Sign up for emails from Pathways.org
355 E Erie St. • Chicago, IL 60611 • (800) 955-2445
What are Baby Growth Spurts?
In the first 6 months, baby growth spurts typically occur around 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months, lasting a few days to a week. Indicators include increased...
Indoor Crafts for Kids to Make & Give
Engage your kids in creative indoor crafts like painted picture frames, homemade bookmarks, and fingerprint drawings to make unique, heartfelt gifts. Encourage sensory and fine motor skill development with activities...
Parenting Hacks for Holiday Travel with Baby
Household items such as painter’s tape and old sheets make great tools for baby proofing your travel accommodations. Keep little ones busy during long car rides with activities like road...
What To Do If Baby Has a Fear of Strangers
Hello, baby! From aunts and uncles to friends and neighbors, baby is constantly meeting new people. Meeting people is a great way to work on baby’s social skills. While this is...
Sleep Cues to Tell if Baby is Sleepy
Sleepy babies are calm and show signs like yawning and droopy eyes, while overtired babies become fussy, cry, and show irritability. Look for signs like loss of interest, drowsiness, pulling...
What is “Midline” and Why Does it Matter for Baby?
Midline is an imaginary vertical line dividing the body into left and right halves. Crossing midline involves reaching across this line with arms or legs, indicating a developing connection between...
When Will Baby Clap and What Does it Mean?
Babies usually start clapping around 10-12 months, often becoming noticeable near their first birthday. Clapping helps babies connect and communicate with others, imitating caregivers to show excitement. Encourage clapping by...
When Does Baby Recognize Faces?
Babies can start recognizing faces, especially their primary caregiver's, as early as two months old, and this ability develops throughout their first year. At birth, babies recognize caregivers more by...
Alternatives to Saying “No” to Your Toddler
Telling your child “no” doesn’t always mean saying that word! Use alternative phrases to "no" to guide toddlers, encouraging positive behavior and helping to develop critical thinking skills. Promote positive...
Post Baby’s Tummy Time Today to WIN!
October 2 is #TummyTimeDay! To celebrate, we’re giving away prizes when you share a picture of baby’s Tummy Time. Here’s how you can enter to win a $50 Amazon gift...
What Coordination Skills Should Toddlers Have?
Coordination involves moving multiple body parts and both sides of the body simultaneously, balancing, and using senses for spatial awareness. By age 3, children should have various coordination skills like...
Why Does Baby Not Like Tummy Time?
Tummy Time is essential for a baby's motor and sensory development, aiming for at least an hour per day by 3 months, divided into shorter sessions. Babies may resist Tummy...
Why Does Baby Hiccup?
Baby hiccups are a normal, involuntary reflex often occurring during or after feeding, caused by the diaphragm muscle. Common triggers for baby hiccups include overfeeding, eating too quickly, and swallowing...
Boost Baby’s Sensory and Feeding Skills with these Fun Food Play Ideas
Messy food play aids in developing sensory and fine motor skills while reducing picky eating. Prepare for messy play by cleaning hands and toys, using bibs, and protecting the floor....
The “Fourth Trimester”: Supporting Parents & Babies
The fourth trimester refers to the first 12 weeks after birth, a crucial time for both baby and parents as they adjust to new routines and development. Babies benefit from...
Fall Activities for Babies
Check out these fun and simple fall activities for babies! Enjoy sensory play with leaves, explore pumpkins, take nature walks, and try seasonal flavors to celebrate autumn with your little...
How to Dress Baby for Fall Weather
Dress baby in breathable, lightweight layers including a onesie, sweater, jacket, hat, and booties to keep them warm as temperatures fluctuate. Use jackets when it’s below 21°C (70°F) and thicker...
10 Ways To Help Your Child With Learning Shapes
Learning shapes is an important early math skill and language skill. Even before children say their first words or take their first steps, they’re noticing and playing with shapes. So...
Types of Sitting Positions You May See Your Child Do!
Baby goes from supported sitting at 4-6 months to independent sitting by 6-9 months, mastering various sitting positions by one year old! Early types of sitting include supported, tripod, and...
Foods and Drinks to Limit for Baby
Throughout their first year, baby will be consuming breastmilk or formula for most feedings, in order to obtain nutrients and hydration. Around 6 months, baby will be able to start...