'COVID Babies' Aren't Talking As Much As They Should. How Much Is The Pandemic To Blame?

 Babies born during the pandemic are talking later and saying less, according to a growing body of research. And, experts say verbal delays are often the first sign of broader developmental issues. Read More >

New App Helps Parents Track Child's Developmental Milestones

The Milestone Tracker app, available in iOS and Android mobile phones, was developed by CDC’s Learn the Signs. Act Early. program to help parents, early care and education providers, and health care providers track developmental milestones in young children. Through this app and its many other parent-friendly tools, the program aims to improve the early identification of children with developmental delays and disabilities, including autism, so children and families can get the support and services they need as early as possible.

Lack Of Uniformity In Newborn Testing Under Review

In an effort to prevent treatable conditions from causing permanent disabilities in children, an influential committee said it would study inconsistencies in newborn screening. Read More ;

Childhood Development

All About Young Children - In 8 different languages - Check out the All About Young Children website, where you can find out about what skills help children learn, how they learn language, how they learn about numbers, and how they become skillful at moving their bodies.  Share the site with families who are learning about childhood development. 

What You Should Know About Thumb-Sucking, Pacifiers, and Other Non-Nutritive Oral Habits

Babies have the innate need to suck. It’s a reflex they are born with. Non-nutritive sucking (NNS) refers to a sucking behavior that does not provide any nutritional benefit. So nursing and bottle-feeding are nutritive, while thumb-sucking, finger-sucking, and pacifiers are non-nutritive. Surprisingly, NNS can actually be beneficial for babies. Benefits for Babies NNS is the first step in helping babies learn to self-regulate emotions and feelings and to self-soothe. Babies actually begin finger-sucking in utero as early as 20 to 29 weeks gestation. Read in browser »

5 Books that can Teach New Parents about Child Development

The five books I recommend this month are great for parents, caretakers, and educators working with infants to children aged ten. These resources were written by autism specialists, and occupational therapists who are experts in their field.
Most of the games and activities are easy-to-do, enjoyable, and require only simple things that are found in many homes with children. Many parents of infants and young children are probably doing a lot of what the authors of these books and activity cards suggest. However, reading about it will give them a boost of confidence and a sure path to follow for the rest of their child’s formative years.  http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2014/06/23/5-books-that-can-teach-new-parents-about-child-development/?utm_source=Friendship+Circle+Blog&utm_campaign=4b484f611e-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3ec270b4ae-4b484f611e-199142745