Your Baby’s Development at 6-12 months Old

👶 We all know that every age in your baby’s development is special and precious, but let’s talk about a truly magical age: the age of discovery and wonder—6 to 12 months! 🌼 This is when your little one is blossoming into a tiny adventurer, ready to conquer the world one giggle at a time. And guess what? Our classes are tailor-made to make this stage even more extraordinary!

🌈 Why 6 to 12 Months is so important 🌈

This age is a pivotal period for your baby’s development. Their senses are sharpening, motor skills are improving, and curiosity is at an all-time high. It’s like they have a front-row seat to a magnificent show, and we’re here to make it the best performance of their young lives!

👀 Sensory Bonanza: At this stage, everything is fascinating! Our classes engage your baby’s senses with vibrant visuals, delightful sounds, and textures that ignite their curiosity.

🖐️ Motor Marvels: From reaching and grasping to crawling and cruising, your little one is mastering their motor skills. Our classes offer activities that encourage and support this physical development in a fun and safe environment.

👶 Social Butterfly Emergence: It’s all about interactions now! Our classes provide the perfect setting for your baby to socialize with other adorable bundles of joy, promoting early social skills and camaraderie.

😃 Joyful Bonding: Attending our classes not only benefits your baby but provides you with an incredible bonding experience. Sharing these delightful moments and witnessing your baby’s joy is absolutely priceless!

💫 Why Our Classes Are Extraordinary 💫

Our classes are designed to captivate your baby’s attention, nurture their development, and fill your hearts with joy. We’re dedicated to creating a space where both you and your little one can thrive, learn, and make beautiful memories together.

So, come join us in this amazing adventure of discovery, growth, and endless giggles! Let’s celebrate these precious 6 to 12 months and create magical memories that’ll last a lifetime. 🌟✨

Ready to embark on this adventure with us? Drop us a message or tag a fellow mama who’s ready for some exciting baby-filled fun! 🎉👶 

 

 

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Mum Guilt

What is ‘Mum Guilt’ and why do we feel it?

 

Mum guilt is a term that most mums are very familiar with, it refers to the emotional and psychological experience that many of us go through, where we feel guilty or anxious about aspects of our parenting, work-life balance, or decisions related to our children.

 

It can feel like a shadow that trails behind us; a silent companion woven into the fabric of our lives. It’s the echo of every decision, every choice, resonating with the question, “Am I doing enough for my child?”

 

From the moment we become mothers, we find ourselves navigating a maze of expectations, judgments, and comparisons. Society often paints an ideal image of the perfect mother, a portrait of selflessness and constant sacrifice. The pressure to live up to this ideal can feel suffocating at times.

 

Mum guilt is pervasive and sneaky, finding a way to seep into even the tiniest crevices of a mother’s heart. It creeps in when you are too tired to play, too swamped to attend a school event, or even when you just want a moment alone. It whispers, “You could do better,” even when you are giving your all.

 

Mainly, this feeling comes from societal expectations or perceived comparisons with other mothers along with pressure to be a “perfect” parent, and the desire to meet both personal and family needs.

 

Ironically, ‘mum guilt’ doesn’t just arise from societal pressures, but also from within. Us mothers often set impossibly high standards, aiming for a perfection that’s unattainable. Every mistake, no matter how small, can be amplified by a sense of personal failure. I think this is the key to why we don’t hear the phase ‘Dad Guilt’ anywhere nearly as often.

 

Historically, mothers have been traditionally expected to bear the primary responsibility for childcare and household duties, which can lead to a different set of pressures and guilt compared to fathers. In recent years, there has been a shift towards more equal parenting roles, but societal norms and expectations still contribute to the perception of “mum guilt” in distinct ways.

 

So come on, I would love to hear what have you felt guilty about with regard to your parenting recently and I wonder if your partner or husband would hold those same feelings of guilt?

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Baby Classes: hidden benefits for you grown ups too

🌟 Hey there, Adventurers! 🌟 Did you know that attending baby classes goes beyond just fun playtime for your little ones? 🚼💖 Let’s chat about the amazing benefits of social interaction for us parents in these enriching classes!

👩‍👦 Bonding Time: Baby classes provide a fantastic opportunity to bond with our adorable bundles of joy. Through engaging activities and play, we get to connect with our little ones on a whole new level, creating lasting memories together.

