Archives for December 2016

12 Days of #LovingMoments Photo Contest Winners

December 29, 2016 by

We hope you’re having a marvelous holiday season filled with endless Loving Moments! With a little one in your home or on the way, surely you are! We know it’s true because many of you shared amazing photos of your nurslings participating in holiday activities during our 12 Days of #LovingMoments Photo Contest. We cherish each and every one of them and are grateful to the fabulous moms who submitted photos.

Congratulations to these five nurslings were selected as the winners of our 12 Days of #LovingMoments Photo Contest:

12 Days of #LovingMoments

Submitted by Courtney Marie

12 Days of #LovingMoments

Submitted by Kimberly Moore Messina

12 Days of #LovingMoments

Submitted by Sara Permenter

12 Days of #LovingMoments

Submitted by Wynette Robinson

12 Days of #LovingMoments

Submitted by Rachel Dawn Huber

In our book, any time there’s Loving Moments, everyone is a winner. Here are the other fantastic submissions:

adrianne-bernazzani alycia-nadeau alyssa-shepherd amanda-jernigan amanda-schammel angela-parker anna-manankil arceli-luther ashley-keinath brittany-korsmoe-1 brittany-korsmoe-2 brittany-korsmoe-3 brittany-leahigh carolynn-johnson carrie-lee chris-johnson conniep_87-via-instragram courtney-sayer-bates daniela-gates diana-lopez elly-wu-2 elly-wu erica-nicole-mills falyn-renee-darge heather-lewis-ely isoline-daniels jennifer-putze-niess jessica-angelo-leonardo jordan-dunn jordan-kissinger jsmac915_instagram justine-toven karina-ramirez-foote kellie-meyn kelly-hert kimberly-mohlman kristen-klemm kristen-marie-evans-tasevoli kristi-brethauer latoya-bowdre marly-andrea mayen-guerra-ruiz megan-ann-lumetta melinda-casas michelle-layman miranda-peffer mpottenger_instagram nicirobinson_instagram nicole-c-moreno rachelle-beaty rebecca-vargas shannon-pischera-reynolds staci-albright stacy-steiner stephanie-kennedy tasha-miller tina-horneck-via-instagram tina-horneck-via-twitter tina-horneck vanessa-styx

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Reflections on a Year with Baby

December 27, 2016 by

Oh what a year it has been! Whenever you welcome a new family member, it’s an especially magnificent year. As a new mom, or new mom for the 2nd, 3rd or 4th time, you’ve been through many wonderful experiences with your little one. Learning to navigate motherhood (or motherhood with more children) is a milestone in itself for you. As you prepare for this year to end and welcome a New Year, it’s a great time for reflections on a year with baby.

Reflections on a year with baby may conjure up different sentiments for each of you. Your baby’s year was amazing in many ways. You probably saw an abundance of firsts, from that first moment your baby nestled on your chest and latched for breastfeeding, to first smiles, first teeth and first movements such as rolling, crawling or walking. These are memories to celebrate and cherish as your baby grows bigger, stronger and smarter day-by-day.

Reflections on a Year with BabyThroughout this year you have seen the world anew through your baby’s curious eyes and open heart. From the simplicity of watching leaves sway in the wind, to the complexity of discovering new people, animals and objects, your baby is observing, learning and making new connections constantly. When your baby finds joy in the world, it warms your heart because what you want most is for her to be happy. And when you make her happy, as you often do, it’s the best feeling of all.

Celebrating holidays, birthdays, seasons, and good old regular days with your baby was exciting too. You may have visited new places such as the zoo, an aquarium, a farm or a museum. Or perhaps you traveled by airplane, car or train to a grandparent’s house or a family vacation. Your baby probably met many new people this year such as family members, friends and caregivers. Some of the relationships she began, places she fell in love with or activities she enjoyed this year will last for your baby’s entire lifetime.

The year may have had some challenges as well because that’s part of life. Finding a rhythm as a family can be difficult when you introduce a new tiny being into the mix. Learning sleep patterns or navigating breastfeeding may have been hard for you and your baby too. While these hurdles are short-lived, the way you handled them sets the tone for how your baby will lean on you for support and respond to you in the future.

Being a parent is your biggest role in life. It’s probably the one that will bring you the most happiness and pride, but also the most doubt and challenge. Some of motherhood may come with ease while other aspects will continue to be difficult for years to come. One thing is for certain, what your baby needs most is your love and affection.

