Kindergarten readiness checklist: skills experts say to practice now
Discover the social, thinking, and academic skills your child needs to thrive in school —plus ways for them to practice now.
Child Development
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Toddler potty training: setting the stage
Learn nine ways to help your toddler get comfortable with the toilet and noticing their body's signals.
Choosing the right potty for your toddler: potty chair vs. potty seat
Your child can potty train using a floor potty or a seat that fits on a regular toilet. Learn the pros and cons of each style.
Teach your toddler to do more on their own in 4 steps
Allowing your toddler to practice each part of a self-care skill with you boosts their confidence and independence.
Subtle signs of your toddler’s developing focus
Some toddlers can pay attention to an activity for several minutes, while others may need more support to stay focused for even a minute.
How many words should your toddler be able to say?
The average vocabulary at 18 months is about 50 words, but toddlers can say far more or fewer and still be on track.
Use your toddler’s fascination with touching things to teach language skills
Studies find that labeling an object as your child handles it can help them connect what they have in their hands to the words you say.
How can you encourage your toddler to be less clingy?
By staying close and being a calm, steady presence, you’re actually helping your toddler learn to become more independent in the future.
How to help your toddler develop impulse control
Your toddler isn't mature enough to resist their impulses yet, but there are things you can do now to help them develop this skill.
Combining words: a big step in language learning
Try these easy tips from language experts to encourage your toddler to say two-word phrases.
An expert strategy for helping your toddler climb, balance, and more
Specific verbal feedback can help your toddler tune into their body as they tackle a new physical challenge.
3 ways to boost your toddler’s friendship skills
Try these ideas to help your child understand what it means to be a good playmate.
Teaching toddlers to persist: what the research says
Researchers analyzed how parents taught their 24-month-olds to complete a difficult activity and the children's persistence a year late. This is what they uncovered.
What to do when you don’t know what your toddler is asking for
Before the frustration gets to both of you, try this approach to make your toddler feel heard and build their vocabulary in the process.
Ways to embrace your toddler’s love of destructive play
Destructive play is a powerful learning opportunity for your toddler. Learn how to make it work for both of you.
Try this to help your toddler practice empathy
Acting out simple real-life situations during play gives your toddler a chance to learn about other people’s feelings without their own distress getting in the way.
Tips to avoid tantrum triggers
Tantrums are part of toddler life, but these ideas may help you nip some before they start.
Building a strong pencil grip: 3 fun art tools and activities for toddlers
These ideas help your toddler move from a fisted grip to one that uses the strength of their fingers and thumb.
Toddler head banging: why it happens and how to respond
Up to 15% of young children will intentionally bang their head on the wall or floor at some point. Here's what to do when it happens.
What to do when your toddler is scared of the bath
Try these six expert tips to make bath time less stressful for your toddler—and you.
Cooperative play: how young children build friendships
Discover tips to support your child as they practice important friendship skills like navigating conflict and working toward a shared goal.
What to do when you lose it with your toddler
Try these four steps to reconnect and teach your toddler how to handle moments that don't go the way we'd hoped.
When will your toddler learn their colors?
Learn the timeline of color understanding and 5 fun ways to help your toddler learn colors.
Why not to correct your toddler’s speech—and what to do instead
How you respond to mispronunciations can make a difference in your child's language development.
The benefits of skipping the stroller—and 3 ways to make it easier
Learn why and how to let your toddler walk instead of ride.
The science behind your child’s ‘language explosion’
Your toddler may say lots of new words around 18 to 24 months of age—here's why.
What’s the best type of puzzle for 1.5-year-olds?
Learn which puzzles offer just enough challenge for young toddlers.
Boost your toddler’s language skills by getting face-to-face
Try these 3 simple ways to get more valuable face-to-face time with your toddler.
5 ways to tell if your toddler’s show is worth the screen time
Many shows and apps targeted at babies and toddlers are marketed as “educational,” but that doesn’t always mean much.
Why to stop saying ‘Be careful!’—and what to say instead
Learn the best phrases to guide your child toward safer choices.
How to help your toddler get the most from parallel play
Learn four strategies to help your toddler enjoy—and learn from—parallel play.
Heavy work: an expert strategy to calm your active toddler
Learn six easy ways to add heavy work to your toddler's day.
Do’s and don’ts of early play dates
When hosting a toddler play date, a little planning can go a long way toward minimizing conflict and maximizing opportunities to connect.
Teaching empathy: games, books, and activities for preschoolers
Research shows you can help your child recognize how other people think and feel so they learn to respond in more compassionate ways.
5 ways to get your toddler talking as you read together
Research shows that reading can be a powerful way to boost your toddler’s expressive language skills. Try these simple strategies.
5 fun indoor activities for your active toddler
Try these ideas to get the wiggles out inside.
Adopt this habit when talking with your toddler, experts say
Pausing a few seconds can foster your toddler’s communication skills and encourage them to join the conversation.
9 favorite fine motor activities for 22 months
Help your toddler get better at coordinating the small muscles of their hands and fingers with these activities from a pediatric OT.
8 playground activities that build your toddler’s balance and coordination
As they spin, roll, swing, and slide, your toddler gets feedback from two important sensory systems that are crucial for their developing gross motor skills.
5 tips to help your toddler cope with loud noises
From advance warning to giving your toddler some power over loud noises, discover the best ways to help your child startle less.
3 potty training skills to work on now
A study of 270 toddlers found three key factors that predicted toileting success.
10 tips and activities for better video chats with toddlers
Find tips for planning a successful video chat as well as five activities for better video chats with toddlers.
Join the Lovevery Research Community and explore new playthings
Inform and inspire Lovevery creators through product testing, focus groups, surveys and more.