🤝 Community Connection: One of the best parts is meeting and connecting with fellow parents who are on the same exciting parenting journey. Sharing stories, laughter, and advice in a supportive community creates a sense of togetherness and understanding.

📚 Knowledge Sharing: Baby classes often offer valuable insights into child development and parenting tips from experienced instructors. It’s like a crash course in understanding our baby’s growth and needs, making us more confident in our parenting skills.

💃 Parental Self-Care: These classes give us a chance to step away from the daily hustle and bustle, allowing us to focus solely on our little ones in a relaxed, enjoyable setting. It’s a refreshing break that rejuvenates both body and mind!

🎶 Musical Magic: Music and movement activities in baby classes not only make our babies giggle and clap but also provide a therapeutic outlet for us parents. We get to dance, sing, and let loose—truly a joyful stress-reliever!

🙌 Developmental Milestones: Watching our babies interact with others, play, and explore in a structured environment is heart-warming. Baby classes encourage early learning and developmental milestones, setting a strong foundation for their future growth.

🎉 Celebrating Milestones Together: As our little ones achieve milestones, big or small, we celebrate these precious moments alongside other parents who truly understand the journey. It’s a beautiful reminder that we’re all in this incredible parenting adventure together.

So, let’s keep embracing the wonderful benefits of social interaction at baby classes—building friendships, gaining knowledge, and creating beautiful memories with our tiny tots. Here’s to the joy of parenting and the shared experiences that make it all the more special!

Come and say Hi on our social media platform to stay in touch with parents before and after classes! 

 

Baby Classes Adventure Babies

 

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5 Signs of Colic in Newborn Babies

Understanding Colic in Newborn Babies: Recognising the Five Tell-tale Signs

Welcoming a newborn into the world is an exciting and joyous occasion. However, for some parents, the arrival of colic can add a layer of stress and concern to this happy journey. Colic is a common condition that affects many infants, typically appearing within the first few weeks of life. Recognising the signs of colic is crucial for parents to understand and address this issue. Here are the five tell-tale signs of colic in newborn Babies:

  1. Excessive Crying:

One of the hallmark signs of colic is excessive crying, often for no apparent reason. Infants with colic may cry for hours at a time, especially in the late afternoon or evening. The crying may be intense and inconsolable, leaving parents feeling helpless and worried.

  1. Difficulty Soothing:

Newborns with colic can be remarkably challenging to soothe. Traditional comforting techniques like feeding, rocking, or swaddling might provide temporary relief, but the crying tends to resume shortly after. This difficulty in calming the baby is a frustrating aspect of dealing with colic.

  1. Knees to Tummy:

Colicky babies often display a characteristic posture during episodes of discomfort. They may draw their knees up towards their tummy, clenching their little fists as they grimace in apparent discomfort. This behaviour is a clear indicator of colic-related discomfort.

  1. Clenching Fists and Red Face:

Infants experiencing colic frequently clench their fists and have a flushed or red face during crying spells. These physical manifestations highlight the distress and discomfort they are going through, adding to the parents’ concern and worry.

  1. Tummy Rumbles:

Audible tummy rumbles and gurgles are common occurrences in colicky babies. These noises often accompany the other signs and suggest that the baby is experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort, a significant component of colic.

Understanding these signs is crucial for parents, as it allows them to differentiate between normal crying and the signs of colic. If you suspect your newborn may have colic, it’s essential to consult with your GP. They can provide guidance, reassurance, and potential strategies to help manage colic and provide relief for both the baby and the family.

 

Colic can be challenging for both parents and infants, but being aware of these five signs can help identify and address this condition promptly. Patience, support, and professional advice are key in navigating this phase and ensuring the well-being of both the baby and the family. It is a great chance to chat to other parents if you are going though this so please join us at your local Adventure Babies where you will meet lots of other new parents with similarly aged babies.  

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Sensory Activities for colder days…

Cozy up with these sensory activities for colder days…

Embrace the Cozy Vibes: Sensory Activities for Colder Months

 

As the temperature drops and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing quite like indulging in cozy sensory activities to warm your spirit and enhance your well-being. The colder months invite us to slow down, cozy up, and engage our senses in delightful ways. In this blog post, we’ll explore a variety of sensory activities to help you embrace the charm of winter and create a cozy atmosphere in the comfort of your home.

