6 most beneficial things for your baby’s development

As parents, we all want what’s best for our babies.

We want them to be healthy and safe. Our goal is to nurture our babies’ visual skills, motor development, body awareness, and strength right from birth.

But how do I know what’s best? How do I know which things support and enhance my baby’s development?

Breathe, relax and search no more. I’ve done the research and search for you.

Here are 6 things I recommend that are healthy and beneficial for your baby:

1. Floor time

Babies spend too much time in car seats and other equipment that restrict their movement and can have delayed motor skill development. The American Academy of Pediatrics, AAP, recommends introducing physical activity in early infancy. Supervised “tummy time” can help your baby develop strength by building critical muscles. The best is that it doesn’t cost you anything. All you need is a clean, flat surface, and a blanket. Let your baby be barefoot. They don’t only get a better grip on the floor, but being barefoot also boosts their development. Being barefoot is beneficial for any age. 😉

2. Natural, wooden toys

Let’s go back to the roots. If you know me, you know my love for wooden toys, their simplicity, quality and purpose. There is something sturdy and sweet about a nursery filled with wooden, nontoxic toys. They might cost you a little more but they last. Wooden toys are sturdy enough to be passed on for generations. Without lights and batteries, they can inspire imaginative play, promote fine motor and gross motor development. In a nutshell, they support and enhance your baby’s development. They are very satisfying for babies, and don’t overstimulate them. Don’t we all want to be surrounded by good stuff? That’s the way to go.

3. Lamb skin

I am a big fan of lamb skins. Besides the fact that lamb skins are a product of nature, biodegradable and a renewable resource, they also have several great benefits such as reducing the chance of skin conditions, asthma and allergies. Thanks to the sheepskin’s hollow fibers, it regulates your baby’s body temperature well. It will keep your baby cool when it’s hot and cozy and snuggly warm when it’s cold. No overheating and no freezing. It is absorbent and breathable, keeping your baby naturally comfortable at all times. It helps soothe and comfort your baby, too. A winner.

4. Activity Gym to hang mobiles or toys

It might seem simple on the first sight, but a wooden play gym with mobiles is really enough to keep your baby occupied and engaged in the first stage of their life. Simplicity goes a long way. Mobiles help develop your baby’s attention, visual focus, shape recognition and concentration. As they get older, they will try to reach for them which strengthens your baby’s gross and fine motor skills, body awareness and physical coordination.

5. Fully reclinable stroller, or stroller with bassinet attachment

I know how convenient it is for a busy mom to have a car seat that you convert into a stroller, but it restricts your baby’s movement and keeps them in an unnatural position. Giving your baby the space and comfort it needs while sleeping is essential. There are great strollers out there with a bassinet attachment for your baby to lay flat on back, side or tummy and an additional reclinable seat for when they get older. Especially to be considered when you know you will be out and about a lot. I personally like the stroller bundle from Uppa Baby. You get a stroller with bassinet, reclinable seat and car seat, all-in-one.

6. Baby carriers

Your baby has been growing inside of your belly for approximately 9 months. It is only natural that it is soothing for both, you and your baby, to be close to each other. Nothing replaces skin-to-skin contact. The Wrap , Ring Sling (I love the Wildbird ring slings) and my Ergobaby Carrier are one of the most comfortable ones I’ve ever had. I don’t get that lower back pain I got using other ones. Carrying your baby and having your hands free is a win-win. It makes going for a walk or shopping so easy. I guarantee that your baby will be so comfortable and calm that it will make her fall asleep quickly. I still use mine whenever my 14 month old girl gets fussy and fights her sleep. It works wonders.

We all want the best for our babies.

We want them to be happy, healthy and safe, but most of all, we want them to know they are loved. Nothing can give them the love they need, but YOU can. Above all the material things that are out there, they will always need YOU in the first place.