As you ring in the New Year and celebrate this season with your new little love, we hope these reflections on a year with baby bring you warm memories and inspiration for the year to come.  Happy New Year!

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New Co-sleeping Guidelines from the AAP

December 26, 2016 by

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently updated their co-sleeping guidelines for the first time in five years. The organizations Task Force on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is at the helm of the latest recommendations, which largely share the same rules for avoiding SIDS except for one key factor. The new guidelines recommend co-sleeping in the same room but in different spaces for the first year of your baby’s life.

Co-sleeping is a much-debated topic in early parenting. As parents learn to navigate their babies and are often sleep deprived, sleeping near one another can be the most convenient way to comfort and feed your baby. The AAP’s new co-sleeping guidelines aim to achieve multiple goals for parents and babies – including restful sleep and easier nighttime feedings – while also balancing the safety of babies and avoiding SIDS.

The term co-sleeping can mean different things to different parents. It is often used for bed-sharing or may be used in the broader sense of rooming-in. The new co-sleeping guidelines recommend the later, sleeping in the same room as your baby but having separate sleep spaces. Having babies in the bed with their parents increases risk of suffocation from parents or smothering from items in the bed like sheets, pillows or blankets, or babies re-breathing carbon dioxide if they are trapped beneath an object.

The Task Force on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome says that co-sleeping in separate sleep spaces can reduce risk of SIDS by up to 50%. This is because parents are still in tune with their babies needs and are able to hear them should there be an issue in the night. Plus, it allows for easier and therefore more frequent skin-to-skin contact that calms and regulates a baby’s body, as well as breastfeeding, which reduces risk of SIDS as well.

A baby’s sleep space should be a firm, flat surface such as a crib or cradle. Only a fitted sheet should be in a baby’s sleep space. Pillows, blankets and even soft toys should not be in the bed during sleep times. Cribs and cradles should be up to current safety standards (which change often) to ensure they do not present choking, falling or entrapment hazards.

Additionally, the new co-sleeping guidelines remind parents to put their babies to sleep on their backs. Even if your baby has acid reflux, back-sleeping is the best way to reduce risk of SIDS. (Regurgitation is unlikely to cause choking if your baby is on his back.) Also, sleeping on chairs and couches is even more dangerous that bed-sharing. For parents who tend to fall asleep while holding or nursing their babies, a bed with all sheets, blankets and pillows removed is the better choice. But babies should be placed back on their own sleep surface once the parents wake.

The latest sleep recommendations to avoid SIDS can be found in the published report in the journal Pediatrics or on the AAP’s website. Furthermore the Pediatric Sleep Council launched a new website called babysleep.com that has helpful tips and information.

Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics, Pediatrics, Fit Pregnancy and KellyMom

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Holiday Cookies

December 22, 2016 by

Many families have a fun tradition of baking cookies on Christmas Eve. Baking together is a wonderful family activity, especially when you decorate them in festive ways. Today we’re sharing ideas for your holiday cookies so your family – and Santa – have something adorable and delicious to nibble on this Christmas.

There is nothing wrong with the traditional method of making holiday cookies. That is, using your favorite sugar cookie recipe and cutting the dough into festive shapes such as Christmas trees, stars, stockings, mittens, candy canes, ice skates or Santa’s hat. Each of these shapes offers your kids a new decorating pallet to satisfy their creativity. Icing, sprinkles, small candies and fruit are all wonderful decorating supplies.  holiday-cookies

If you don’t have cookie cutters in these shapes, don’t worry! You can make ornament holiday cookies starting with circular shapes by using the brim of a glass as your cookie cutter. Or square shaped cookies formed with the top of a small jewelry gift box can be decorated as holiday presents.

If you feel like stepping outside the box this year, check out our additional ideas for holiday cookies:

Snowman: There are several “cool” ways to make snowman coolies. One method is to bake your cookies in three sizes of circles: small, medium and large. Then stack the cookies to form yours snowman and use icing to glue the cookies together. Decorate and enjoy. Alternatively you can coat Oreos in melted white chocolate. Once they are dry, draw a snowman face and adorn with a mini Oreo, peanut butter cup or chocolate kiss as a top hat.