 

Hot Cocoa and Aromatherapy:

  • Prepare a mug of hot cocoa with your favorite toppings (marshmallows, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon) and savor the rich, comforting aroma. Let the scent of cocoa and warm beverages fill your space, triggering a sense of comfort and relaxation.

Fuzzy Blankets and Soft Textiles:

  • Wrap little ones in a plush, fuzzy blanket and enjoy the softness against their skin. Experiment with different textures and materials to find what soothes them best. Consider adding velvety pillows or a fluffy rug to enhance the tactile experience.

 

Crackling Fireplace or Ambient Sounds:

  • If you have a fireplace, light it up and listen to the soothing crackle of burning wood. Alternatively, play ambient sounds of crackling fires or gentle rain, creating a serene auditory atmosphere that enhances the cozy ambiance.

Candlelight and Mood Lighting:

  • Light scented candles or set up string lights to add a warm, soft glow to your living space. The flickering candlelight and gentle illumination will create a calming and inviting environment for little ones.

Scented Potpourri or Essential Oils:

  • Create a delightful potpourri mix with dried spices, citrus peels, and aromatic herbs like cinnamon sticks and cloves. Alternatively, use essential oils in a diffuser to fill the air with seasonal scents like pine, cinnamon, or vanilla, bringing the essence of winter indoors.

Aromatherapeutic Bath:

  • Treat little ones to a luxurious, warm bath infused with essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, or eucalyptus. Immerse yourself and them in the relaxing scents and let the warm water soothe your muscles and calm your mind.

Baking and Cooking Comfort Foods:

  • Engage a sense of taste and smell by baking or cooking your favorite comfort foods like cookies, pies, soups, or stews. The aroma of freshly baked goods will fill your home, creating a cozy and appetising atmosphere. If your baby is old enough let them explore the new flavours or if not allow them to explore the textures with their hands and feet.

Soft Music or Nature Sounds:

  • Play soft instrumental music or nature sounds like rain, forest, or ocean waves in the background. Allow the soothing sounds to transport you both to a tranquil and peaceful state of mind.

 

Texture Exploration with Fabrics:

Seasonal Reading Nook:

  • Set up a cozy reading nook with soft blankets, plush pillows, and warm lighting. Delve into a captivating book, getting lost in the words and the ambiance.

 

The colder months are a wonderful opportunity to create a sensory-rich, cozy haven in your own home. By incorporating these delightful sensory activities into your routine, you can fully immerse your little one in the pleasures of winter, bringing comfort and joy to even the chilliest of days. Stay warm, embrace the coziness, and relish the beauty of the season!Sensory Activities

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Help your Baby meet their Developmental Milestones

Ah, nurturing your little one to reach those precious developmental milestones is a thrilling and rewarding journey. Help your baby to meet these milestones ensures that they are on track with their growth and development. Here are our tips to help you support and encourage your baby’s growth and development:

 

Engage in Playtime:

Spend quality time playing with your baby. Use colourful toys, books, and interactive games to stimulate their senses and encourage exploration.

 

Encourage Tummy Time:

Place your baby on their tummy to help develop their neck, back, and shoulder muscles. Always supervise tummy time and gradually increase the duration as they grow.

 

Offer Lots of Interaction:

Engage in face-to-face interactions and maintain eye contact. Talk, sing, and make different facial expressions to encourage communication and social skills.

 

Provide a Safe Environment:

Ensure a safe and secure space for your baby to move around and explore. Baby-proof your home to prevent accidents and allow for unrestricted movement.

 

Promote Motor Skills:

Encourage reaching, grabbing, and grasping objects. Use toys that are appropriate for their age and developmental stage to improve their motor skills.

 

Read to Your Baby:

Reading aloud to your baby promotes language development and cognitive skills. Choose age-appropriate books with vibrant pictures and simple text.

 

Offer a Variety of Textures:

Let your baby touch different textures like soft blankets, bumpy toys, or smooth surfaces to enhance their sensory experiences.

 

Facilitate Movement:

Provide opportunities for your baby to move and explore, whether it’s through crawling, rolling, or reaching. Clear a safe area where they can move freely.

 

Encourage Exploration:

Allow your baby to explore their surroundings, whether it’s through reaching for objects, touching various surfaces, or listening to different sounds. You could always join your local Adventure Babies class! 