11 ways to build your toddler’s frustration tolerance
Help your toddler work through feelings of disappointment, sadness, and frustration when their skills don't quite match their ambitions.
The best potty books for toddlers
Even before your toddler is ready to start using the potty, reading books about the experience can help them understand what the process is all about.
Real—even breakable—materials can teach your toddler valuable skills
Using real materials is a common Montessori practice. It can teach toddlers how to handle things with care, building independence and confidence.
The orientation schema: why your toddler loves a new view
When your toddler looks through their legs or climbs up or down stairs, they're exploring the "orientation" schema. Offer these activities to support their curiosity.
The enclosing schema: 4 simple activities for toddlers
When your toddler crawls into a cardboard box or places a cup inside a bigger container, they’re exploring the “enclosing” schema.
The trajectory schema: how your child learns by throwing, dropping, and flinging
Children learn so much about the physical world by throwing, dropping, rolling, and flinging things—including their own body.
The connection schema: putting things together and taking them apart
Toddlers love discovering how objects fit together and come apart. Discover 5 ways to support this type of play.
The rotation schema: why your toddler loves things that spin
Discover 4 ways to support your toddler’s developing rotation schema, a form of play that involves twirling their body, rolling cars, and more.
The enveloping schema: what’s behind your toddler’s fascination in hiding things
Does your toddler love hiding under a blanket or stuffing little toys between the couch cushions? Covering up and hiding objects is a type of schema play known as “enveloping.”
How to give your 2-year-old logical consequences
Your toddler is slowly learning that their actions have consequences. When you give and explain appropriate consequences, they’ll start to understand what they can and cannot do.
5 pre-literacy skills to encourage in your toddler
Instilling a love and understanding of language, reading, and writing in toddlers has little to do with memorizing the ABCs. Learn the skills to reinforce instead.
What to do when your 1-year-old takes another child’s toy
Grabbing at this toddler stage isn’t malicious and doesn’t need a consequence or any form of discipline. Learn what to do instead.
5 things every parent should know about potty training
Discover lesser-known tips and facts about teaching your child to use the toilet from Lovevery's senior child development expert.
When is the best time to start potty learning?
Learn the signs your child may be ready to potty train and expert tips for introducing the concept.
Pointing: a simple gesture with big meaning
Research shows a close link between pointing and toddler language development. Learn how to build on this social-communication skill.
3 subtle signs your toddler’s language skills are developing
Many parents underestimate how many words their young toddler understands. Watch for these non-verbal signals to get a better idea of what your toddler knows.
How to create a sleep-inducing bedtime routine for your toddler
Learn how to create an effective toddler bedtime routine from our certified sleep consultant, Lauren Lappen.
Skip the night light: 4 tips to help your toddler sleep longer
Studies show that a child’s sleep environment can strongly impact their sleep quality. Try these research-backed strategies tonight.
4 types of pretend play—and why they matter
They way your child plays make-believe changes as they grow. At each stage, pretend play offers cognitive and social-emotional benefits.
Spotting patterns prepares your toddler’s brain for math
Patterns are an important element of math. Learn the stages to learning patterns and 4 ways to help your toddler recognize patterns.
Best mashed foods to help your baby learn to chew
Discover 15 first foods to mash for your baby, according to a pediatric occupational therapist.
Toddlers benefit from ‘crib talk’
It's a good thing when toddlers talk to themselves. Here's why.
The benefits of playing pretend with your toddler
Pretend play lets your toddler learn by trying new roles. Discover why pretending along with them matters and tips for playtime.
Simple ways to boost your toddler’s phonological awareness
Understanding how individual sounds make up words—known as phonological awareness—is a key literacy skill. Learn how to encourage it.
What’s your baby’s brain working on at 7 weeks?
Parts of your baby's brain are about to experience a growth spurt. Learn 4 ways to encourage strong neural connections.
How to help your toddler understand their emotions
Discover expert tips on how to help your toddler connect how they feel to what they do.
What to do when you lose it with your toddler
Learning that emotional connections can get disrupted and repaired is an important lesson for your child. Try these four steps to reconnect.
Our best tips for using black-and-white cards to boost learning
Discover creative ways to use black-and-white cards and patterns to help your baby learn.
Your toddler’s creativity develops through play
Help your toddler learn to take others’ perspectives and solve complex problems with these expert tips to encourage creative and divergent thinking.
What’s behind your toddler’s separation anxiety?
What’s behind your toddler’s separation anxiety? Here are four things to know about separation anxiety.
Shared storytelling can boost your toddler’s memory skills
Research shows that children as young as 13 months are already creating memories. Talking about shared experiences is one way to support your child's early learning.
When to set a boundary with your toddler—and when to let it go
Ask yourself these six questions to decide if a limit is worth setting.
Are they testing limits or just exploring?
Many toddlers are drawn to “destructive play." Read our tips on how to prepare for this behavior and how to react when your toddler tests limits.
How to ease your toddler’s fears
Your toddler may be comforted by one (or more) of these six strategies.
6 tips for trimming your toddler’s nails
Having their nails cut is a little bit scary for your child. Here are some adjustments that might make the process a little easier for both of you.
Daytime up-close screen time disrupts nighttime sleep in toddlers
TV screens have long been known to disrupt sleep in children, and now researchers are learning that handheld devices are an even bigger issue.
Help your toddler develop an important early reasoning skill
Adults use process of elimination to solve problems all the time—and even as early as 14 months, you can help your toddler develop this cognitive skill, too.
Is your 1-year-old ready for logical consequences?
Logical consequences are about helping your toddler regulate their emotions and their body. They're meant as a reset—not punishment.
Is it okay for your baby to suck their thumb?
