My Developmental Soap Box

If someone asks my advice regarding infants, I say, "Tummy time. The more tummy time your babies does, the better." Fortunately, Josiah likes tummy time. He loves to look at himself in the mirror. He always smiles at the baby in the mirror. He also likes to look at other toys, like the little Mickey Mouse that one of my former coworkers gave me before Wesley was born.
I sometimes find myself trying to explain to other parents why their babies shouldn't watch tv. One of the reasons is because brain activity actually decreases while they watch tv. About five years ago a grandmother told me, "But he learns so much from the videos." Well, the company was sued and forced to remove all educational labeling from the DVDs and give out refunds.
The other big piece of advice I have is NO BABY WAlKERS! I actually told a mom this is in Buy Buy Baby on Sunday. Her little girl was enjoying the baby walker but I felt compelled to try to persuade the mom not to get it. They really are of no benefit to development and in some cases, if the baby is struggling at all with gross motor skills, they can actually interfere with normal development. Thankfully, I didn't offend the mom in the store and she thanked me for my advice.
Of course I stick Josiah in the bouncy seat. This is especially helpful right after he eats. I also plan on using an exersaucer when I am in the shower once he can sit independently on the floor and play with toys. But, I really do try to give him as much time as possible on the floor. I think all babies benefit from playing on the floor more than being in equipment.
Okay, I will get off my developmental soap box now.

Here is a picture of Wesley and Lydia doing one of their favorite things - cutting with scissors. They love the Kumon cutting books.