Month: April 2020

Baby Clapping Hands: When you can expect it!

One of the cutest things that your baby will do is clap their hands!

Clapping does require a lot of skills from your baby including fine motor coordination and strength along with the ability to imitate.

Here is what will be covered in this article:

  • Baby Skills That Come Before Clapping
  • When do babies clap?
  • Baby Skills That Come After Clapping
  • Baby not clapping…should I be concerned?
  • How to Teach Your Baby to Clap
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Clapping
When do babies clap their hands is a common question from new parents. Find out when the clapping milestone takes place and how to encourage it through songs, play, and everyday routines.

(This post contains affiliate links. To read our full disclosure policy click here.)

Baby Skills That Come Before Clapping

There are a few skills that will happen before your baby claps as they gain strength and coordination.

Her are some examples of skills that come before clapping:

  • Reaching for toys
  • Grasping objects
  • Banging toys on table
  • Transferring object from one had to another
  • Keeping hands in an open position most of the time

When do babies clap?

Babies will usually start clapping sometime between 6-12 months old.

Keep in mind that all babies develop at their own rate so they will not hit their milestones all at the same time.

If ever have concerns about your baby’s development make sure to discuss them with your pediatrician or give early intervention a call to schedule a screening or evaluation.

Baby Skills That Come After Clapping

There are many skills that come after your baby has started clapping.

A few of those may include:

  • Pointing with index finger
  • Banging objects together
  • Building a block tower of 2 blocks
  • Putting objects into a container

Keep in mind that all babies are different and their milestones may look different then another baby that you know.

Baby Not Clapping at 12 Months…Should I be concerned?

Clapping is just one skill out of many that your baby will get.

If you have concerns about any milestones you should contact your pediatrician or early intervention to see what steps you should take.

Baby Clapping Hands

How to Teach Baby to Clap

One of the first ways you can teach your baby to clap is by modeling it.

Babies need to see how we do things in order to imitate them.

You can model clapping in a variety of different ways throughout your day and during play time.

Model Clapping for Your Baby

Babies are watching us consistently and they are picking up on what we are doing.

Modeling clapping for your baby is one of the most effective ways to teach them this skill.

You can start early by clapping for them to show excitement or as part of a song.

JOIN HERE!

Clapping Games and Songs for Babies

One of my favorite ways to encourage clapping in infants is by singing songs and fingerplays.

This is an activity that builds language, cognitive, social, and fine motor skills.

Babies are also very motivated to do what they see you doing so it works well!

Here are a few of my favorite fingerplays that will work well in teaching your baby to watch you and then imitate.

  • If Your Happy and You Know It
  • Zoom Zoom Zoom We’re Going to The Moon
  • Open Shut Them
  • Pat-a-Cake
  • Bringing Home a Baby Bumble Bee

You can even make up a song all on your by being creative…your baby will love it now matter what.

Another great things about singing to your baby is you can embed this into any daily routine such as diaper changes to promote learning.

The repetitive nature of songs also makes them easier for babies to learn.

Baby Playing with Blocks

Build Strength and Coordination Through Play

Babies learn through play because they are curious and they find it motivating.

Play allows allows them to problem solve and get lots of practice with new skills because it is very repetitive.

Play activities that will encourage clapping include ones that promote the skills needed to imitate and gain control with fine motor development.

For example, showing your child how to bang toys together or on a table will encourage them to imitate and uses the same muscles needed for clapping.

Blocks like these are a great toy to try this out with.

You will want to make sure they are small enough so that your baby can grab them but not too small because you don’t want them to be able to put them in their mouth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Clapping

Why is clapping hands a developmental milestone?

Clapping hands requires babies to use a combination of cognitive and fine motor skills which makes it a developmental milestones.
Not all babies will clap at the same time as we usually expect an age range of a few months for babies to gain new skills.

How do you get a baby to clap?

You will first want to model clapping for your baby when you are excited or through songs and fingerplays.
You will also want to allow your baby lots of play time so that they can build the strength and coordination it needs to clap their hands.
You can use hand over hand gently to show your baby how to clap.