Are there benefits to thumb sucking? Should I try to stop my baby from thumb sucking? Learn if it's okay for your baby to suck their thumb.
3 steps to setting toddler limits with empathy
Read our three steps to setting toddler limits with empathy and understand what empathetic boundaries teach children.
6 ways to build your toddler’s attention span
Giving your child opportunities to focus on a task uninterrupted and get into a “zone of concentration'' is an important part of the Montessori approach.
Why to set limits with your toddler, even when it’s hard
When your toddler tests boundaries, you may wonder what you’re doing wrong. Remembering these 3 toddler truths can help.
Why your toddler may need space instead of a hug
Some toddlers are less soothed by close physical contact than they were as babies. Learn what to do when a hug won't work.
Try this to raise your child’s emotional intelligence
Using specific and even complex words to describe how your child feels gives them a deeper, more nuanced understanding of their emotions.
When it’s time to leave and your toddler won’t go
When children are enjoying an activity, they just want to keep doing it. Read our 6 steps to help your toddler transition.
Tummy time milestones by month
For a clear idea of positions and movements your baby may try from the earliest days of tummy time to the last, check out this illustrated month-by-month tummy time guide.
What are play schemas and how do they help your toddler learn?
When your toddler repeats certain actions and behaviors, they're doing something called "schema" play. Learn about the eight different kinds of play schemas.
How to know if your baby is ready for solid foods—and 5 tips for getting started
No matter what feeding method you choose—traditional purees, baby-led weaning, or a mix of both—here are some tips to help you get started.
How to ease your separation anxiety
Separation anxiety doesn't happen only to children—it affects parents, too. Read 4 tips to help you deal with your separation anxiety.
Toddler tantrums: why they happen and how to handle them
All toddlers have temper tantrums. Learn the dos and don'ts to help you and your child through public and private meltdowns.
Tummy time for your baby: advice from a pediatric OT
Tummy time is vital for your baby to build the muscles and coordination needed for major motor skills. Learn all about tummy time with these FAQs.
Making the most of your toddler’s fascination with cause and effect
Toddlers understand that they can make things happen with simple actions. Here are 4 ways to deepen their understanding of cause and effect.
5 co-regulation tips to help your toddler manage their feelings
Co-regulation is the process of showing your toddler how to manage emotions by doing it together. Try these expert tips the next time your child gets upset.
5 easy play tunnel games for toddlers
Learn why crawling is so important for toddlers and how to encourage it with simple play tunnel games.
Wish your toddler would focus? Try playing together first
Are you eager for your toddler to play longer with a toy? Learn what you can do to help them get the most out of their playthings.
Why it’s important to allow your toddler’s big emotions
Big feelings are a sign of your toddler's healthy social-emotional development. Learn three ways to help you and your child manage them.
Learning to walk is surprisingly emotional for toddlers
Learning to walk can be surprisingly emotional for a child. Try this game to build connection and walking confidence.
5 tips to ease your baby’s stranger anxiety
Stranger anxiety is developmentally appropriate but difficult to manage. Next time your child is feeling anxious, try these five strategies.
When (and how) to transition your toddler from 2 naps to 1
Knowing when your toddler is ready to drop their morning nap can be tricky. Understand the signs to look for and the best ways to drop to one nap.
How to help your baby find their pacifier at night
Falling back asleep after a pacifier falls out is hard on everyone. Read the dos and don’ts of using pacifiers for your baby's sleep.
Secrets to building your toddler’s self-esteem
As your toddler becomes more independent, you have an opportunity to help them cultivate healthy self-esteem. Here are 4 ways to help your toddler develop it.
Why does my toddler hate certain clothes?
If your toddler dislikes certain clothes, it may be a sensory issue. Learn five simple adjustments from a pediatric occupational therapist.
Why early pretend play matters—and how to encourage it
Now that your child is a toddler, they may start to experiment with pretend play. Learn three ways to support them.
What to look for when buying toddler shoes
Once your toddler is walking, they need protective yet flexible footwear. Learn what to look for and how to pick out toddler shoes.
Why timeouts don’t work for toddlers—and what to do instead
Timeouts are a controversial topic. Learn if timeouts are bad and how to help your toddler reset themselves.
Toddler won’t sit still? Try these tips
Is your toddler constantly on the move—too busy to try a puzzle or sit through a whole book? Learn how to support your toddler’s need to move.
What to do when your baby gets stuck in standing
Read our tips to help teach your baby how to get out of a standing position on their own.
What research says about how to respond to your baby’s babbles
Did you know that the way you respond to your baby's babbling can actually shape the way they communicate? Learn more.
6 pro tips to get your toddler to sleep
Going to bed can be hard for your toddler—and when they cry, cling, or continue to call your name night after night, it can be hard on you, too.
Tips to help babies sleep
If your baby won't sleep in or seems overtired, try an earlier baby bedtime routine with help from Lauren Lappen, Lovevery's sleep consultant.
Stand-up diaper changes
If your baby doesn't like being on their back during diaper changes, it may be time to for approach. Learn the four steps to stand-up diaper changes.
When to give your baby their own spoon
Introducing a spoon promotes your baby's independence, motor skills, sensory perception, and speech. Try our tips to help them learn to use it.
Ready to end tummy time for good? Do this skills check first
If your baby's rolling out of tummy time, they may be ready to stop—or they might need some different strategies.
Should my toddler be playing with friends?
Understand how your toddler may "play" with other kids and how you can help them build their friendship skills.
Is your toddler ready to start coloring?
Understand how toddlers typically use crayons and tips for coloring success.
15 Montessori practical life activities for toddlers
Whether it's caring for themselves or caring for the environment, read our 15 practical life activities your toddler can try now.