Reindeer:  These cuddly holiday cookies are a blast to make and eat. Make your favorite cookies – sugar, chocolate chip, peanut butter or oatmeal will all do. Form them a roughly oval shape. Once your cookies are done baking but still soft, push chocolate-covered pretzels into both sides of the top. Finally, place two brown M&Ms for eyes and one red M&M as the nose. Rudolf never looked so tasty!

Wreath: Make your favorite oatmeal cookie recipe and add green food coloring. Form the dough for each cookie in an “o” shape. When the cookies are done baking and still soft, press in M&Ms or red hots as wreath decoration.

Gingerbread Man: This classic cookie is always fun to decorate and eat. Plus the shape allows your children to create interesting personalities for each Gingerbread figure. You can make one to look like each family member, TV, movie or book characters, or anything your children can imagine. Offer lots of edible decorating materials for this one.

Kissed: Another simple way to make holiday cookies is to add a sweet kiss to the center. You can do this toward the end of their baking time so the kiss melts into the cookie (or brownie). Trust us it will be so yummy it may make you melt too. Kisses in holiday flavors or colors are especially festive.

Wishing you a happy, fun and delicious holiday season!

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Baby’s First Christmas – Photography Ideas

December 20, 2016 by

Baby’s First Christmas – Photography IdeasYour baby’s first Christmas is one of the best photo ops of the year. Take advantage of this festive time to set up a cute and creative photo shoot with your baby to commemorate her first holiday season. Today we’re sharing adorable do-it-yourself ideas for photographing your baby’s first Christmas.

Santa’s Hat: There’s something incredibly jolly about naked babies wearing a Santa Claus hat. Set your baby on a bed or the floor with a cozy blanket and capture the moments as she plays around wearing the festive hat.

In a Present: Your baby is probably your best holiday present so put her in a gift box for adorable photos for baby’s first Christmas. Wrap an oversized box – perhaps a shipping box – in festive paper and then put a blanket inside for your baby to sit on.

In Front of your Christmas Tree: Wearing Christmas pajamas or her fanciest Christmas outfit, some of the best photos of baby’s first Christmas may be in front of your Christmas tree. Let her play with a few ornaments and surround her with wrapped presents to really capture the essence of the holiday.

In a Stocking: For the tiniest babies, place your little one’s feet and body in a stocking allowing her arms and head to remain out. You can place a cute hat on your baby too. What a precious stocking stuffer your baby makes!

Dressed as a Festive Character: Dressing your baby as any holiday-themed character is a great way to celebrate and photograph baby’s first Christmas. Try a Santa suit or elf costume. Or perhaps dress your baby as a reindeer, candy cane, or snowman. Fairies and angles make adorable Christmas costumes too. Get creative and snap away.

Wrapped in Twinkle Lights: Your baby lights up your life and you light up hers. Gently wrap a strand of twinkle lights around her for an illuminating photo. (Do keep a close watch to make sure she does not choke or try to put lights or wires in her mouth.)

Quotables: Baby outfits with sweet quotes are a wonderful idea for baby’s first Christmas. Many baby clothing retailers sell “baby’s first Christmas” shirts, onesies and pajamas. Or look for something sweet like “best present ever” or “cutest elf on the block.”

Winter Hats: Babies always look good in hats. Any festive or cozy winter hat makes for a beautiful photo with your baby dressed or naked. For boys, a bow tie can be an adorable added touch and for girls, frilly tutus are stunning in photos.

Baby’s first Christmas is such a special time for your family. Capture the adorable moments and enjoy this wonderful time as a family. Merriest of Christmases this year!

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Why Babies Should Not Eat Sugar

December 19, 2016 by

When it comes time for solid foods, you may be faced with one of an endless number of parenting decisions surrounding food. You’ve already made the best first food choice to breastfeed so your baby’s nutrition is definitely a top priority. With the introduction of solid foods, you have the opportunity to continue to build on the foundation of healthy eating habits you established from day one. As you now have many food options for your baby in addition to breast milk it may be your parental instinct not to feed your baby sugary foods. Good instincts! But do you know why babies should not eat sugar? Today we’re going to explain why babies should not eat sugar.

Why Babies Should Not Eat Sugar

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting solid foods between four and six months. The rules have changed on where to start with baby foods and now almost anything goes. So the possibilities are vast and sometimes parents are overwhelmed with options.

Your first decision about solids is whether to serve store-bought or homemade. You may prefer the control and satisfaction of homemade baby food or the convenience and variety of store-bought food. Either way, it’s important to ensure your baby’s earliest solid foods do not have added sugar. You will probably start with fruits, vegetables and grains, all of which can and should be prepared without added sugar. Of course the natural sugar found in many of these foods is fine, but adding sugar is completely unnecessary.