 

Maintain a Routine:

Establish a daily routine for feeding, napping, and playtime. Consistent routines provide a sense of security and structure for your baby.

 

Offer Balanced Nutrition:

Ensure your baby is receiving a nutritious and balanced diet suitable for their age. Consult a GP for guidance on appropriate foods and feeding schedules.

Get Regular Check-ups:

Schedule regular well-baby check-ups with your GP or health visitor. They will monitor your baby’s growth and development and provide guidance based on their progress.

 

Celebrate Progress:

Celebrate each milestone your baby achieves, no matter how small. Offer praise and encouragement to boost their confidence and motivation.

 

From their first adorable smile to their wobbly first steps, each milestone marks a step forward in their journey towards independence and understanding the world around them. Meeting developmental milestones is a clear indication that your baby is in good health, if there are delays or deviations, early detection can be crucial. It allows for timely interventions, which might make a significant difference in their overall development.

 

Remember, every baby develops at their own pace. Be patient, provide love, and create a stimulating environment that encourages growth and exploration.

Developmental Milestones

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Newborn Development for 0-3 month olds

Tiny Triumphs – Who’s in the newborn club?

Let’s look at development of our smallest adventurers!

Hey there, proud parents

The first three months with a newborn are an extraordinary rollercoaster of emotions, sleepless nights, and heart-melting moments. It’s a time when your little one transforms from a squishy newborn into a tiny human with budding personality traits. Today, we’re diving into the magical world of developmental milestones in babies aged 0-3 months.

 

Week 1-2: The Newborn Marvel

Congratulations! You’ve just brought home your little miracle. During the first couple of weeks, your baby is still adjusting to life outside the womb. Here’s what you can expect:

The Grasp Reflex: When you touch your baby’s palm, they’ll instinctively grip your finger. It’s like they’re saying, “Hold my hand, please!”

The Startle Reflex: Loud noises or sudden movements might make your baby flail their arms and legs. It’s their way of showing they’re still getting used to this big, noisy world.

The Rooting Reflex: If you stroke your baby’s cheek, they’ll turn their head toward your hand, seeking that sweet source of nourishment: the breast or bottle.

 

Week 3-6: Smiles and Social Butterflies

Around this time, you might be blessed with your baby’s first social smile. It’s not just gas; it’s genuine happiness! 😊

Social Smiles: Your heart will melt when your baby looks at you and smiles. It’s a sign they’re recognizing your face and bonding with you.

Tummy Time: Begin incorporating short tummy time sessions to help your baby strengthen their neck muscles. It’s a workout that sets the stage for future milestones.

 

Week 7-12: Coos and Giggles Galore

Get ready for some delightful vocalisations! Your baby will start experimenting with sounds, giving you a taste of their developing personality.

Cooing: You might hear your baby making adorable cooing sounds. Respond to them; it’s the beginning of conversations to come!

Tracking Objects: Watch in awe as your little one begins to follow objects with their eyes. It’s like their own mini safari adventure.

Giggles: Laughter alert! Some babies start giggling around this age, often in response to playful interactions with you.

 

Week 13: The Grand Finale of the Newborn Phase

As you reach the end of the first three months, you’ll be amazed at how your tiny newborn has transformed into a more interactive and expressive baby. They’ve grown in leaps and bounds, both figuratively and literally.

Head Control: Your baby’s neck muscles are getting stronger, allowing for better head control. Support them during tummy time to encourage this development.

First Interaction: Your baby might start showing more interest in their surroundings and other people. Peek-a-boo becomes the ultimate hit!

Sleep Patterns: You might notice that your baby’s sleep patterns are slowly becoming more predictable. You might even get a few longer stretches of shut-eye.

As you cherish each moment with your little one, remember that every baby develops at their own pace. Celebrate these milestones as they come and savour the journey of discovery together.

