What is a schema? As your small child grows you have probably come across the term schemas, but what is a schema? Schemas are repeated patterns of behaviour that children will go through in order to learn about and explore their environment. These schemas (patterns of behaviour) are present from birth. You will…
and why is vestibular so important? We know that it is important for our children’s health that we make sure that they have an active lifestyle, but did you know that for babies and toddlers movement is an essential for their development? This is because of something called our vestibular and our vestibular system …
Babies enter a world of endless possibilities, brimming with opportunities for learning. As parents, understanding the various types of learning play for 0-3 year-olds becomes crucial in nurturing their cognitive and social development. In this blog, we’ll explore the different stages of learning play, emphasizing the importance of active engagement and providing insights on how…
Hearing vs Listening Distinguishing between hearing and listening is crucial; hearing is a passive act, whereas listening involves a proactive engagement. Developing the ability to actively listen to various sounds, music, and instructions lays the foundation for your baby’s concentration skills. Concentration, being a skill that can be cultivated, is significantly influenced by parental…
Embarking on the adventure of parenthood is like uncovering the secrets of your baby’s very own superhero abilities. Picture this: your little one, equipped with tiny but mighty reflexes that play out like scenes from a superhero origin story. 1. Root Reflex: The Quest for Nourishment In the early weeks, your baby exhibits the Root…
Are baby classes worth it? So many reasons but social development is one of the most important. Raising a baby is a wonderful journey, especially seeing them grow socially. Have you ever wondered how they learn to connect with others? Or when they start making their first friends? Right from the beginning, your baby begins…
HAPPY NEW YEAR to all new parents embarking on what is the most incredible journey! As you discover the joy and wonder of parenthood, consider diving into a world of developmental discovery with our award-winning Baby College® classes. These weekly sessions are more than just “entertainment” for your little one—they’re an opportunity for you to…
‘Tis the season for more than just festive cheer—Christmas offers a bunch of amazing chances for our tiny tots to move, play and learn! Sensory Magic Have you noticed the twinkling lights and jingly tunes all around? That’s a wonderland for your little one’s senses! The bright colors, different textures, and sounds of Christmas decorations…
Emotional development in children is a complex yet fascinating journey that commences right from birth. As babies encounter the world, they grapple with an array of sensory experiences, gradually learning to navigate and respond to their emotions. Initially, a baby’s emotional responses are primitive, driven by instinctual reactions housed in the amygdala, an ancient…
What is the midline and why is it important? The midline is an imaginary line that runs horizontally from head to toe through the centre of the body. Crossing the midline is the ability to use a hand or foot to cross over this line and use this hand or foot in the opposite…
Understanding your baby’s personality One of the more challenging (and interesting) aspects of parenting is the realisation that your baby’s personality is not a replica of yours – they have their own unique temperament. This can be even more challenging for you when their temperament traits are completely at odds with your own! What…
Discover the Ultimate First Birthday or Christmas Gift Looking for the best present for a 1 year old? Look no further! We’ve unearthed a timeless and innovative idea that not only engages their senses but also fosters early development – the Treasure Basket. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the wonders of this concept,…
Whole Body Movements: Understanding Your Child’s Gross Motor Development Gross motor development is a fascinating journey that every parent anticipates as their child grows. We are all impatient for those magic first steps. It involves the large muscles that govern essential movements of the head, shoulders, arms, back, abdomen, and feet. These abilities underlie every…
Unleash Your Baby’s Developmental Magic! 🎃 It’s that time of year again when ghosts, goblins, and adorable baby pumpkins come out to play! But what if we told you there’s a way to make Halloween even more enchanting for your little one? Enter Baby College, where the magic of development meets the spook-tacular world of…
Do you ever wonder what the world looks like to your baby? Understanding your child’s visual development can help you bond, help you choose appropriate toys and games and also very importantly help you pick up on potential problems earlier. At birth, babies don’t perceive the world quite like adults do, as vision is…
