget, having both of these mats is good too. I kept the tummy time mat in the nursery upstairs and this play mat in our family room downstairs. Once my baby learned to roll on her back, she was able to play with this mat. She reached for the hanging toys, which also helped build her physical strength. Eventually, when she could roll over a couple of times, she would play with the toys I attached to the corner poles. Some of these play mats are easy to carry around and plop on the floor easily. Some are more difficult to lay flat because of the four corners lay out, so just be aware of that. When you look at the hanging toys attachments, try to find one that has a mirror, one that is a rattle, one that you can pull a string for it to play music or retract, and one with some type of hoop. Why? The mirror starts building her social personal skills because she sees what appears to be another baby, especially when she smiles and that reflection smiles back! A rattle helps teach cause and effect. Your baby will learn to shake the rattle and will enjoy the sound it makes. For more info on baby rattles, see this blog. A retractable and/or music toy allows your baby to hear new sounds and gives them something to  explore. The one with a hoop will help your baby to grip objects, therefore building her hand/finger strength.  Some play mats have a piece of plastic that does nothing except give your baby something to chew on. I found this useless because my baby certainly wasn't reaching that high with her mouth. Instead I got some of these loops and attached my own toys.

3. Triple feature mat: Tummy time and back time AND foot time by Fisher-Price

    My baby had one of these piano mats that she played with for a little bit. I was actually hoping she would love it much more than she did because she loves music.  We have an upright piano and I sit her on my lap and she bangs on the keys. Therefore I thought she would enjoy hearing her feet hit the keys. When my baby starting rolling over, but not yet sitting up, I was looking for some toys to entertain her. I'm not sure why this play may didn't interest her too much. It might have been the position of the piano keys. However, I did use the play mat as a tummy time mat, and she she could roll over on her back, I used the hanging toys for her to play with. So really, this type of mat fulfills the same features as the mat in #2 with a potential added bonus of a kicking toy. As your baby learns to use her hands, she can pulls at the hanging toys. As she learns to use her arms, she can reach out for the toys and piano. And as she learns to use her legs and feet, she will learn to kick the piano keys and hear the music it makes. 

4. Finally, the 4-in-1 play mats! Infantino or Baby Einstein or Bright Starts

    There are plenty of 4-in-1 play mats out there. I didn't have one of these, but if it fits your budget, you can just get one of these instead of #1-3.  You can use it for tummy time, back time, kicking time, and once your baby can sit up, you baby can play with the hanging toys along with the ball pit style toys. I ended up buying a ball pit instead, mainly because I discovered these after my baby hit that developmental stage. The sides fold up to help create a boundary for your baby and the toys inside. 

Whatever play mat you choose, your involvement in your baby's progress is what is most important. I would lay down next to my baby during tummy time to see face to face so she could see my smiling face. I would put some toys just out of her reach to encourage scooting, rolling and crawling. I would help her play with the toys to model what to do. However you get involved these play mats are great for the physical development of your baby!

Teething Time?!

When I googled "baby teething symptoms" and read drooling, restless sleeping and chewing on everything, I knew my baby was in the teething phase! I also read some other symptoms, like fever, that my baby didn't have. So, do a lot of research and ask your baby's pediatrician for more information in regards to the medical aspect. 

In this blog, I'm going to recommend the products I used for my baby once she started teething. She got her first two teeth at six months and by one year, she had eight teeth.  I did not use any teething gels or gum soothers, but I did try out a lot of different teething toys and products. The ones below were most helpful to my baby and I hope it helps your baby during this phase!

1. One of the first items I bought were Nuby bibs. I saw a friend using them for her baby and thought what a great idea! Not only did it help catch all of my baby's drool from her chin and clothes, but there is a chewy piece on the end that was easy to turn up and let my baby chew on.  The drool started irritating my baby's chin, so this bib made it very easy to wipe the drool off her chin. I bought about eight of these to use one per day and put in the wash once a week. I used these bibs for about 4-5 months.

2. Once my baby's teeth broke the skin, I wanted to get her used to the idea of brushing her teeth. I bought two items for this. The first is what is in the pink and blue case. They are finger toothbrushes that you put on your finger and run along your baby's gums/teeth/tongue. My baby would bite down on my finger and at this point it didn't hurt. The downside to these finger brushes is the size. I could wear it on my pointer finger but my husband had to use his pinky finger. I used these finger brushes for about 3 months before transitioning to an infant toothbrush with bristles.

