“Shhhh!” We were in the waiting room at the pediatrician’s office, and any peep the 6-month-old made was met by his mama’s “Shhhh!” She looked embarrassed about her baby’s happy – and wonderfully normal – babbling sounds. I couldn’t help encouraging her to support her little babbler. “Oh, he’s so cute! He’s talking up a [...]

What works for you during bath-time? Share in a comment below!

For better or worse, my kids associate the holiday season with gifts. I haven’t even put away the Thanksgiving decorations, but I already know my boys would like their first electronic readers, some new clothing for our planned holiday trip and (obviously!) a replenishing of their beloved baseball equipment. While my kids will receive some [...]

Bringing home your first baby is spectacularly exciting, wonderful – and more than a little demanding. But baby No. 2 is a bigger challenge altogether, because your toddler is still a baby, too! Helping your toddler – who has suddenly become the Big Kid – get used to this big new change will help everyone [...]

At Sprout, we are committed to helping families live easier, healthier and better lives together.  Through our Kindness Counts prosocial campaign we are excited to launch a new initiative designed to teach preschoolers the importance of being kind to yourself. The Be Kind to Yourself Family Challenge will encourage parents to partner with their Sproutlet [...]

Childcare experts, pediatricians, dentists (and grandmas) usually frown on the use of a bottle after baby’s first birthday. And the longer you keep bottles around, the more your baby will grow attached to them. So transitioning to a cup is a good idea – and it can be done earlier than you might expect. Here’s [...]

Toothbrushing time at our house used to be so stressful that by the end of it, my teeth would be clenched as tightly as my toddlers.’ Here’s why: Toddlers are hardwired to resist people sticking anything into their mouths. It’s a protective measure Mother Nature created for our little ones’ safety. And sometimes, toddlers are [...]

  Playdough, that squishy childhood staple, gets kids’ hands pounding, poking, rolling, and shaping while their brains find the play a valuable learning opportunity which builds literacy skills. Whether store-bought or homemade, playdough is a great way to engage children in hands-on learning. Try one of these engaging playdough activities and your child will be [...]

Make a pattern with silverware (e.g., one fork, two spoons, one fork, etc.). Challenge your child to continue the pattern. You can try as many patterns as you want!

These activities are great to do with a two year old! Grooming Our Pets   What is Needed: Stuffed animals Combs, brushes, and ribbons & clips (optional) Doing the Activity: Get down on the floor with your two year old and bring out the stuffed animals, and brushes and combs. Tell your child that their [...]