Ok, you’ve got that covered and you’re probably feeling that this food thing is pretty easy. But wait, it gets much more complicated.

It’s not until your baby is ready for combination foods like breads, yogurt, dips and so on that the parenting decisions really come into play. How much sugar will you allow your baby to have? And then your toddler, preschooler, and big kid? It’s a continual question you’ll be asking yourself throughout your baby’s childhood.

Still the question remains why babies should not eat sugar. The answer is relatively simple in that it is similar to why older children and adults don’t need very much added sugar. Excessive sugar bogs down the body. While it gives a brief energy burst, sugar really does more damage than good on a cellular level. It affects everything from cognitive function to muscle development. Sugar contributes to diabetes and obesity, two health conditions that are associated with a laundry list of further health complications. Plus, sugar is linked to ear infections in babies and can cause tooth decay.

Furthermore, developing a sweet tooth at a young age is not good for babies because it sets the stage for their food expectations for the rest of their lives. That’s not to say they shouldn’t enjoy food, but added sugar is an acquired craving and one that can start in infancy. If you limit sugar in early childhood and put an emphasis on healthy eating habits, you can avoid some of the negative health repercussions and desire for sugary foods in the future.

Even with these negative side-effects of sugar readily available, baby food manufacturers add sugar to food regularly. Beyond jars of pureed baby food, some baby snacks such as crackers, puffs, cereal o’s and dried fruits have added sugar. Because they are marketed as baby foods, parents believe they are healthy. But parents should beware and read labels to know exactly how much sugar is in the foods they are serving their babies.

It’s important to know why babies should not eat sugar so you are prepared to make essential parenting decisions surrounding food for your baby when it’s time to begin solids. By breastfeeding you set your baby on a healthy path. Continue the great work by limiting sugar, especially in infancy.

Source: Parenting Healthy Babies

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12 Days of #LovingMoments Photo Contest – Nursing Bra Giveaway

December 15, 2016 by

12 Days of #LovingMoments Photo Contest – Nursing Bra GiveawayWe know you and your families are preparing for holiday festivities in fun and exciting ways. Sharing the holidays with your new baby is particularly eventful as they get to enjoy the sights, sounds and wonders of the season. We want to share in your holiday spirit with another festive photo contest!

Our 12 Days of #LovingMoments photo contest begins today December 15 and runs through December 26. Share a photo of your nursling doing whatever your family does during the holiday season for a chance to win a nursing bra of your choice from our Loving Moments by Leading Lady collection. You can submit photos on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram by tagging Loving Moments and using the hashtag #LovingMoments. Find out more below.

We can’t wait to see how your family celebrates the season!

12 Days of #LovingMoments Photo Contest

Dates: Thursday, December 15 – Monday, December 26

How to Enter:  Share a photo of your nursling doing something festive during the holiday season on Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram + tag Loving Moments + use the hashtag #LovingMoments. (Only entries tagged using the # will be considered.)

Tag Loving Moments on Facebook: @LovingMomentsBras.

Tag Loving Moments on Twitter @LovingMomentsBr.

Tag Loving Moments on Instagram @LovingMomentsBras.

What You’ll Win: 5 winners will be selected and announced on Thursday, December 29. These lucky mamas will receive the nursing bra of her choice from the Loving Moments by Leading Lady collection.

Additional Information: Photos submitted may be shared by Loving Moments on all social media channels (Facebook, Twitter & Instragram) and our Mommy Moments blog regardless of where they were originally posted. By submitting a photo, you agree to allow Loving Moments by Leading Lady to use it across channels.

Giveaway Rules & Regulations:

  • Entries will be accepted during the specified timeframe only. Entries submitted outside the contest window will not be considered.
  • Winners are selected at the discretion of Loving Moments by Leading Lady.
  • 5 winners will be selected to receive one prize each.
  • Failure to claim prize within 10 days of notification will result in forfeiture of prize.
  • Prizes subject to availability based on winner’s size, color and product selection. If the preferred prize is not available, the winner can make another selection.
  • May not be combined with any other coupon code offers.
  • No purchase necessary.
  • Please allow up to 21 days for shipping after a prize has been selected.
  • Not valid with previous or future purchases.
  • Giveaway may be discontinued at anytime without notice.

