“Excuse me, I need to take this call…” 📱 Your baby is a keen observer of the world. This includes a growing knowledge of objects and their uses. Which brings us to this little one - who has reached an important developmental milestone: symbolic play. (Thread 🧵)

Amazing things happen when lap reading is introduced as a joyful part of your baby’s daily routine. Thread 🧵

This month will mark 1 year since the release of my book, The Daycare Myth. To celebrate, Teachers College Press is offering a 20% discount until Oct. 15. Just use the code DCMYTH at checkout. Link below And if you’re interested here’s a bonus offer… 🧵

Your baby is adorable by design. Those big eyes. Those chubby little cheeks. That sweet smile… Thread 🧵

Newborns are so tiny. Most full term infants weigh only 6-8 pounds at birth. But cherish (and document) these special moments while they last, because you won’t have a little baby for long. 🧵

When it comes to information gathering, your face is like your baby’s own personal internet. (Thread 🧵)

Imagine having the world come into focus for the very first time. This little one, shared to TT by tiktokkrissa, is being fitted for her first corrective lenses and it’s a real treat to watch. Just how is a parent supposed to know if their baby’s vision is in need of intervention? Thread 🧵

“Mali, say “hurry!”” As I share child development lessons, I often frame up interactions between parents and their children as they model concepts like “serve and return” and “parentese.” Thread 🧵

Nothing tickles your baby’s funny bone like the unexpected. (Thread 🧵)

How do you plan to greet your newborn in his or her first minutes? This alert little one is enjoying the benefits of at least two special gifts as they enter the world. Thread 🧵

The way you speak to your child is the way they will learn to speak to others. And to themself. (Thread 🧵)

Great things happen when you read with your baby. Thread 🧵

It never fails. After months of late night feedings and short bursts of sleep, your baby FINALLY begins sleeping through the night… only to begin waking again. What gives? (Thread 🧵)

What will your baby remember about infancy? I was so touched by the caption that mckynlee.mckell used to accompany this video shared to IG: “These little moments that they won’t remember, but I’ll never forget.” And it’s true… at least in part. 🧵

Language learning takes place across multiple dimensions at once. Thread 🧵

Baby talk vs “parentese” - what’s the difference? Thread 🧵

The period from prenatal to three is the most critical window in all of human development: a time during which infants and toddlers lovingly apprentice alongside their parents (and other loved ones) as they learn what it means to be human. Thread 🧵

Is your baby beginning to pull themself up to a stand? Here’s something you need to do right away: Lower your crib mattress. 🧵

Want to give your child a leg up in kindergarten (and life)? Expose them to a million extra words. It’s easier than it sounds. Thread 🧵

Imitation isn’t just the sincerest form of flattery. It also plays a key role in early brain development. Thread 🧵

Need help calming your baby to sleep? This dad knows an important secret: skin to skin contact. Thread 🧵

When will your baby begin to smile? The answer all depends on how you choose to define the word “smile.”  Thread 🧵

When learning a new skill, your toddler needs the same things you do: Opportunity. Practice. And an environment in which it’s safe to fail - at least initially - as you work things out. Thread 🧵

Dad’s home! 🏠 Because it’s one of the most frequent questions I receive, here’s your periodic reminder that your baby doesn’t forget you when you go to work. Thread 🧵

Children enter the world with a singular goal: to be just like YOU. Luckily they’re born with just the right tools to begin this apprenticeship: rapidly developing brains and finely-tuned powers of observation. Thread 🧵

Sometimes we all need a little help getting our point across. Thread 🧵

Your baby knows your voice, even before they enter the world. Thread 🧵

The British pediatrician D. W. Winnicott once wrote, “There’s no such thing as a baby. There is a baby and someone.” Thread 🧵

The British pediatrician D. W. Winnicott once wrote, “There’s no such thing as a baby. There is a baby and someone.” Thread 🧵

For your baby, your love is more than a gift… it’s a lesson. Thread 🧵

Ever sleep so deeply that even a marching band couldn’t wake you? Thread 🧵

Does your little one want to hear the same book over and over and over again? Thread 🧵

Your baby is a communicator from their earliest days. Thread 🧵

Infants are the world’s most accomplished language learners. Thread 🧵

Yes. Even you! If you’ve followed me here for any length of time (or read my book The Daycare Myth), you know that I’ve written extensively about the ways that infant brain development is optimized through face to face interactions with highly engaged adults. 🧵

If you’re an expectant mom, it’s no secret to you that your baby’s kicks can pack quite a wallop while in utero. Thread 🧵

It’s true. Females are born with (at least the precursors to) all the eggs they will ever produce in their lifetimes. 🧵

Infants use every tool in their toolbox to mimic their most trusted caregivers. This little one, shared to FB by Kristen Humphrey, is an amazing example. Thread 🧵

Toddler at work! Young children love to participate in the activities of adults and can find success with your assistance. The key is finding tasks that are just right for their abilities. 🧵

Your baby is a natural born dancer. (And so are you.) Thread 🧵

Check out this little comedian. (Thread 🧵)

Your baby is born with more than 600 muscles. As you might imagine, it takes a while to their master use. (Thread - 🧵)

Check out this expressive little one at the nail shop. 💅 While not yet speaking conventionally, there’s little question what she is trying to convey here: she wants her nails done just like everyone else. (Thread)

Your baby understands language well before they can use it. Thread 🧵

The period from prenatal to three is the most uniquely consequential window in all of human development. 🧵

“Delicious pizza.” 🗣️ For his second birthday, this little guy celebrated in style. Thread 🧵

Newborns are so tiny. Most full term infants weigh only 6-8 pounds at birth. But cherish (and document) these special moments while they last, because you won’t have a little baby for long. 🧵

“Mirror, mirror on the couch…” Check out the complexity of this serve and return interaction between father and son (shared to TT by JD Eicher). Our hero not only mimics dad, but does so across multiple actions… before turning the tables and leading the game himself. Just fantastic.

Let’s talk about language-rich environments. Thread 🧵

My friends at GatherRound are hosting a series of virtual book clubs this summer and fall, including one on my book The Daycare Myth. Paid participants will join together via Zoom four times - the fourth of which I’ll be joining for an author conversation/Q&A. 🧵