Developmental activities for 10-month-olds
Try these recommended developmental activities to help your child practice balance, experiment with gravity, try out their communication skills, and more.
Benefits of having a family pet
Studies suggest that a child’s relationship with a pet can have health and emotional benefits. Read how pets may build skills and attachment.
Activities for your 4-month-old from child development experts
Through simple play, your 4-month-old gains thinking skills, gross motor development, social connections, language understanding, and more.
When do babies wave?
Waving ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye‘ combine at least three distinct types of skills for your baby. Learn more about these skills and how to encourage waving.
Easy activities your 9-month-old will love
Try these simple activities for rich sensory play that helps your 9-month-old practice their developing skills.
7 engaging activities for newborns
Try these 7 activities to help your baby use their muscles, activate their senses, and build neural connections.
Activities your 6-month-old will want to do again and again
Help your baby practice and expand their skills with these simple games and activities recommended by Gabrielle Felman, Lovevery's child development expert.
The math activity you did not know you have in your house
Any book with illustrations or photos can become a prompt for introducing important math lessons. Read our tips on how you can combine reading time with math learning.
6 OT expert tips to encourage first steps
Try these tips for practicing pre-walking skills like cruising and standing without support from Rachel Coley, Lovevery's pediatric OT.
Why do babies love to dump things out of containers?
Emptying is the first part of an important kind of play called containerizing. Learn ways to support container play.
3 tips to encourage crawling
Crawling helps your baby develop critical motor and cognitive skills. Read our suggestions to help encourage your baby to crawl.
Why your face is your baby’s best ‘toy’
Face-to-face time increases your baby's attention span, helps them learn to tolerate eye contact, and introduces them to social cues.
The witching hour: what to do when your baby gets fussy
Read what the witching hour is, common causes for it, and what to do if your baby gets fussy in the evening.
The 5 stages of sitting
Learn from Rachel Coley, a pediatric occupational therapist, about the 5 stages of sitting and how to support your baby.
Toddler independent play tips
When your toddler plays on their own, they develop concentration, problem-solving, and autonomy. Read these 4 tips for for supporting independent play.
Why babies need a vitamin D supplement
Read to understand why babies need a vitamin D supplement and the best ways to give it to your baby.
Nighttime sleep tips for 3-month-olds
Many 3-month-olds may sleep six hours or longer at night. Read our tips on how to extend that overnight sleep window.
Pro sleep tips for 5-month-olds
At 5 months, your baby may be able to go longer between nighttime feedings. Try our tips to help your baby sleep better and longer.
How the Sliding Top Box helps build your baby’s working memory
Learn how the Sliding Top Box builds your baby's working memory along with their complex problem solving, lateral movement, and fine motor skills.
Including your 8-month-old in household tasks
Involving your baby in household chores is a great way to nurture their interest and support development. Here are 5 ways to include your baby in chores.
A top way to help develop your baby’s vocabulary, according to research
When it comes to developing your baby’s vocabulary, it helps to be a broken record. Here are 4 tips to maximize your baby’s language development.
How to redirect your baby without saying ‘no’
Telling your baby ‘no,’ ‘stop,’ or ‘don’t’ can sometimes backfire. Read our tips on ways to redirect your baby without saying ‘no.’
Why singing is soothing
Even if you don’t believe you have a good voice, singing to your baby can offer calming benefits. Read our tips for ways to soothe your baby through song.
Your baby’s 1st dentist visit
Learn what to expect during your child's first dentist visit and tips to make the appointment as smooth as possible.
10 easy ways to build your 10-month-old’s brain
Your 10-month-old's learning is more complex, and they can now coordinate input from different sensory systems. Read our activities to help boost their brain connections.
Your newborn knows you by scent and sound
During the early weeks of life, babies use their sense of hearing and smell to identify the people closest to them. Read how and when recognition starts.
Destructive play teaches babies cause and effect
It’s easy to feel frustrated when your baby dumps over a bowl of snacks or pulls board books off a shelf. But destructive play actually teaches important lessons.
Babies learn from books with photographs
Read how books with realistic images have been shown to increase vocabulary and letter recognition more than books with fantastical illustrations.
Copy your baby to help them learn
Imitation is one of the main ways your baby learns about the world. Read about the link between imitation and learning.
4 ways to encourage your baby’s first coos
Your baby’s earliest forms of communication are crying, eye contact, and smiles. Then they may begin to coo. Read these 4 ways to encourage cooing.
Your baby’s 4-month sleep regression
Understand more about your 4-month-old's sleep regression and how an early bedtime and a nap schedule may help your baby sleep better.
A guide to swaddle products
You can use a simple square blanket to swaddle your baby, but many newborn products exist to make it easier. Here’s our guide to common types and brands.
Encouraging Montessori independence in babies
The Montessori method is rooted in the idea that babies and children should be empowered to do things on their own. Here are 3 ways to promote early independence.
Why babies spit up and when to be concerned
Learn more about gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), when you should be concerned, and ways to minimize spits ups.
Preparing for your baby’s 12-month checkup
Read our suggestions on what topics to discuss with your child's pediatrician at the 12-month checkup.
Your baby’s 6th sense
Proprioception helps your baby understand how much force they need to use when performing a task. Learn how to help your baby develop this skill.
Establishing a baby bedtime routine: advice from a sleep specialist
A simple and brief bedtime routine for your baby is ideal. Learn the elements to include—and one to reconsider.
Is your baby smiling on purpose?
Your baby’s eyes and entire face light up when they smile, sometimes with noises and gestures. Learn how to encourage more social smiles.
Easy pincer grasp activities for babies
Babies typically develop the pincer grasp between 10 and 12 months. Learn a few activities to practice this skill with your baby.
