The study followed 1,471 children, half male and half female, and measured their viewing of television or video at 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months of age. This was followed up with a measure of sensory processing at around 33 months, when caregivers filled out surveys about each toddler’s reaction to sensory inputs like lights, textures, and noises.

Babies who watched any television or videos at 12 months of age were twice as likely to experience challenges in processing sensory information appropriately, as compared with their peers. At 18 months, kids with higher levels of screen exposure were found to have both difficulties in processing sensory information as well as a higher motivation to avoid sensory exposure. By 24 months, the researchers saw higher screen time linked to sensation seeking, sensory sensitivity, and sensation-avoiding behaviors.

This comes on the heels of another recent study linking screen time to developmental delays in children. However, the causal relationship between screen time and these negative developmental and sensory outcomes can’t be proven at this time. “Further research is needed to understand the relationship between screen time and specific sensory-related developmental and behavioral outcomes, and whether minimizing early-life exposure can improve subsequent sensory-related outcomes,” says the JAMA Pediatrics study. It’s also important to gather more updated data, since this research started a decade ago when kids were more likely to be watching TV or DVDs rather than tablets or mom’s phone.

“Considering this link between high screen time and a growing list of developmental and behavioral problems, it may be beneficial for toddlers exhibiting these symptoms to undergo a period of screen time reduction, along with sensory processing practices delivered by occupational therapists,” lead author Dr. Karen Heffler, an associate professor of psychiatry in Drexel’s College of Medicine, said in a statement.

Now, we know what some of you may be thinking: Oh great, another study telling me I’m messing up and can’t rely on screen time? But even study researchers wouldn’t take that away from you. The bottom line is, if you think you’re relying on TV time a bit too heavily, try to dial it back. And make sure to mix in lots of family time playing with your baby face-to-face, showing them a wide range of emotions and expressions, reading to them, and engaging with toys. It’s all about balance.

What Can My Newborn See?

In these first few weeks your newborns’ retinas are developing and their pupils are widening, allowing them to see larger shapes, patterns, and some colors. They tend to focus on objects that are close to them—about 8 to 10 inches from their face. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), newborns are able to use their peripheral vision to sense things beside them, but their overall vision will still take months to develop.

In their first month, newborns are only able to see in black, white, and shades of gray, making them particularly sensitive to bright lights. That’s why it’s crucial if your infant is jaundiced that you use protective eyewear when using a biliblanket.

What does this mean for parents? Introducing your infant to black-and-white toys, books, and flashcards during this time can help them develop their optic nerves without overstimulating them. Bold, contrasting images are easier for them to see, and focus on, helping their eye muscles coordinate with the brain.

Your pediatrician will examine your baby’s eyes and check for anything that seems out of the ordinary during your first visits. They might refer you to an ophthalmologist for a more comprehensive exam if your baby was born prematurely or you have a family history of childhood eye disease.

What Babies Can See at 2-4 Months

At this age it’s totally normal for your baby’s eyes to appear crossed or even wander from side to side. Don’t panic! This is called pseudostrabismus, and it’s common in babies up to about 18 months old. As your child starts to grow into their features this usually goes away.

The American Optometric Association (AOA) notes that it’s around the two-month mark that babies are able to follow a moving object with their eyes. They will also start to focus on your face or the face of someone near them. If you do not notice this happening, talk with your pediatrician.

You can help your child build up their hand-eye coordination by using a rattle or toy and have them track it with their eyes. Encourage them to grab for objects and toys that are about eight to 12 inches out of reach.

Related: When Is the Right Time to Pierce a Baby’s Ears?

What Babies Can See at 5-8 Months

Blue? Hazel? Brown? It takes about a year for your baby’s eye color to settle, but any color changes will slow down around the six-month mark. During this time your baby’s depth perception is more fully developed, and they can see objects around them in more vivid detail. Their color vision is also developing and they might recognize your face from across a room and smile. It’ll make your heart swoon the first time it happens (ok, and all the other times too).

