There are many benefits to unstructured playground time for children of all ages. Children develop in particular patterns. For example, they have to be able to sit up by themselves before they can crawl and eventually walk. Same is true for how they develop their handwriting skills. Tearing, cutting and scribbling occur way before the child is able to write. They have to develop the little muscles (fine motor muscles) in their hands before they are able to grasp a pencil and make legible symbols, known as letters. Continue reading “Is swing good for toddlers?” »

How your children play on their playset will change as they grow and develop. The 2-year-old in the toddler swing will become the 5-year-old who can swing all by herself to the adventurous 10-year-old climbing the knotted rope ladder. The good news is, your kids can enjoy a good quality playset for many years, and the benefits they get from active play will help them gain developmental skills. Continue reading “What age can a child use a swing?” »

If you have a new baby crawling around the house, chances are that teething is just around the corner (or has already arrived!). This is an important milestone in a baby’s development and if you notice your little one trying to chew on everything in sight, it may be time for some teething toys. But when is it time to give your baby teething toys, and how do you find the right ones? Continue reading “When should babies start using teethers?” »

When your baby is around 4 months to 7 months old, it’s common to see signs of teething. The process of teething may cause some discomfort for your little one as she gets her first set of teeth. These baby or primary teeth, which can appear from as young as 3 months or even as old as 12 to 14 months, will start to grow and eventually have to break through the gums. This can cause swelling and soreness just before the tooth comes through. Continue reading “How do you know if your baby is teething?” »

Childhood is a time of magic and shapeshifting, when beds become boats with sheets as sails, out on a wild sea made of pillows; a tea towel becomes a cape of invincibility, flying out behind a child who is now a superhero; a clothes horse and blankets transform into a castle where a princess cowers from a dragon that silly old parents might believe is a teddy bear. Continue reading “What is Imaginative Play?” »

As parents, it’s important that we consider how long a toy is going to last before purchasing it for our child. The last thing we want to do is invest in a big toy that will only be played with for a few days, to then gather dust in the corner of the playroom. Fortunately, doll houses are not that kind of toy. Continue reading “What age is a dolls house for?” »

Your child should continue to sleep with their plushies as long as he likes it! Children have their own schedule for growing up and its much slower than some adults have the patience for. Continue reading “When should a child stop playing with stuffed animals?” »

Stuffed animals are a universal staple of any child’s bedroom. In fact, if a child has only one toy, it’s likely to be a stuffed animal. From tigers to penguins to dogs to elephants, the fluffy dolls come in all shapes and sizes to suit nearly any taste. Even in an age of fancy LEGO sets and flashy electronic toys, stuffed animals haven’t lost their kid appeal. Here’s why your child is crazy for teddy bears and stuffed animals. Continue reading “Are stuffed animals good for kids?” »

Every minute that they’re awake awake, babies take in the sights, sounds, smells, and feel of the world around them. Although it may take a while to grasp what all this information means, your baby can still find joy and comfort in the familiar faces, voices, and sensations of everyday life. Continue reading “At what age do infants respond to sound?” »

Looking to purchase a baby rattle? These days there is a dizzying amount of rattles for baby to choose from in the baby toy aisle. Parents want the best for the child. There’s nothing more fun than watching your baby shake, jiggle, and play with a baby rattle. Continue reading “How can I tell if a baby rattle is safe?” »