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Best Cognitive Activities for Babies

The Quick Guide to Teaching Your Baby to Roll Over

Are you wondering how to teach baby to clap? Try these simple tips to work on baby clapping milestone during playtime and daily routines. Discover fun songs and fingerplays to try with your baby to incorporate clapping.

Quick Guide To: Teaching Baby to Roll Over

Rolling over is an exciting milestone because it is one of the first ways that your baby becomes mobile.

Once they learn to roll they will be able to get from point A to point B all on their own.

Here are some of the topics we will be covering in this post.

  • When do babies roll from tummy to back?
  • When do babies roll from back to side?
  • When do babies roll from back to tummy?
  • Baby not rolling…Should I be concerned?
  • Baby Activities to Prepare for Rolling Over
  • How to Encourage Your Baby to Roll
  • Baby Proofing Before Your Baby Starts to Roll
  • Frequently Asked Questions about Teaching Baby to Roll
This quick guide to teaching your baby to roll over provides you with everything you need to know when it comes to your baby rolling from front to back and back to front. Discover baby activities that will help prepare your baby to roll over. Use these baby tips and tricks to help your little one meet this exciting developmental milestone.

(This post contains affiliate links. To read our full disclosure policy click here.)

When do babies roll over from tummy to back?

Babies usually start to roll from tummy to back sometime between 2-5 months.

When your baby rolls off of their tummy they will need to have the strength to hold up their head and push off of one arm to then flip over.

Rolling to tummy to back usually comes first…but not always.

Every child is different and come may actually roll back to belly first (like my daughter did!)

When do babies roll from back to side

Rolling back to side usually comes bit later then rolling tummy to back.

Your little one may try making this move sometime between 4-6 months.

They will need to have strong core muscles and be able to lift their head up and have their body follow them over to the side.

When do babies roll over from back to tummy?

Babies typically roll back to tummy sometime between 5-8 months.

This skill works the muscles throughout the whole body and requires lots of coordination.

You can encourage them to do this by taking a toy and slowly moving it across their line of vision while they are on their back.

They will try to reach at it and slowly push up on their side which will then lead to them flipping over.

Baby not rolling over at 6 months…Should I be concerned?

If you have concerns about any aspect of your child’s development you should always reach out to your pediatrician or call early intervention for a free screening or evaluation.

It is important to look at development as a whole, not just one milestone.

Baby Activities to Prepare for Rolling Over

There are many ways that you can help your baby get the skills needed to roll over from day one.

Here are a few ways that you can start activating their muscles and providing motivation through play and daily routines.

Let Your Baby Have Lots of Floortime

Letting your baby have lots of time on the floor to play is one of the BEST ways that you can encourage the skills needed to roll.

By moving freely on the floor your baby is allowed to actually feel their body and push off in different directions.

Lay out your child’s favorite toys to provide motivation for them to move.

Unbreakable mirrors (like this) are a great option as they are very motivating to babies.

Limit Time in Baby Seats

You will want to limit the time your baby has in seats or swings.

The reason for this is because it restricts their movements.

Too much time in baby equipment like seats and swings makes it so your baby isn’t able to explore different positions and ways of moving your body.

Click here to read more about the recommendations for using seats and swings with babies.

When do babies roll over from tummy to back?

Make Tummy Time Part of Your Daily Routine

Tummy time helps prepare your baby for rolling because it strengthens the muscles in your baby’s body including arms, abdominal, back, neck and many others.

If your baby does not like tummy time then introduce it in short frequent bursts throughout the day.

Always watch their cues and do not force them if they are not liking it.

Get down on the floor with your baby and engage with them while they are on their tummy by singing to them or reading a book.

JOIN HERE!

Encouraging Your Baby to Roll from Tummy to Back

Encourage your baby to roll tummy to back by first laying them down on their stomachs.

If they will allow you, gently show them the motion of rolling so that they can see what it feels like.

Always pay attention to your baby’s cues, and if they are fighting it then take a break and do something else or allow them to change to a different position.

You can also try taking a toy that they are interested in or find motivating and slowly move it from in front of them to behind them so that they try to push off with their arms to flip themselves over.

Encouraging Your Baby to Roll from Back to Tummy

You can start this process the same way you did when your were teaching your baby to roll from front to back.

