Sippy Cups . . . for mom (or dad!)

It is rare that I product promote on this site, particularly Babysmartees products, but I just have to tell you about these!

Babysmartees has launched a new, fun product, The Sippy Cup.

These personalized glasses are great for everyone! They make a wonderful gift for all occasions, especially baby showers and VALENTINES DAY!

Personalize with any name. Glass is dishwasher safe! Made in USA. Order now: GLASSES ARE HANDPAINTED: ALLOW 1 WEEK UNTIL SHIPPED

Infant Stimulation Activity 117: spool of thread

Changing what a baby sees rolling is as stimulating as the action of rolling. Try rolling a spool of thread towards your baby and then roll it away. This is a great activity for a 2-3 month old to practice eye tracking (following the an object in motion) and a whole different activity for a 4-6 month old who may be able get in on the rolling action.

Always supervise your baby. Baby's have a way of getting all kinds of objects into their mouths; use a spool of thread that is too large for this to happen.

Infant Stimulation Activity 116: rattle this

A baby's rattle does not have to be something bought at the store with a little jingle sound. Try making your own rattles. Put some dried beans into a plastic container and fasten the lid on securely with tape. Shake it gently to one side of your baby's head and wait for him to locate the sound.

You can try different sounds by using rice, buttons and macaroni. See if baby prefers certain sounds to other ones.

Infant Stimulation Activity 115: yo-yo

Help your young infant with eye tracking by using a yo-yo. Baby will be interested in following the movement and you take a step back to your youth in attempting this fun game!

This activity is recommended for a 2-3 month old because a younger infant is not sitting up yet in order to see the up and down movement of the yo-yo. An older baby will certainly enjoy enjoy the yo-yo's movement too; just be sure he cannot get close enough to the string. You do not want any string wrapped around little fingers or ending up in baby's mouth.

Infant Stimulation Activity 114: scrunch bag

Fill a soft fabric bag with cellophane paper, metallic gift-wrap or any other paper that makes noise. Fasten the bag then let your baby discover the noise it makes when he holds it, squeezes it or kicks at it.

This is a wonderful time to see your baby making the connection of her movement and the sound, as well as seeing her reaction to the scrunchy sound.

Homemade Baby Food

Babysmartees has always promoted making homemade baby food.

The benefits are many:

• All natural
• Nothing processed
• No recalls
• More nutritious
• Save money
• Easy transition to adult food
• Wider variety of foods
  

Join us for a homemade baby food class (click here to register) or give yourself or someone you care about a Babysmartees Homemade Baby Food Starter Kit. Set baby on the path to great nutrition and the love of good wholesome homemade food.

Infant Stimulation Activity 113: whisper time

By 5-6 months you have been interacting with baby lots and talking with him and playing all kinds of games. A fun twist on this is to do whisper time. Get close to your baby and whisper to him; whisper how much you love him, how beautiful you think he is, how smart he is, and how very happy you are that he is your baby. He will enjoy the feeling of closeness, the intimacy, and he will sense the beautiful things you are telling him.

This is probably best done when he is not eager for activity, perhaps at the end of another interactive activity and your baby is ready to wind down or take a break.

Of course, this activity can be done at any age with baby, but it is likely that you have not been whispering as much when he is 6 months old (and alert and active and interactive) as when he was a newborn (and new and quiet and fragile). You will see how much fun it is to change it up!

Infant Stimulation Activity 112: swim lessons

Many pools offer "swim lessons" for babies once they are 6 months old. I put this in quotes as children generally are not developmentally ready for formal swim lessons until at least age 3 or 4. Most programs for a 6-month-old are a parent-child class where the parent holds the baby while in the pool. This is the perfect set-up for an infant stimulation activity!

Together you will enjoy the sensation of the water. Water is caressing and its buoyancy will be a whole new feeling for you both. Also, what a great change of pace during the winter months!

A good class will have you singing songs, moving through the water while holding your baby, eventually experiencing splashing water, and possibly even having baby go under water. You and your baby should be enjoying yourselves; this activity not only should build a foundation for a love of the water, but should provide a quality face-to-face bonding experience between you and your baby.

NEW! HOMEMADE BABY FOOD CLASS

Babysmartees is proud to invite you to join our homemade baby food class (for anyone who will be in the Saratoga Springs, NY region).

Wednesday, January 19, 2011
9:30 am at Virgil's House on Henry Street

Learn to make your own baby food and set your child on the path to a great relationship with good food. Food that is all natural, more nutritious, nothing is processed, and you do not have to worry about recalls. You can also save money, make the transition to adult food easier for your baby, and offer a wider variety of foods.

It is fun. It is easy. And it is good for your baby.

Click here to register today.

Happy New Year from Babysmartees!

May you and your baby enjoy many stimulating activities in 2011.