Choosing clothes for your baby
Choosing clothes for your baby isn’t solely a matter of comfort and style. Follow these tips to help support your baby's needs.
Parentese improves children’s vocabulary
Read the characteristics of parentese, an exaggerated speaking style, and understand how it benefits your child's vocabulary and conversational skills.
Walking calms babies more than being held
Researchers compared crying and heart rate in babies when they were held and when their mother walked around, carrying them. Learn more about the study results.
How much should my 9-month-old be eating?
Read our breakdown of the daily dietary guidelines for 9-month-olds and 4 factors that can influence appetite.
How to handle your baby’s fears
Between 6 and 18 months, your baby’s growing cognition and awareness may also trigger sudden fears and insecurities. Read our tips for dealing with these new fears.
Best ways to help your baby like a new food
Research shows that introducing your baby to more flavors now increases the likelihood that they will accept and enjoy them later. Here are 4 ways to help your baby learn to like new foods.
Why you shouldn’t rush to start solid foods
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization now say that most babies aren’t truly ready to start solid foods until about 6 months of age. Read more about why 6 months is the sweet spot.
The fine motor skill babies love (and parents sometimes hate)
Between 9 and 10 months, many babies start learning how to release, or drop, objects from their grip in a controlled way. Read our tips on supporting voluntary release.
Standing play helps develop pre-walking skills
Standing play helps your baby develop the strength and balance they’ll need for walking. Read our standing play ideas and safety tips.
Identifying a tongue tie
A tongue tie is a condition that limits the movement of a baby’s tongue and can interfere with their feeding. Read more to see if your baby may have a tongue tie.
Why babies put everything in their mouths
Child development professionals want babies to mouth different textures in infancy to prevent speech delays and picky eating. Read more about mouthing and the long-term benefits.
3 ways to connect long distance
Living far away from extended family can be tough. While nothing can compete with a real hug or cuddle, here are 3 meaningful ways for your family and baby to connect.
How much stimulation do babies need?
Stimulation is a tricky balance to strike for your baby. Learn clues that they're overstimulated and signs that they're ready to engage more.
Did my baby just call me ‘Dada’?
The second stage of babbling is known as reduplicated babbling: simple double-consonant sounds such as 'baba' and 'mama.' Find out more about your baby babbles!
Testing limits at mealtimes
Between the ages of 9 and 12 months, your baby starts to test limits, especially at mealtime. Read our tips on what to do.
Building attachment with your baby may be easier than you think
Attachment plays an important role in how the structure of an infant’s brain forms, laying the foundation for their development. Read our tips on how to encourage attachment.
Your baby’s 8-month sleep regression
Just when you think your baby is sleeping through the night, they may experience a sleep regression around 8 months. Learn why this is happening, how long it might last, and ideas to help.
Your baby needs novelty
It’s easy to get into a rut with your baby, playing with them in the same spot with the same toys in the same ways. Read how this goes against neuroscientific research and easy ways to add newness.
Baby food doesn’t have to be bland—spices to try (and 1 to avoid)
Offering more complex baby food with subtle herbs and spices isn’t just okay, it might help your baby become a more open-minded eater. Read which seasonings to try.
How to tell if your baby’s having a growth spurt
Learn when growth spurts usually occur and how to tell if your baby is going through one.
A book list for Black History Month
In honor of Black History Month, here are some books we love, written by Black authors and featuring Black characters in happy, present-day storylines.
Creating a ‘yes’ space for your baby
A yes space is an enclosed area where your baby can play without being told 'no.' Learn how to create a safe and interesting yes space.
Your 9-month-old’s language development
Between 9 and 12 months, your baby may begin exhibiting certain expressive language skills. Learn the type of babbles you may notice.
Preparing for your baby’s 6-month checkup
Prepare for your baby's 6-month checkup and learn what to discuss with your pediatrician.
5 tips to encourage talking in babies
Read our 5 simple things that can make an important difference in your baby's early attempts to talk.
Preparing for your baby’s 9-month checkup
Prepare for your baby's 9-month checkup and learn what to discuss with your pediatrician.
Preparing for your baby’s 4-month checkup
Prepare for your baby's 4-month checkup and understand what to discuss with your pediatrician.
Your 9-month-old’s sensory learning
By 9 months, many of your baby’s sensory systems are getting more sophisticated. Learn how to practice those sensory skills with your baby.
Mindful baby massage
Massaging your baby can be a great way for you both to relax, interact, and bond. Read our tips to understand if your baby is being overstimulated.
Head control: your baby’s first big motor skill
Once your baby has head control, they're ready to work on more advanced skills involving their core and lower body, like rolling, sitting, standing, and walking. Find out when babies develop head control and how to encourage it.
Scent and your newborn
One of the primary ways your newborn learns about the world in the first few weeks is through their sense of smell. Learn how scents can help soothe your baby.
New dads’ hormones change, too
If you're a new father and find yourself feeling different after the birth of your child, it may be more than lack of sleep. Read about how the brain and body prepare you for fatherhood.
Pacifier do’s and don’ts for breastfed babies
Is it okay to give a pacifier to a breastfeeding baby? We culled through the science and expert recommendations to discover a few do's and don’ts.
Cloth diapers: the pros and cons
Thinking of trying cloth diapers? Consider these important pros and cons before deciding whether to use reusable diapers.
5 co-regulation tips for calming your baby
A crying or fussy baby can be really hard, especially if there isn’t a clear explanation. Try these 5 techniques to help calm your baby.
How to ease your baby’s separation anxiety
Separation anxiety is a sign of both cognitive and social-emotional growth, and it can look different for every child. Here's how you can make the separation easier on them—and on yourself.