Does it matter and when will you know? It varies from child to child when handedness emerges and at what age they will show a definite preference for one hand and you know that they are left or right handed. Newborns are born with equal ability in their left and right sides, but…
What are your baby’s two hidden senses? You are probably aware of the five traditional senses: sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell, which are our extrinsic senses, ones we can consciously influence. However, there are two additional intrinsic senses: vestibular and proprioception. They are “hidden senses” as they are senses that we are less aware…
While in the womb, a baby is already beginning to explore the world beyond its cozy, watery sanctuary. The astonishing journey of a baby’s sensory development starts early, and one of the key senses at play is hearing. In this blog, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of a baby’s auditory adventures before they even…
As new parents, the journey of understanding your infant’s memory capabilities can be as intriguing as it is challenging. The little one you hold in your arms doesn’t come with a user manual, and their communication skills are yet to fully blossom. In this blog post, we’ll take you through the fascinating world of your…
Becoming a parent is a remarkable journey filled with moments of joy, wonder, and, undoubtedly, questions. How can we nurture our baby’s development while creating a strong bond? What is the right amount of stimulation, and how much variety do babies need and what is sensory integration? In our quest to provide the best start…
Creativity in children is like a seed waiting to sprout. It’s the ability to imagine, create, and express freely. To understand and inspire this magical process, let’s start at the very beginning. Newborns: The Seeds of Imagination When a baby is born, they’re like little scientists, learning about the world through their senses. They don’t…
Dive into Summer: Building Water Confidence and Skills for Your Baby As summer arrives and the holiday season beckons, it’s the perfect time for your baby and toddler to embark on a new adventure – learning to swim. This exciting journey can bring numerous benefits for your little one, enhancing their coordination, balance, muscle tone,…
Exploring the World through Senses and Science Introduction Summer is the perfect time for children to engage in outdoor play and explore the world around them using their senses. Infants, toddlers, and junior kids can benefit greatly from sensory stimulation, as it plays a crucial role in their emotional, cognitive, and physical development. By involving…
Unlocking the Power of Play: Nurturing Your Baby’s Growth and Development As parents, we cherish those precious moments of watching our little ones play. The sight of their laughter and curiosity warms our hearts. But have you ever stopped to wonder why play is so vital for your baby and small child? It can be…
Friends are an essential part of our lives. They bring joy, support, and companionship, making our journey through life more enjoyable. But have you ever wondered how these meaningful connections begin? Surprisingly, the foundation of friendship starts forming from the very beginning of our lives – during our infancy. In this blog post, we will…
This article was written for Baby College by Nina Politimou, Senior Teaching Fellow at UCL, Institute of Education and an Associate Lecturer at Birkbeck, Department of Psychological Sciences and yes that is our Baby College CEO, Bea, enjoying a 1970s childhood with lots of immune boosting outdoor play! 1. Sun exposure. Sun exposure is…
What can babies eat? As your baby reaches around 6 months old, you may have questions about what foods are safe and suitable for your baby. While there are generally no restrictions on the types of foods babies over six months can have, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind to ensure…
The Power of Peekaboo: Nurturing Social Development in Babies Bea Waterfield, June 26th 2023, Baby College “Peekaboo is an amazing way to connect with your baby. Versions of the game exist in cultures all over the world. It’s a conversation where they have your full attention and they’re an equal partner. This delights babies as…
Children’s musical development is a fascinating and multifaceted journey that begins in the womb. Just like language skills and creativity, musicality is influenced by genetics and the environment in which a child is raised. The home environment, as well as the interactions with family and friends, play a crucial role in nurturing a child’s musical…
A Guide for Confident Parents Parenthood is an incredible journey full of precious moments and the joy of watching your child grow and achieve significant milestones. Throughout the first five years of life, your little one will experience remarkable advancements in mobility, communication, and independence. It’s important to remember that each child develops at their…