Ages 0-1 Why Babies Sigh
Ever noticed the way your sweetly sleeping baby will suddenly sigh like the weight of the world rests on his tiny shoulders?
Of course, he isn't really sighing over his tough life--he's just taking an extra-deep breath. In fact, infants do this a lot more than adults, about once every few minutes.
Deep breaths help a baby's lungs work properly by opening small airways. Most of the time these airways work just fine, but occasionally (and this is normal in infants) a few of the very smallest need extra help to stay open. Sighs provide this little boost and make breathing easier.
So when you hear your baby sigh, that just means his body's taking care of itself. Starting at a few months he'll need those deep breaths, and long sighs, less often.
Shake, rattle and hold
Get two adorable plush pals in one with the Footsy Friends rattle, packed with such satisfying features as bells that jingle, rings that clink, and tags to pull. The rattle comes with a hook so you can tether it to a crib or stroller, but we're betting your baby won't let this one go. (Infantino, $6; infantino.com for stores)
NOW'S THE TIME TO…
Take down the mobile--if your baby is about 6 months old, that is. Once he can sit up by himself, he could grab the hanging objects and might become entangled.
Little-kid talk
Q My toddler mispronounces certain words and phrases, saying things like "I wuv waisins." It's so cute--but should I correct him?
No. Just make a point to model the right way to say things ("Yes, I love raisins, too!").
Kids tend to pick up the easiest sounds--vowels--first, and more difficult ones later on. Since your child's mouth is growing and changing, certain letters and sounds (like "j" and "ch") may be tricky right now.
There's no need to make a big deal of slipups. If you think he's having an especially hard time with a certain word, like "little," have him repeat it back to you. That way you'll know whether he's not yet able to make the "l" sound (many kids don't get it until close to 5), or whether he's just unsure when and how to use it. In either case, give him a few more years to get the hang of it before you check with your doctor.
MOM TIP!
"I bought my independent three-year-old four tops and four bottoms that match. She gets to dress herself-and I don't have to worry about her pairing a striped top with animal-print pants!"
WENDY HILGENKAMP, ARLINGTON, NB
STEAL THIS IDEA! Rest time
Most kids give up naps by age 4, which can leave them (and their parents) turning into basket cases by dinner. Sound familiar? Instead of losing your temper (and sanity), set a time each afternoon when your child hangs out alone in his room and focuses on low-energy activities, like looking at books or doing a puzzle. You'll both get a chance to recharge, and by calling this something like "rest time" or "room time," you're more likely to get your child (who fancies himself far beyond naps) on board.
ESTHER CHAPMAN
By: Sarah, Rachel, Chapman, Esther, Parenting, Sep2006
Of course, he isn't really sighing over his tough life--he's just taking an extra-deep breath. In fact, infants do this a lot more than adults, about once every few minutes.
Deep breaths help a baby's lungs work properly by opening small airways. Most of the time these airways work just fine, but occasionally (and this is normal in infants) a few of the very smallest need extra help to stay open. Sighs provide this little boost and make breathing easier.
So when you hear your baby sigh, that just means his body's taking care of itself. Starting at a few months he'll need those deep breaths, and long sighs, less often.
Shake, rattle and hold
Get two adorable plush pals in one with the Footsy Friends rattle, packed with such satisfying features as bells that jingle, rings that clink, and tags to pull. The rattle comes with a hook so you can tether it to a crib or stroller, but we're betting your baby won't let this one go. (Infantino, $6; infantino.com for stores)
NOW'S THE TIME TO…
Take down the mobile--if your baby is about 6 months old, that is. Once he can sit up by himself, he could grab the hanging objects and might become entangled.
Little-kid talk
Q My toddler mispronounces certain words and phrases, saying things like "I wuv waisins." It's so cute--but should I correct him?
No. Just make a point to model the right way to say things ("Yes, I love raisins, too!").
Kids tend to pick up the easiest sounds--vowels--first, and more difficult ones later on. Since your child's mouth is growing and changing, certain letters and sounds (like "j" and "ch") may be tricky right now.
There's no need to make a big deal of slipups. If you think he's having an especially hard time with a certain word, like "little," have him repeat it back to you. That way you'll know whether he's not yet able to make the "l" sound (many kids don't get it until close to 5), or whether he's just unsure when and how to use it. In either case, give him a few more years to get the hang of it before you check with your doctor.
MOM TIP!
"I bought my independent three-year-old four tops and four bottoms that match. She gets to dress herself-and I don't have to worry about her pairing a striped top with animal-print pants!"
WENDY HILGENKAMP, ARLINGTON, NB
STEAL THIS IDEA! Rest time
Most kids give up naps by age 4, which can leave them (and their parents) turning into basket cases by dinner. Sound familiar? Instead of losing your temper (and sanity), set a time each afternoon when your child hangs out alone in his room and focuses on low-energy activities, like looking at books or doing a puzzle. You'll both get a chance to recharge, and by calling this something like "rest time" or "room time," you're more likely to get your child (who fancies himself far beyond naps) on board.
ESTHER CHAPMAN
By: Sarah, Rachel, Chapman, Esther, Parenting, Sep2006
posted by James at 4:11 AM
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