Why and how to babyproof early
Being on the verge of more mobility is exciting for your baby but can be a little bit daunting for the adults. Here are our 10 tips for babyproofing your home.
The power of eye contact with your baby
Eye contact with your baby isn’t just important for building an emotional connection—learn how it also affects early communication and learning.
When do babies know their name?
Learning and responding to their name is a big cognitive leap for your baby. Read our tips to help encourage name recognition.
When do babies start laughing?
After cooing and smiling, laughing comes next. Learn how to encourage your baby's giggles.
Newborn safety basics for new parents
Safety is always at the forefront of any new parent’s mind. While the first few weeks can feel like a crash course, you’ll soon master the basics. Here are some tips to help.
Your 4-month-old’s cognitive development
Read our list of what’s going on with your child’s cognitive development at 4 months as they learn how to interact with people and objects.
When will my baby say their first word?
When will my baby start talking? Most children say their first word between 12 and 14 months old. Read about ways to encourage talking.
Preparing for your baby’s 2-month checkup
Read our tips to prepare for your baby's 2-month checkup and learn what to expect during the doctor's visit.
Your 6-month-old’s cognitive development
Read what child development experts say is happening in your child’s brain at 6 months and how to help develop those skills.
Your 10-month-old’s cognitive development
At 10 months, your baby’s brain development is focused primarily on problem solving. Read through our list of cognitive skills you may notice.
Your 8-month-old’s cognitive development
Here’s what child development experts say is happening in your child’s brain at 8 months old.
What should baby poop look like?
In the first few days and weeks of your baby’s life, the color, texture, and smell of their bowel movements will change rapidly. Learn about the different variations (and dramatic colors) to understand what's normal.
Newborns with colic: how to help your baby and yourself
If your baby cries and cries and cries they may be among the up to 40% of infants with colic. Learn how to help your baby and yourself with these tips.
Nature or nurture? 2 books explain
When it comes to shaping your child’s brain, what matters more—their environment or their genes? Learn how to create an optimal environment for brain growth.
Bare those baby toes
Feet are one of the most sensory-rich parts of the body. Read our tips to help your baby’s rapidly growing brain learn with their feet.
Video chats can be good for babies
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time for babies under 18 months, with one exception: live video chats. Read through our tips for a meaningful video call.
How to help your toddler or preschooler adjust to a new baby
A new baby brother or sister can be exciting for a young child, but their perspective can change quickly. Read our tips to help with this big change.
Top 4 newborn sleep tips for tired parents
Parents of newborns inevitably wonder when they can get some rest. Read through our 4 tips to help parents cope with newborn sleep habits.
Your 6-month-old’s language development
At 6 months, your baby’s expressive language is transitioning from those sweet early coos and squeals to more experimental babbling. Read about what your baby may be working on.
3 ways to observe Black History Month with your child
Since 1926, February has been a time to center the Black community. We celebrate Black contributions, commit to taking action against racism, and reflect on Black history and Black futures. Here are 3 ways to observe Black History Month with your family.
Pacifier pros and cons
Pacifiers not only help soothe your baby, they can also reduce crying significantly. Read through the benefits and drawbacks to help you decide whether to introduce one.
Newborn sleep safety tips
Nothing is more important to a parent or primary caregiver than keeping your baby safe at all times, especially during sleep. Here are some tips and reminders to help.
The facts on flat head syndrome
Understand the facts about flat head syndrome (or positional plagiocephaly), what causes it, tips to avoid it, and what to look out for in your baby.
Tips to transition to swaddle-free sleep
Once your baby reaches a certain developmental phase, swaddling is no longer safe. Read through our tips to transition out of swaddles.
How to cut your newborn’s fingernails
Trimming your newborn’s nails can be daunting. Learn the best ways to cut your baby's fingernails.
Preparing for your newborn’s first doctor’s visit
Your newborn's first doctor's visit may be the first time you leave the house with your baby, and it can feel a little stressful. A little preparation can make this first checkup go smoother—for you and your baby.
Umbilical cord care do’s and don’ts
A baby's umbilical cord stump usually dries up and falls off in a baby's first 5 to 15 days of life. Learn these umbilical cord care do's and don'ts for your newborn.
Self-feeding develops your baby’s fine motor skills
Your baby is learning to use a pincer grasp to pick up objects. Learn why self-feeding can be your baby's favorite way to practice their new motor skills.
What do you do when your 3-year-old stops napping?
It can be hard for both you and your child when they drop their last nap. Here are some ways to make the transition easier for everyone.
Why does my child lie and what can I do about it?
Hearing your child lie can be troubling. Here are some reasons not to worry—and how to encourage a family culture of honesty.
5 fun games that help your 3-year-old practice impulse control
Impulse control is a lifelong skill, and its development begins in early childhood. Giving your child fun and engaging ways of working on it now supports them in a wide variety of ways.
Best Montessori and learning toys for 2 year olds
The best toys for 2 year olds support emerging independence and sense of identity. They also give your child opportunities for fine and gross motor practice, problem-solving, practical life skills, and more.
14 ways to celebrate Earth Day as a family
Earth Day is a time to celebrate nature and the environment. Teach your children how to take care of the earth with these fun activities, crafts, and books.
The best Montessori and learning toys for 1 year olds
At 12 months old, your toddler is more mobile and curious than ever. The best toys support mobility, fine motor skills, language, and independence. See our best Montessori toys for 1-year-olds.
Welcome spring with these colorful, toddler-friendly DIYs
Incorporating color into these fun DIY activities stimulates your toddler's senses and deepens their learning.
Preparing your child (and yourself!) for preschool
The transition to preschool can be equal parts exciting and nerve-wracking for both you and your child. Here's how to support them before their first day.
The complete guide to baby development milestones
We compiled this expert guide to help you know what to expect for your baby's growth and month-by-month development.