Lay them on their back and gently show them how to engage their core and roll from back to front.

You can also take a toy that is motivating to your baby and bring it across their field of vision and leave it just out of reach.

You may need to help your baby get to the toy at first.

Make sure to let them play with the toy that they wanted for a few minutes so that they feel rewarded before having them try again.

Baby Proof Before Your Baby Starts to Roll

Baby proofing before you have your baby is the best idea, because as they meet new milestones this can sometimes mean new safety issues can come up.

NEVER leave your baby unattended on a changing table, bed, or other piece of furniture even if you don’t think they can roll.

Rolling sometimes happens spontaneously and falls can be injure your baby or even be deadly.

Rolling is also a way for your baby to get from point A to point B so it is important to keep any area that your baby plays in safe.

Keep the area picked up and make sure there is nothing your little one could get into that could cause them harm.

Frequently Asked Questions about Teaching Baby to Roll Over

When should I worry that my baby isn’t rolling over?

If you are concerned about your baby not being able to roll or lack of movements it is important to talk to your pediatrician or call early intervention.

Can my baby skip rolling over?

It is possible but most babies will roll over both directions. How your baby meets their milestones may look different than someone else so it is important to keep in mind that all children will develop at their own rate.

What do I do if my baby hates tummy time?

If your baby is not enjoying tummy time try using short frequent bursts throughout the day.

Get down on their level and play and engage with them while they are doing their tummy time.

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How can you help your baby learn to roll? Discover simple baby tips and tricks to help your baby roll from tummy to back and back to tummy. Find out when this important baby milestones usually happens for infants.

How to Teach Your Toddler to Jump

Jumping is such a fun way for your child to build strong leg muscles and burn some serious energy!

In those post we will give you lots of information about jumping including:

  • Toddler Jumping Developmental Milestone
  • When do toddlers start jumping.
  • Toddler not jumping…should I be concerned?
  • Jumping Activities for Toddlers
  • Best Jumping Toys for Toddlers
  • Frequently Asked Questions about Toddler Jumping
Are you wondering how to teach your toddler to jump? Discover everything you need to know about how to encourage the motor skills need for jumping. Have fun trying out these toddler jumping activities that will help burn energy while practicing their new developmental milestone.

(This post contains affiliate links. To read our full disclosure policy click here.)

Jumping Developmental Milestone

There are a few different ways that children jump that should be looked at when we talk about the jumping developmental milestones.

The first skill that you may consider to be jumping is a slight hop that your child does, where they usually get one foot of the ground at a time and may look similar to a skip.

The second step is when your toddler is able to get both feet off of the ground.

Lastly, you will look for your child to be able to jump or hop multiple times in a row, like a frog jump.

Your toddler will also be able to change directions as they get more comfortable jumping and may go forward and backward, and also side to side.

When do toddlers start jumping?

Toddlers will generally start to be able to jump off of the ground and low surfaces around their 2nd birthday.

Some may do it a few months before then while others may be a little later.

Jumping requires strength and coordination for your child to be able to get their feet off the ground.

Click here for more activity ideas on how to build strength in your toddler.

It also requires your little one to be motivated and confident to practice this new skill.

Toddler not jumping…Should I be concerned?

All children will meet their milestones at different times, but if you are ever concerned about your child’s development you should contact your pediatrician or early intervention to see if they should do a screening or evaluation.

Jumping Activities for Toddlers

Want your toddler to practice their new jumping skill?

Here are some fun ways that you can promote jumping through play time.

Pretend You Are Animals

One of my favorite ways to practice jumping with young children is by pretending to be animals.

Not only will you build strength and coordination but you will also encourage them to use their imagination.

Have your little one think about what animals jump.

If they get stuck…here are some good examples of animals/insects that jump:

  • Frog
  • Rabbit
  • Kangaroo
  • Grasshopper
  • Spider
Toddler jumping activities

Make an Obstacle Course

One of the best ways to motivate your child to jump is by giving them something to jump over!

For brand new jumpers you are going to want to start small…very small.

If you are practicing inside you can use a piece of yarn or string to have them jump over.

If you are outside then you can draw a line with chalk or have them jump over a stick.