3. The other teether/toothbrush that my baby loved was the two cactus teethers. The soft plastic bristles helped with the idea of brushing teeth and the three cactus arms were great for my baby to chew on and hold by herself. This was by far her favorite teether and she used it for about 4 months.

4. Soon, I started noticing my baby chewing on anything wood. Her crib rails, tables, wood toys. Once she made some teeth marks in my sister's dining room table I knew I needed to get her some wooden teethers. I bought this pack and she chewed on this for a bit. She wasn't as interested in them as she was the table, but I figured this was a better option! 

5. I also tried the terry cloth type of teethers. There are four pictured. You can try putting water inside the Mickey or grapes one, freeze it, and let your baby chew on it. Be sure to monitor the coldness of it and how your baby reacts to it. The other two that are pink/orange and green/yellow are good to put a cold piece of food and allow your baby to chew on the food and eat. Of course, be aware of any potential food allergies. I didn't use these as often because my baby was eating solid foods during teething and was able to chew on her food.

6. Since my baby didn't use the teethers in number 5 as much, I was searching for new teethers that she would take to and I found the RaZbaby RaZberry! It is shaped like a pacifier but with bumps like a raspberry. My baby used these for about a month. She would put it in her mouth and take it out to investigate the texture, it was so cute to watch!

No baby is alike! Your baby might like some of these, she might not! It's okay to try new things or try things again in a month. The upside is all of these are on the inexpensive side. I hope you find some helpful. Good luck on your baby's teething journey!

Here are the links to each item mentioned in this blog. The link will take you to Amazon and if you buy an item through my link, I may make a small commission at not extra cost to you. Thanks for reading!

Nuby Bibs 3 Pack

Nuby Bibs 2 Pack

Finger Toothbrushes (I bought this large pack to get a better deal.)

Cactus Teethers

Wooden Teethers

Terry Cloth Teether

Pack of 1    Pack of 2 RaZbaby RaZberry Pacifier Teether 

National Adoption Day!

November is Adoption Month and I love talking about adoption! Just one year ago, my husband and I were blessed with a precious baby when her birth mom chose to make an adoption plan! 

With today being National Adoption Day, I wanted to make a few recommendations in regards to preparation for adoption. This special blog is dear to my heart because I have had the privilege of answering questions for others in my life on their own journey to adoption.

Be prepared to do a lot of research and paperwork! But also know, once you have your baby, it was all so worth it.

1. Are you looking to adopt a newborn baby or an older child? Are you looking to adopt domestically or internationally?  For international adoptions, you'll want to find out the particular regulations they have for adoptive parents. Are you looking into private adoption or looking to be a foster parent? Do you want an open adoption, semi-open or closed adoption? These are some terms and questions to research and it will help you know which path you want to take. 

2. If you choose domestic adoption, as we did, you'll want to start looking at adoption agencies, adoption lawyers, and agencies that can conduct home studies. A home study is a major first step towards adoption. You'll fill out a lot of paperwork and a social worker will conduct a home visit. Once all of this is complete and you pass, you can be considered for adoption situations.

3. You can start working on a profile book. There are companies who can help with the layout or you can design your own. The profile book is shown to an expectant parent wanting to make an adoption plan. Your profile book will help show who you are. It is helpful to have a PDF version on hand too.

4. You will probably need to do even more research before choosing the adoption agency or lawyer you want go do with. Are you in a financial state to travel outside of the country for an extended stay? How about outside of your home state? Are you aware of the various conditions a baby can be born with? Are you willing and prepared to educate yourself on how to best support your baby? Do you have a pediatrician chosen and can you meet with her to ask about some possible conditions a baby might be exposed to while in the womb? Ultimately, you will have to choose some preferences and it is okay to make those decisions. You are making a lifelong commitment and you need to be the absolute best parent(s) to your baby in order to help him or her thrive.

5. Find some support groups in your community. My husband and I went to a couple of meetings at our church to find out information. We read some books, listened to some podcasts, talked with others.  We shared our story during the process and had a lot of support from family and friends. Our social worker has a private facebook group where questions and ideas are posted. Waiting to be chosen as adoptive parents can be a long and trying process, or it might be smooth and quick. No family ever has the same journey!

And this is all before a baby or child is even in your sight! One year after having the opportunity to adopt our baby, I can tell you that all the prep work was well worth it. I wish you the best on your journey!

Here is one of the books I read that you might find help: Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew by Sherrie Eldridge. 

Reading to Your Newborn Baby

When should you start reading to your child?

Now! It is never too late, or too early, to read to your child. I read my baby her first book when she was three days old. Since my husband and I adopted our baby, that was the soonest we could read to her! I understand moms who have children biologically may not be in the position to read right away, so whenever you can, just start! 