Meet our Organic Cotton Baby Doll, a timeless doll for everyone
The Organic Cotton Baby Doll comes in three skin tones and is gender-neutral. Read more about our Baby Doll for everyone.
Introducing updates to ‘The Thinker’ and ‘The Explorer’ Play Kits for babies
We are constantly working to improve our products, which may result in periodic Play Kit updates. See how we continue to provide stage-appropriate play essentials that your child will love.
Celebrating Black History Month with babies and young children
Children of all races are never too young to take part in Black History Month. Here are ideas on how celebrate with your child, along with a list of books that center Black people and culture.
What are Montessori toys?
Some toys have characteristics that are aligned with Montessori principles. Learn what they are, why they can benefit your child, and how to introduce them.
What kind of chores are right for my child?
Children as young as 18 months can start taking on regular household responsibilities. These will be simple and straightforward, like wiping up spills or helping set the table, and will require modeling and patience from you.
7 key elements to create a Montessori nursery
A Montessori-inspired nursery is simple and soothing. We've collected 7 of our favorite items here to help you design one that's right for your baby.
The benefits of bringing your baby outside
Spending time outside is not only enjoyable for babies, it also supports their cognitive and motor development—and may even help them sleep better.
What is “serve and return” and why is it so important?
"Serve and return" is a child development term used to describe back and forth interactions with your baby. Learn how to do it, and why it's so important.
What are infant reflexes all about?
Your baby’s unintentional twitches, jerks, and sudden movements actually help them figure out the world. These are newborn reflexes.
Our favorite gifts for baby’s first birthday
First birthdays are a big deal and worth celebrating. Gifts are one way to mark the occasion. Here are our 15 favorites for your one-year-old.
How to Montessori your bathroom, by @our.montessori.journey
Some small tweaks to your bathroom can help set up your toddler for success, with toileting, handwashing, bathtime, and more.
Here’s how your 2-year-old can keep playing with their baby and 1-year-old playthings
Lovevery Playthings take on new meaning as your child grows. Reintroduce a beloved toy from a past Kit, and your two-year-old will find new ways to play.
Indoor STEM activities for your budding scientist
Young children have a natural interest in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Here are 6 ways to bring STEM into your home.
Why wooden toys make the best playthings
Wooden toys are a staple of Montessori learning. They're durable, beautiful, and inspire wonder for a child's budding imagination.
You can’t balance work and parenting during Covid. That’s OK.
As we continue to adjust to new normals, some things have stayed the same: working while caring for young children during a pandemic is really hard. Here are a few ways to ease the burden.
4 activities that expose your toddler to the wonder of color
Color brings fresh interest to STEM and art projects for your toddler. Here are 4 easy ones that use food coloring.
The 7 conservation activities that can help your child with math and more
Conservation is a logical thinking ability children develop between 4 and 11 years old. Being able to conserve means knowing that a quantity doesn’t change if it’s been altered.
8 strategies to help your toddler (and yourself) move on from a tantrum
The root cause of a tantrum is often your child wanting independence but not being quite ready for it. Here's how to handle one when it comes up.
6 outdoor activities you can bring inside when the weather turns
We’ve collected 6 classic outdoor activity you can bring inside to enhance sensory development and gross and fine motor skills—even when the weather’s bad.
Our simplest activities to do at home with your toddler
When you're short on time, try these 15 simple play ideas for spending time at home with your toddler.
Diaper bag must-haves from real parents (and yes, all 30 are essential)
We talked to real parents about their must-have diaper bag essentials and on-the-go hacks. The list is extensive but ensures you won't be caught unprepared.
Why children are so attached to their loveys (and what to do if your child loses theirs)
Loveys, also known as "transitional objects," help babies and toddlers through transitions. Learn why these blankies, stuffies, and more are important and what to do if one goes missing.
How to celebrate Halloween and maintain physical distance
Halloween will be different this year—but that doesn't mean we can't still celebrate it with our young children.
Our simplest activities to do at home with your baby
Running out of new activities for your baby during quarantine? Don't worry! Here are 14 of our favorite simple play ideas for spending time at home.
RIE, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, & more—making sense of the methods, by Lovevery CEO Jessica Rolph
We compiled this guide to different early childhood philosophies to help you make informed decisions about childcare.
Updated Lovevery Play Kits featuring larger, more complex developmental Playthings
After play studies, weeks of in-home testing, and thousands of customer surveys, we are excited to announce our updated Play Kits for one-year-olds.
How to Montessori your kitchen, by @BringingUpBabe
The idea of setting up a toddler-friendly Montessori kitchen might seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Go at your own pace with these simple tips.
How to create a Montessori bedroom for your 2-year-old, by @howwemontessori
The Montessori floor bed may be the first thing that comes to mind when you visualize a Montessori bedroom, but there’s a lot more to it than just the bed.
How to Montessori a child’s play space, by Montessori Madre
With less clutter and more intention, your child's play space can be inviting and beautiful.
Let’s get gluing—DIY activities with developmental benefits that stick
Using glue to stick items together may not sound like cognitive development, but it is. Try these activities with your toddler to practice.
There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing
Research shows that children benefit from playing outside, regardless of the season. Learn how to keep playing outdoors even when the weather is cold or rainy.
Your toddler’s on top of the world when they make you laugh
A toddler's budding sense of humor is a sign of their cognitive, social, and emotional development. Learn five ways to help nurture your child's funny bone.
Is your child ready for a ‘big kid bed?’
Ultimately the decision is up to you, but here are some ways to notice and support your child's readiness to transition a crib to a bed.
7 games to help your child master matching
Somewhere around 30 months, your child may be able to match identical or similar pictures of objects. Practice matching with these activity ideas.
