A “yes” space is an area where your baby can freely move without the need for an adult to intervene for safety. Learn how to create a play environment that your baby can safely and freely explore.

Are baby jumpers worth buying for your baby's development? As a pediatric physical therapist, I don't recommend them. They don't strengthen legs or help with walking.

Trying to decide between push toy walkers and sit-in walkers for your baby? Push toy walkers are the clear winner. They support natural walking development, while sit-in walkers can actually delay walking and create safety risks.

No, baby walkers don't help babies walk sooner. Research shows they actually delay walking development because they change your baby's natural movement patterns and reduce time spent in developmental positions like floor play and crawling that build real walking skills.

These may not be designed to be toys, but babies love these kitchen items.

Baby containers like bouncers and swings don't support motor development since they restrict movement. Pack n plays and play yards are excellent alternatives that provide safe containment while allowing freedom of movement on a flat surface. Use containers strategically for brief periods when they serve specific purposes like soothing, while prioritizing floor time and pack n play time for development.

Discover the power of combining simple toys to stimulate your baby's imagination and cognitive development. Embrace open-ended play and unlock endless possibilities for exploration.

From helping babies locate sounds to fostering visual tracking, cause-and-effect learning, and introducing rhythm and song, rattles offer a world of engagement and skill-building. Try a simple rattle exercise to promote visual tracking and fine motor development in your baby.

Look for four key features: stability, maneuverability, speed control, and foot clearance. Introduce push toys around 9 to 12 months when your baby is cruising furniture.

While exersaucers offer convenience, they can limit movements needed for motor development. Learn why physical therapists recommend alternatives like tummy time and floor play to build the strength babies need for walking.

The floor surface your baby plays on directly impacts motor skills. High friction helps crawling, low friction aids pivoting. Expert guide to choosing play surfaces.

Swaddling is safe for hip development when done correctly. The key is allowing your baby's legs to bend up and out in a natural frog-like position rather than forcing them straight. Choose swaddles that are snug around arms but loose around hips.

Wondering when to introduce your baby's first shoes? Wait until they're walking confidently around your home without support, not immediately after first steps. Prioritize barefoot walking for healthy foot development, using shoes primarily for outdoor protection.

Make the most of your baby’s new toys.

12.22.2021

Learn how to optimize your baby's highchair setup for better postural control.

12.15.2021

Once babies begin rolling (around 4-6 months), it's time to remove the overhead toys and create larger spaces for exploration and movement practice.