Good luck!

 

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What You Should Know about Breast Milk and Iron

December 13, 2016 by

What You Should Know about Breast Milk and Iron

Breast milk is the most wholesome first food for your baby which is why the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first four to six months of your baby’s life. Breast milk contains vast nutrients that your baby needs to thrive. However, breast milk is low in one key nutrient: iron. Today we’re examining what you should know about breast milk and iron including why breast milk is low in iron, how much iron your baby needs, and the best ways to ensure your baby is getting the right amount of breast milk and iron.

Why do our bodies need iron?

Iron is an essential mineral that produces hemoglobin, the protein that allows oxygen to travel through the bloodstream to all areas of our body. Obviously we need oxygen to survive and it also gives us energy. Iron deficiency can not only cause fatigue, but also prohibit bodies from functioning properly or at their maximum capacity. Signs of iron deficiency in babies include being underweight, slow weight gain, lethargy, crankiness, pale skin and lack of appetite.

Why is breast milk low in iron?

The truth is all animal milk and even iron-fortified baby formulas are pretty low in iron. It may seem peculiar why breast milk, the superfood of all superfoods, is low in iron when it is incredibly jam-packed with so many other nutrients. Scientists are not sure why breast milk is low in iron but they have a few theories. One is that umbilical cords are usually clamped within a minute after birth. This is a relatively new practice and allows less blood and plasma to get to the baby. Another theory is people used to sleep on the ground and walk on and handle iron-rich dirt more often. Yet another hypothesis is that as breast milk evolved to meet the needs of human babies, it lost some iron content because iron can only survive and reproduce with the help of bacteria. This theory therefore purports that less iron helps protect infants from bacterial infections.

While all first food choices are low in iron, breast milk is still the best option. That’s because more iron is absorbed by babies who are breastfed due to the other incredible nutrients of breast milk. Having nutrients in food is wonderful but it only does a body good if they are absorbed. Breast milk contains vitamin C and lactose, both of which help babies absorb more iron. Breastfed babies retain 50-70% of the iron they get through breast milk. Additionally, because breast milk is easier on the digestive track, babies lose less iron through their bowels.

How much iron does a baby need?

Amazingly, babies are born with iron storage of approximately 6 months. This is one reason why the APA recommends exclusive breastfeeding at the beginning of life despite the low iron content of breast milk. Full term babies generally are not lacking iron during their first half year. After that, iron is introduced in the diet naturally through solid foods including baby cereals, fruits, vegetables and lean proteins. It is recommended that babies get around 11 mg of iron per day and ensuring your baby gets plenty of vitamin C will also help iron absorption.

Should breastfed babies take iron supplements?

Most exclusively breastfed babies do not need iron supplementation. Some exceptions may include premature babies, babies born under 6.5 pounds, babies that drink lots of cow’s milk (rather than breast milk or iron-fortified formula) in their first year, and babies whose mothers had diabetes during pregnancy and neglected to manage blood sugar and insulin properly. Also, introducing solids too soon can interrupt a baby’s capacity to retain iron. These risk factors sometimes lead to the need for iron supplements. Somewhat surprisingly, babies born to mothers who have anemia do not show an increased risk for iron deficiency.

If you are concerned that your baby is iron deficient, consult your pediatrician. A simple blood test can determine if your baby needs more iron. As always, we hope this information on breast milk and iron helps you make informed choices for your baby!

Sources: KellyMom, Momtastic Wholesome Babyfood, Science of Mom and WebMD

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Holiday Gifts for Babies – Part 2

December 12, 2016 by

Holiday Gifts for Babies – Part 2We’re back with more fabulous ideas for holiday gifts for babies that will help you celebrate this special season with your new little love. From building and sensory experiences, to role playing and excitement, our ideas are all geared to support the learning and development of your baby.

Check out the second part of our list of holiday gifts for babies:

Playroom Mat: Your baby may already have a playroom mat but having a second one to switch out can rejuvenate your baby’s play space. Look for a mat that matches your baby’s interests or that works with some of her favorite toys. For example, if she loves playing with barn animal figurines, get a play mat of a barn.

Look-a-like Dolls: For girls and boys, look-a-like dolls are excellent holiday gifts for babies. Dolls are wonderful teaching toys regarding parts of the body, social interactions and can become a safety object of affection. Many doll makers allow you to customize the look of a doll to mirror your baby.