I read at least one book a day to my baby. What if you miss a day? It's okay! Just start again the next day. Reading to your baby should be fun and not an added chore so as to take the enjoyment out of it. After a few months, I tried to get in a routine once my baby woke up: change diaper and clothes, feeding and then read a book. If we had more time to read during the day, then we did.

Is there a particular book you should start with? Babies see in black and white and then a few more colors come in. So I started with some simple board books that were in black and white. Sometimes they are noted as high contrast books. There are only a few words on each page so they take just a few minutes to read. Your baby might be interested in the pictures on the page. Babies learn your voice and speech patterns when you are reading out loud. 

Is there a particular way to read? My reading voice is the same one I use to talk happy with my baby. You know, when you say something like, "You're such a cute baby!" with all that excitement and enthusiasm. I'll use extra expression when reading too. As my baby got a little older, I toned it down a little but then added excitement when she goes to touch a picture, or turn a page.

What if my baby loses interest after one page? It isn't imperative to finish the whole book. Babies have no idea of the story line. In fact, most board books are so simple, there isn't a story line. Babies also have no idea if you make it to the end of the book. At this point, you are building a behavior of sitting in your lap with a book, with the opportunity to listen to your voice.

When reading to newborns, keep it simple. Read a few pages if your baby starts squirming. Try again later or the next day. After a couple of weeks, you'll notice your baby making it through an extra page at a time. And who doesn't love having their baby cuddle in their lap with them for a fun activity like reading? I understand reading isn't fun for everyone, but you will be doing your child a great thing by instilling this behavior early on. My husband reads to our baby too and she loves reading time with her daddy. 

As a teacher I loved the quote, "Today a reader, tomorrow a leader!" Now that my baby is one year old, she will pick up books as if they are one of her toys. I love seeing that so much!!! I helped my seven year old with the same reading behaviors, and now as a second grader, she is reading at and above grade level books. She is the kid that you see walking around with a book in her hand!

Here are two books that I read to my baby as a newborn.

Hello, Baby Animals - Purchase by clicking here!

Look Look! - Purchase by clicking!

Introduction Blog

Hello! Welcome to my blog! Thanks for stopping by.  

If you're a parent, or about to be, I'm going to guess that you're reading this in between many other tasks you have to do. Are you a multi-tasker like me? That's when I'm writing this! My baby is a taking a nap, and it might be a short one, so I better keep this quick! Multi-tasker or not, I know you want to help your child thrive. And I'm happy to help! That is the mission of my blog - to help you help your child enjoy reading and learning.

I have been in education for eighteen years and have held positions from first grade to seventh grade teacher and a few positions outside of the classroom. I have my degree in elementary education and a masters in educational leadership.  I have successfully taught many of my students how to read and have fostered a love for reading in many other students!

My sister has repeatedly told me that she hears me ask questions when reading books that she would not have thought of.  She also told me that I spot the educational value in the toys our children enjoy.  With her encouragement, I have started this blog to help you help your child to engage in reading and learning. I hope you find some good tips and get some good ideas from my future blogs.

I am an aunt to two girls, age seven and four and have been able to help them learn since birth. My seven-year-old niece absolutely loves reading and is reading above grade level. Since she was one week old, I remember sitting her in my lap and reading her books. This past year we have all done virtual education so I have been able to teach my four year old niece. She is learning her letters and numbers and I love teaching her.

This past year I became a mom!! It has been a year of learning and being a mommy is my favorite role yet! My husband and I found out the day she was born that we were going to be able to adopt our sweet baby. We met her late at night the day after she was born and our hearts were in heaven when we got to hold her. The next morning we stopped at the bookstore to buy her first books. We decided on Everything is Mama and Your Baby's First Word Will Be Dada by Jimmy Fallon because our sweet baby made us parents.  We brought the books to the hospital with us and read them to our sweet daughter each day she was in the hospital until we brought her home. Oddly enough, we were the only parents reading to their newborn baby! Since then, I have read at least one book a day to her. Side note: much to my delight, our baby's first word was Mama!!

Now she just turned one, and LOVES books. Her favorite kinds are the touch and feel and lift the flap books. She knows how to turn pages, she will pick up books to play with, and she loves sitting on my lap to be read to.  This is a behavior I have instilled in her since birth and I would love to help you instill the same behavior in your child. It is never too late, or too early, to read to your child.  

If you have any questions or ideas you want me to blog about, feel free to send me a note!