Feel free to share your own experiences either in class, or on our Adventure Babies Instagram page

Let’s celebrate the tiny triumphs of these precious first three months! 🍼👶💕

Until next time,

Emma x

Newborn Development

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Keeping your Baby Comfortable during Hot Weather

During hot weather, it’s important to ensure that your baby sleeps comfortably and safely. Here are some recommendations for what your baby should sleep in during hot weather:

  1. Light and Breathable Clothing: Dress your baby in light, breathable clothing made of natural fabrics like cotton. Avoid overdressing and keep the clothing loose-fitting to allow air circulation.
  2. Sleep Sack: Instead of heavy blankets, consider using a lightweight sleep sack that is appropriate for the temperature. Make sure it’s not too tight and allows your baby to move their hips comfortably.
  3. Fan or Air Conditioning: If you have access to air conditioning or a fan, use it to maintain a comfortable sleeping environment. Just make sure the baby isn’t placed directly in front of a fan or exposed to a chilly AC draft.
  4. Adjust Room Temperature: Keep the room at a comfortable temperature. It’s generally recommended to keep the room between 16-20°C for a baby’s sleep. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and ensure it’s not too hot or too cold.
  5. Cot Placement: Place the cot away from direct sunlight and heat sources. If your baby’s room gets a lot of sunlight, consider using blackout curtains to keep the room cooler.
  6. Hydration: If your baby is breastfeeding or formula feeding, ensure they are well-hydrated during hot weather. Breast milk or formula provides the necessary hydration. If your baby is older and consuming solid foods, you can offer water in small amounts as well.
  7. Check for Overheating: Regularly check your baby to make sure they are not overheating. Feel their neck or back to see if they are too warm. Sweating excessively or having flushed skin can be signs of overheating.
  8. Skip Extra Bedding: Avoid using unnecessary bedding like thick blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals in the crib. These items can increase the risk of overheating.
  9. Skin-to-Skin Contact: Consider having skin-to-skin contact with your baby for short periods of time. This helps regulate their body temperature and creates a sense of comfort.
  10. Nap Time Locations: If the baby’s room is too hot during the day, consider having them nap in a cooler room or even in a well-ventilated pram. Just ensure they are supervised at all times.

Always prioritize your baby’s safety and comfort. If you’re unsure about how to dress your baby or how to create a safe sleep environment, you can consult with your GP for personalised guidance based on your baby’s age and health. Or chat to your local Adventure Babies team about how to keep your baby comfortable in this hot weather. 

 

Keep your baby cool during hot weather

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When will my baby start to talk?

When Will My Baby Start To Talk?

Babies typically start babbling and making sounds within their first few months of life. However, the age at which they begin to say their first words can vary. On average, most babies say their first words between 9 and 12 months of age. Some babies may start talking as early as 7 or 8 months, while others may take a little longer and begin speaking around 15 months.

It’s important to keep in mind that each baby develops at their own pace, and there is a wide range of what is considered normal. Some babies may be more focused on physical development initially, while others may show a stronger inclination towards language skills. Also, the language environment and interactions within the family play a significant role in language development.

Before saying their first words, babies often engage in babbling, cooing, and experimenting with sounds. These early vocalisations are part of the process of developing the muscles and coordination needed for speech.

If you have concerns about your baby’s language development, it’s always a good idea to consult with your GP or a speech-language pathologist. They can assess your baby’s development, provide guidance, and offer suggestions for activities that can support their language skills such as our Adventure Babies sensory storytelling classes.

 

babies babbling

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How to Support Your Baby’s Development

Encouraging your baby to reach out and grasp objects is beneficial for your baby’s  development in several ways:

Fine motor skills: Grasping objects helps babies develop their fine motor skills, which involve the coordination of small muscles, such as those in their fingers and hands. As they practice reaching and grasping, they learn to control their movements and develop greater precision and dexterity.

Hand-eye coordination: When your baby reaches out and grasps an objects, they are required to coordinate their hand movements with their visual perception. This helps improve hand-eye coordination, as they learn to judge distances, align their hands correctly, and manipulate objects based on what they see.

Cognitive development: Grasping objects allows your baby to explore their environment and engage with the world around them. By reaching out and grabbing objects, they learn about cause and effect, as they realize that their actions can have an impact. They also begin to understand concepts such as object permanence, which is the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are out of sight.

Sensory exploration: When your baby grasps objects, they experience different textures, shapes, and sizes, providing them with sensory stimulation. This sensory exploration helps them develop their tactile senses and enhances their understanding of the physical world.

Independence and self-confidence: As your baby learns to reach out and grasp objects, they gain a sense of independence and control over their surroundings. They become more self-reliant in satisfying their own curiosity and needs. This independence and mastery over their environment contribute to their overall self-confidence and motivation to explore and learn.

To encourage your baby’s development, Adventure Babies classes are filled with exciting resources and inviting activities delivered by well trained early years professionals.

baby's development

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