Nesting Boxes: Babies have a natural instinct to stack and unstack toys, as well as collect and dump. Nesting boxes help your baby learn size and space concepts through experimentation. Better yet, use boxes that feature, colors, animals, foods or shapes pictures that you can discuss with your baby.

Duplo Blocks: These large legos may seem too advanced for your baby but she will soon love stacking and building with large blocks. Introduce them early even if they are only chew toys that get thrown or banged about at the beginning. Eventually your baby will learn their true purpose and love creating with them.

Globe: Want to raise a worldly child? Let her play with learning tools like a globe. This can be in the form of a traditional globe or something less conventional like a puzzle, beach ball or large floor mat. Point out continents, countries, oceans, hemispheres and other features as you play. You’ll be amazed what your baby will eventually absorb.

Rocking Horse: In infancy a rocking horse can be a fun strength-building toy where you can hold your baby and gently rock her back-and-forth, challenging her core stabilizers. When she’s a toddler she’ll have a blast rocking herself. Look for one with an enclosed seat for safety purposes.

Kiddie Chair: A fun kid’s chair that matches your baby’s nursery or playroom is a super holiday gift for babies. Chairs come in a variety of animals or other favorite objects and the styles are endless. Your baby will love sitting on her very own “thrown.”

Mobile: If your baby doesn’t have a mobile for her room yet, this is a great holiday gift. Store-bought or homemade, delightful dangling objects are always engaging to babies and may help make sleep times and diaper changing easier for you too.

Play House: A small play house can be a wonderful gift for your baby that she will continue to use for years to come. Playing house helps children model behaviors and role play real and imaginary scenarios. It is a tremendous way to release emotions and learn coping techniques as well.

We hope our suggestions for holiday gifts for babies have sparked ideas for the babies on your list. Wishing you the happiest holiday season!

Sources: Babble, PopSugar and Parenting.com

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Holiday Gifts for Babies – Part 1

December 8, 2016 by

Holiday Gifts for Babies – Part 1Your baby’s first holiday season is an enchanting time for your family. Experiencing holidays together with a baby brings a new sense of joy and lifts spirits in big ways. Although spending time interacting with you is the best gift your baby can receive, you may want to celebrate the holidays with a few presents. We have great ideas for holiday gifts for babies that we’re sharing today and next week. Consider these suggestions or passing them along to grandparents, aunts, uncles or friends who want to honor your baby with something special for the winter holidays.

Collectables: The holiday season is a terrific time to start a meaningful collection for your baby. This can be virtually any item that your baby can collect throughout the years. Some ideas include snow globes, trains, dolls, ornaments or anything else that may have special meaning to your family. As your baby grows she can delight in seeing her collection expand year-by-year.

Plush Fruits and Veggies: Teaching healthy habits can be supported through play-based learning. A set of plush fruits and vegetables that you can identify for your baby will set the stage for healthy eating habits in the future.

Instruments: Engage your baby in music with dynamic instruments such as maracas, drums, bells, cymbals, a xylophone, or a floor keyboard. These help your baby experiment with musical sounds and discover musical appreciation at a young age.

Activity Block: Activity blocks are terrific learning tools for babies because they allow self-exploration. These multi-functional toys use a variety of materials that babies can manipulate to enjoy sensory experiences, learn cause-and-effect relationships, and have a blast.

Abacus: At a young age your baby will probably enjoy moving beads along an abacus. As she starts learning to count and then grasps early math concepts, an abacus can be a great instructive tool. Simple educational toys that grow with your child’s development are terrific holiday gifts for babies.

Color Discovery Toys: While color identification may not truly occur until closer to 2 years old, babies enjoy vivid colors and will slowly grasp the concept of naming colors with each new colorful experience. Any toys that help name and categorize colors is worthwhile.

Books: A baby’s library is never complete. Help stock your baby’s bookshelves with exciting new books including interactive selections, classics, new bestsellers and your childhood favorites.

Toy Accessories to Favorite Books: Further engage your baby in her favorite books by adding accessories. These can range from plush character toys, wooden manipulable toys, puppets, storyboards and many more. Use these toys when reading or telling stories to enhance your baby’s experience and help your baby visualize and identify objects and characters.

If you like these ideas stay tuned next week for even more suggestions for holiday gifts for babies.  We’ll see you then!

Sources: Babble, PopSugar and Parenting.com

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