4 pom pom DIYs for busy toddlers
Pom poms are a fun way to help develop fine motor skills and dexterity, and a great addition to sensory play. Try these quick and easy activities with your child.
Now we are 3: Here’s what to look forward to
Three years old comes with new social-emotional and logic skills, language, independence, curiosity, and a sense of right and wrong. Learn more in our post.
How to handle picky eating—tips and advice from Happy Family
At two, it seems to happen all of a sudden: your baby is a champ eater then picky eating begins. Our friends at Happy Family have tips to help you handle It.
DIY spice paints, nature soup, and more ways to explore smell
Many sensory activities focus on texture, temperature and other tactile properties. Try these ways to incorporate smell into your two-year-old’s sensory play.
The coat flip and more Montessori tips to help children learn to get dressed
For your child, each step of getting dressed is a new skill to learn. Here’s how you can teach your child how to put on pants, shirts, dresses, and coats.
A simple way to teach your child gratitude
A study conducted at UNC Chapel Hill concluded that gratitude has four separate parts. Learn them all and how to help your child put them in practice.
How long should my 2-year-old be able to focus?
Supporting your child’s ability to focus and concentrate helps them get deeper into play and lays a foundation for the mental stamina they’ll need later on.
Try a sound walk (and these 3 other activities) to boost your child’s language skills
Your two-year-old is likely starting to demonstrate more awareness of environmental sounds. Here's how you can help them tune into sound.
How to Montessori your entryway, by Sarah Adams—The Prepared Environment
Your entryway is usually busy, so it's a great place to create a prepared environment. Learn how to do this so your child knows where to find what they need.
5 things happening with your child’s language development right now
A lot of exciting language development happens between your child's second and third birthdays. Here's what you can expect now in terms of language development.
Obsessed with color-matching right now? Try these activities
Here are some ways to practice color-matching, using The Lovevery Drop and Match Dot Catcher and household craft supplies.
Should my child be able to get dressed on their own yet?
Between 28 and 32 months, children often have enough strength and coordination to pull on clothes. Here's how you can support them.
Do this quick prep for a peaceful playdate
Playdates are a great time to develop social skills like building friendships and taking turns. Here's how to support your child before and during a playdate.
Tape roadways, color tag, and other fun ways to get the energy out
When you can't get to the park, these activities involve minimal materials and prep, and support large body movements to help your child get their energy out.
6 ideas for dramatic play
As children approach age 3, they engage more in symbolic play: using objects to stand in for others. Here are 6 ideas for dramatic play with your two-year-old.
This classic activity lays the foundation for math skills
Support your two-year-old's emerging sorting skills, using the Lovevery Reach for the Stars Matching Cards.
How to cope when your child favors one parent over another
In a two-parent home, almost every child will favor one parent over the other at some point. Here's how to handle it when it happens in your family.
Yes, 2-year-olds are capable of empathy—here’s how to encourage the essential skill
A critical piece of teaching kindness is empathy. Here are some ways to help your two-year-old understand, share, and connect with someone else's feelings.
This is how we put on our shoes and socks
The fine-motor skills involved in putting on (and taking off) shoes and socks are complex. Here's how to help your child learn to put on their shoes and socks.
When do children learn to tell time?
Routines, sequences, and using time-related words all lay the groundwork for your child’s developing understanding of time.
4 fun sensory activities that build neural pathways
Sensory activities engage the body and mind in a way that builds critical neural pathways. Here are some sensory activities with varying levels of messiness.
How to help your 2-year-old overcome new feelings of fear
Between the ages of 24 and 30 months, many children can suddenly start to develop more pronounced fears. Here's how to respond.
Is your toddler ready to take turns and share?
When we talk about sharing with two-year-olds, what we’re really talking about is turn-taking. Here are some tips for helping your child learn to take turns.
4 games that will help your child take turns with grace
Taking turns comes before sharing, and your child is ready to practice that now with some adult guidance.
How to pre-wire your child’s brain for reading
As early as 2, your child is starting to understand how books work. Here are some strategies to encourage your budding reader by encouraging "print motivation."
Why fewer choices help your child establish independence
Psychologists recommend giving your child only 2 choices at a time when they want to make decisions. Here are some everyday decision-making activities for kids.
Why it’s okay to not force that hug, by Lovevery CEO Jessica Rolph
Lovevery CEO Jessica Rolph discusses how empowering children to choose how they show affection can help them establish healthy boundaries later on.
A minimalist approach to independent play
Independent play is beneficial to your toddler's development, but they need your help to build this skill.
The surprising learning power of a mirror
Mirror play builds self-awareness, empathy, and social-emotional learning. Here are 4 ways to teach your child using their reflection and yours.
This everyday item is a powerhouse for pretend play
Cardboard is inexpensive, plentiful, and just right for a two-year-old getting into new kinds of pretend play. Here are 4 cardboard activities for your two-year-old.
Why laundry time is learning time
Keeping toddlers engaged while doing chores can be a challenge. Here are some fun and fresh ways you can get your toddler involved with laundry.
Endless fun with a sensory bag
When you just can't face another major clean-up for the sake of sensory exploration, these bags are a great way to let you little one explore without any mess.
Your Baby’s Physical Development: 9 Months
Watch Lovevery CEO Jessica Rolph discuss developmental milestones for your 9-month old with licensed occupational therapist and founder of CanDo Kiddo, Rachel Coley.
Two-year-old-friendly math activities in everyday life
Your toddler already understands the basics of advanced mathematical concepts. Here are some ways to bring math into everyday life with your toddler.
8 tips for safe swaddling
Try these expert tips to swaddle your baby in a way that supports safe and healthy development.