As they get more comfortable and confident with jumping you can set up an obstacle course using pillows, books, or whatever you can find around your house that would be safe for your little one to jump over or around.

Jump and Dance to Music

Music is a great way to get your little one moving!

Turn on your favorite tunes and have a dance party where you can model how to jump in a natural way for your little one.

If they see you jumping…chances are they will try to do the same.

You can also try this while you sing songs together by switching the tune just a bit.

For example, instead of “if your happy and you know it clap your hands,” try something like “if your happy and you know it jump for joy.”

Click here for a list of songs that are great at encouraging gross motor skills in toddlers.

Motivate Your Child to Jump With Bubbles

If your child isn’t motivated by jumping over something…how about trying jumping up to reach something?

Blowing bubbles is an exciting activity for most little ones as they want to touch and try to pop them.

Start by blowing bubbles up high and encourage your little one to jump and try to pop them.

Best Jumping Toys for Toddlers

Floor Piano mat

My kids have a piano like this and it has been a big hit!

Jumping from one key to another is very motivating and fun for little ones.

Another thing I love about this toy is it will continue to be fun and challenging even as your child gets older.

You can take a closer look at this floor mat piano HERE.

Balance Stepping Stones

Remember how we talked about how fun it can be to jump over or on things?

These would be a great option as they come in fun colors and are very motivating for little ones.

They are easy to store and can be used to play a variety of games as your child gets older.

You can check them out HERE.

Bubble Wands Set

We know that bubbles are motivating for kids in so many ways…especially when it comes to jumping.

I like these bubble wands because your child will also be able to make bubbles themselves using the wands.

Bubbles provide a great way for kids to be imaginative and use all sorts of skills while playing.

You can take a closer look at this bubble wand set HERE.

JOIN HERE!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is jumping good for toddlers?

Jumping a a great way for your little one to burn some energy off and build muscle strength.
Many children actually crave jumping because of the sensory input that it gives their body.
Set up jumping activities for your little one indoors or outdoors.

How do I encourage my child to jump?

One of the best ways to introduce any skill to a child is by modeling it for them.
Show your little one how to jump and see if they will try and imitate you.

Can 2 year olds jump?

Yes, usually the jumping milestone is met shortly after their 2nd birthday. Keep in mind all children are different and some may jump sooner while others may take a bit longer.

Fun and easy toddler jumping activities that will help build balance and coordination. These simple toddler activities can be done indoors or outdoors and will help burn energy that your toddler has.

The Best Infant Cognitive Development Activities

Intellectual development occurs in your baby from the moment they are born.

Problem solving starts from the very start as they listen to their surrounds to see who is near.

They use cause and effect to find a very effective way to communicate with their caregiver.

You are probably VERY familiar with this.  

They have realized that if they cry…you will meet their needs.

Babies are so smart!

So what are the best infant cognitive development activities you should do with your child?

Many of these things you can do will take place during your daily routines while you have a newborn or young infant.

Playtime will also be a perfect opportunity to promote intellectual development.

If you are wondering what cognitive milestones your baby should be meeting, make sure to download the free developmental checklist at the bottom of this post.

Here are some of the things we will cover in this post:

  • Mirror Play to Build Cognitive Development
  • Effects of Reading on Child Development
  • How to Read to a Baby
  • How to Teach Problem Solving Skills Through Play
  • Benefits of Singing to Infants
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Cognitive Development Activities

The Best Infant Cognitive Development Activities

The best cognitive activities for infants are ones that can be done through simple baby play and daily routines. Try these activity ideas with your new baby to bond and engage their senses. Cognitive activity examples for babies 0-12 months are included.

(This post may contain affiliate links.  To read our full disclosure policy click  here.)

Mirror Play to Build Cognitive Development

Mirror play is an easy and effective way to encourage development in your baby.

Using a small unbreakable mirror toy like this, you can entertain your child during tummy time.

Show them how to interact with the mirror by making silly faces or by patting it.

You can also utilize mirror play with the mirrors that are around your house in the bathroom or hallway.

When you are walking by just take a second and let your baby see themselves.

You can show them how to wave or label their body parts as they look at their reflection.

