Encouraging Independent Play

 I scrolled through the reviews for the Jolly Jumper, trying to decide if it was worth the price.  I stopped on a 5-star review of a customer exclaiming how nice it was for her to have the Jolly Jumper.  “My baby was happy for 20 minutes and I was able to shower!” the review read.  “Twenty minutes!” I exclaimed to myself.  “Only twenty minutes!”  Fast forward a few months and I was putting my baby in the jumper so I could have twenty minutes to get something done and, wow, it was so nice to have twenty minutes!

Benefits of Independent Play

While spending time with your baby is vitally important, it's also important to sit back allow them some moments of independence.  As a working mom, it was a necessity for my baby to learn independent play. Independent play gives your baby a chance to explore their surroundings and learn new skills. Never leave them unattended, but let them explore and learn. Doing this will

·         Spark creativity

·         Foster problem solving

·         Boost self-confidence

·         Last but not least, give you a few minutes to accomplish something!

Little by Little

Teaching my little guy how to play by himself was a process that took time and patience. In the beginning I would sit with him and guide him into taking control of his toys and as soon as he seemed preoccupied, I would discreetly get up and sit down at my desk. He would notice right away and immediately begin crying. But after going through this process several times, he finally realized that I was right there still, that everything was ok and he was content himself with his toys for a while.

When to Start

I say the earlier the better. I started when my baby was able to sit independently. The longer you wait, the more attached they become.

The Right Tools (Toys)

This process requires patience but you also need the right tools. Here is a collection of favorites that I have found keep my babies content and occupied for a good little while.

Gross Motor

Baby Play Gym                    Jolly Jumper                    Soft Climb & Crawl Activity Playset

Fine Motor

Baby Links                           Stretchy Strings               Busy Bees Push n' Spin

Dimple Popper                     Plush Blocks                    Silicone Rainbow Blocks

Pull String Toys                   Galt Pop Up Toy              Best Learning Mushroom Garden  

Melissa & Doug First Bead Maze                                Ouriky Busy Board

ROMDS Magnetic Blocks

Cognitive      

Stringy Balls                        Dancing Ball                    Shape n' Spin Gear Sorter

Rock-a-Stack & Shape Sorter                                       Sensory Balls

Spinny Pins

Resist the Urge

As you watch your baby play, resist the urge to intervene unless it is absolutely necessary. As they struggle to pull those blocks apart or put that peg in its hole, it's all you can do not to jump in and help them, but they will learn more, fell more confident, and be more successful if they can figure it out themselves.

Conclusion

It's important to remember that each baby is unique and what works for one isn't always the answer for another. Watch your little one and learn their personality. With patience, observation, and a little creativity, you can find the perfect combination of toys and activities to keep your little one entertained, engaged and learning.

Baby Self Care: Help Yourself by Helping Your Baby

 Introduction

In today’s world, it is more important than ever for parents to take care of themselves. This includes letting your baby learn to take care of himself and freeing up more of your time. Wouldn't it be easier for you if you could just hand your baby that spoon as soon as she is able to manage it rather than spoon-feeding her? And don't you think you could take care of a couple things if you could just slip those bath mits onto your baby's hands and let him scrub himself? It will take loving supervision but encourage your baby to try things for themselves. How will they learn unless you let them experiment. It will only help you in the end.

Benefits of Self-Care skills

Teaching self-care skills to babies is a great way to help them develop confidence and independence as they grow up. Self-care refers to the activities a person performs on their own, such as taking care of their health, hygiene, and overall well-being. It can include things like feeding and bathing, cleaning up their own messes, and coping with daily life challenges. Teaching self-care skills will help develop good habits and routines that will continue with your child into adulthood.

Tips to Encourage Self-Care

• Schedules and Routines: I know the first year of a baby's life can be really hard to schedule but you can establish a routine. Check out my blog post on schedules vs routines to learn more. It is important if you want your child to establish good habits.
• Let Your Baby Struggle for a Minute: It is so tempting to reach out and help your child when you see them struggling with a task, but if you let them try for a minute, there's nothing like the look of accomplishment on your baby's face when they figure it out! Be careful and don't let them struggle too long. If it gets to a point of frustration, reach out and guide, but don't do it for them.
• Use the Right Tools: Be sure to equip your baby with the right toys and tools to help them try things for themselves.  Check out my collection here.

Bathing Products and Safety

Bath time can be a lot of fun if you use the right products and take safety precautions. Here are a few tips to help ensure your baby’s bath time is safe and enjoyable:

• Help your baby get used to water at a very early age. Even as young as six weeks old, pour a little water over their head, splash it on them and talk to them happily as you do it.
• Find entertaining toys and sing bath time songs as you help them scrub.
• Make sure the water temperature is comfortable for your baby
• Use bath mitts and let your baby learn to scrub themselves. If they don't like you washing their face and ears, hand them the washcloth and guide them in washing themselves. That way they feel confident and in control.
• Most importantly, never leave your baby unattended in the bathtub.

Feeding Products and Safety

Letting your baby feed themselves for the first time can be an experience to remember, but with patience and the right tools, it can be a safe and fun experience:

• 
  The Food Feeder is a great tool for introducing solids to baby. A great option to let your baby try solids without choking or gagging.
• An easy-held spoon is nice for your baby to try feeding herself.
• Water is essential to keep your baby from being constipated as you introduce her to more and more fruits, veggies, meat, and grains. Keep a sippy cup handy.
• A highchair or a baby booster seat can make feeding time more comfortable and safer.
• A bib is always a must-have when it comes to first-time feedings, to keep your baby’s clothes clean and dry.

Dressing & Body Care

It's a huge step for a toddler to learn to dress themselves, but you can start early talking to them and praising them when they try.

• Choose loose, comfortable clothing for your baby as they are learning to pull on their own clothes.
• Establish a bedtime routine. This can include brushing their teeth, reading a book, preparing their pacifier, sippy cup, or bottle for easy access in the night, setting out clothes for the next day

Toys and Activities that Promote Self-Care

There are many little things you can do throughout the day to encourage your baby to take care and clean up after themselves. When they have finished eating, hand them a warm washcloth and guide them in wiping off their highchair tray. When they are finished bathing, guide them in putting the bath toys away and pulling the drain plug. As your baby learns to stand and walk, when you dress them, let them try pulling their own pants up. When you're getting your baby ready for bed, hand her the toothbrush to try it for herself. Independent play is another great way to teach your child to look after themselves. Check out my blog post on Independent Play for more information.

Conclusion

The key to teaching your child to take care of themselves is to provide them with opportunities to do so and to model good behavior yourself. Remember that children learn by example more than the words you say. Actions speak louder than words.