Effects of Reading on Child Development

Reading and looking at books with your baby is one of the best things you can do to encourage cognitive development because it allows them to hear words and see pictures.

Reading also encourages fine motor development as your baby starts to focus on the pages of books with their eyes and pat pictures with their hands.

You can start reading to your baby from the very first few days of life.

You don’t even have to read a children’s book if you don’t want to!

One of my favorite memories from when we brought our son home from the hospital was when my husband would sit and read science books to him out loud.

It provided them a time to bond as well as let our son hear words for the first time.

When you are reading to your newborn just keep it simple and enjoyable for both of you.

Effects of reading on child development

How to Read to a Baby

Make reading a part of your daily routine.

Think about what times of day may work best for it?

Maybe snuggling up on the couch with a book in the morning is ideal for you.

You could also read to your baby during play time or show them a book while they do tummy time.

Reading can also be a great way to calm your infant down for nap or bedtime.

You will want to start off with soft books that are easy to clean like this.

Chances are your baby will try and mouth the book which is one of the ways that they take in information to learn.

You will want to follow their lead when reading with them.

If they want to skip pages that is ok!

Just focus on labeling and pointing at pictures.

As your baby gets older you can show them how to pat pictures that you name with their hand.

This is a great way to build receptive language skills.

You can also give your baby fun textured books like these that they can explore on their own.

Teach Problem Solving Skills Through Play

Play is one of the most effective ways for your baby to learn new concepts.

There are so many ways that you can encourage problem solving skills through play.

For example, the simple act of just putting a toy a little bit out of reach gets your baby’s brain working in trying to figure out how to get to the toy that they desire.

Can they reach it?

Maybe if they roll they will get to it?

You may need to help your baby get to the toy by modeling them or gently showing them how to get there.

Give Them Something to Explore

Infant Cognitive Development Activities

Everything is new to babies so just giving them something to explore…can be a wonderful learning activity.

For example, you could fill a box with objects that have different textures or are a variety of colors for them to explore.

Some ideas of things to put in the box are:

Always make sure to put safe items in the bin making sure there is nothing small enough that they could put in their mouth or could become a choking hazard.

Sing to Your Baby

Singing to your baby is a great way to expose your child to new words and sounds and it is also very interesting to them.

You can start doing songs and fingerplays when your baby is just a few days old.

You can make singing part of almost any daily routine such as bath time, play time, or when you are getting your baby ready for sleep.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-XQyxWhQTz/

Benefits of Singing to Infants

Their are numerous benefits of singing to your infant as it encourages development in almost every area.

Singing helps your baby learn to tune in and listen.

Receptive language skills are being sharpened everytime you sing to your little one.

Singing supports bonding with your baby and is a simple way to play with your little one with no equipment or toys needed.

Imitation skills are learned as your little one tries to mimic the sounds you make or tries to imitate your movements while doing a finger play or dancing.

Need some ideas on what to sing to your baby?

Here are a few of my favorites:

  • Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
  • Itsy Bitsy Spider
  • Hickory Dickory Dock
  • 5 Little Monkeys
  • Mary Had a Little Lamb
  • Old Macdonald Had a Farm

Want some more song ideas for babies?

Click here to find an extensive list of song and fingerplays.

Just listening to music can also have benefits for both you and your baby!

JOIN HERE!

Frequently Asked Questions about Cognitive Development Activities

What is cognitive development for infants?

Cognitive development in infants includes a variety of skills that your baby needs to gather information about the world around them.

These skills include problem solving, listening, and pre academic concepts as well.

What are some examples of cognitive activities?

Cognitive activities can include simple doing simple things with your baby such as talking, singing, and playing with them.

All of these activities engage your baby and build new skills.

Why is reading important in early childhood?

Reading is important in early childhood because it builds skills in all areas of development including cognition, language, fine motor, and social emotional.

It is a great way for babies and toddlers to bond with their parents while they learn new concepts from books.

Recommended Reading

Quick Guide to: Teaching Baby to Roll Over

Easy and fun cognitive activities for infants that can be done through simple infant play and daily routines. Try these activity ideas with your new baby to promote learning all day long. Cognitive activity examples for babies 0-12 months are included.