As your baby learns to crawl in these next few months, their vision will continue to grow stronger as they perfect their hand-eye coordination. Playing peekaboo and using mirrors is not only a great way to bond with your child, but these games help strengthen their vision and cognitive skills. Hanging a mobile in their crib also helps with hand-eye coordination.

A second eye screening should be done some time between the ages of six and 12 months. Your child’s pediatrician, or other health care professional, can explain what to expect during this exam.

What Babies Can See at 9-12 Months

Once your baby hits nine months, they should be able to judge distances and grasp for things with their thumb and forefinger. Ask your pediatrician for age-appropriate activities you can do with your baby to help develop their vision as they pass their first birthday.

When to Be Concerned

Remember, vision problems in babies are rare, however, there are times when problems may arise. Talk to your pediatrician if you notice your child has excessive tears, as this may be a sign of blocked tear ducts. Additionally, red or crusty eyelids could indicate an eye infection and should be treated right away.

Strabismus, or crossed eyes, is when the eyes do not line up properly and look in different directions. One eye may look straight ahead while the other eye turns in, out, up, or down. If your child’s eyes do not appear to align around four months, talk to your pediatrician about seeing an ophthalmologist.

The study looked at children between 17 and 30 months of age and had caregivers document how much time their children spent on video/TV, video games, video chat, and e-books. Caregivers also noted the reason why screentime was being used whether that was for calming/babysitting benefits, for educational purposes, or to engage with family members. These factors were then compared to the children’s vocabulary and length using two or more words together.

Results show that children between the ages of 17 and 30 months spend an average of nearly two hours per day watching videos. This is a 100 percent increase from prior estimates gathered before the COVID pandemic. “Children exposed to videos by caregivers for their calming or ‘babysitting’ benefits tended to use phrases and sentences with fewer words,” as explained on smu.edu. “However, the negative impact on language skills was mitigated when videos were used for educational purposes or to foster social connections—such as through video chats with family members.”

“In those first couple years of life, language is one of the core components of development that we know media can impact,” said Sarah Kucker, assistant professor of psychology in SMU’s Dedman College of Humanities & Sciences, to sciencedaily.com. “There’s less research focused on toddlers using digital media than older ages, which is why we’re trying to understand better how digital media affects this age group and what type of screen time is beneficial and what is not.”

Previous studies have shown that babies exposed to screens can have an increased risk of having sensory processing issues as toddlers. But let’s be real. Parents need to get things done and sometimes that means giving our kids some screen time.

In addition, once kids are well into their toddler years, there are television shows like Miss Rachel, Peppa Pig, and Daniel Tiger that actually aid in language development.

The takeaway: We all just need to do our best to limit these activities if we can, understanding that it is not always possible and some screen time is inevitable.

I'm a developmental scientist who studies how children grow & learn across cultures. I'm also an American mom who feels the extreme pressure put on parents in the West. I'm here to offer you some parenting ANTI-advice — here are a few things you can worry less about: 1/

— Dorsa Amir (@DorsaAmir) January 16, 2023

Dorsa Amir has been studying children’s growth across cultures for more than a decade. The basic gist of her thread? You can stop worrying so much about teaching your kids because if there’s anything kids do naturally on their own, it’s learn. Here are the four things she suggests you stop stressing about right now.

1. Not everything has to be “educational.”

Nope, you don’t have to worry about your kid constantly learning new things, especially when you’re playing. “It’s truly completely okay (& indeed, good) for kids to play for the sake of play,” Amir explains. “They don’t have to be learning the alphabet or animal noises. They can just do whatever silly thing they want to do. They are ALWAYS learning!”

2. Parents don’t have to feel pressured to teach their kids.

“You don’t have to put pressure on yourself to constantly teach them things. In fact, active & direct instruction from an adult is the rarest form of teaching in human history. Kids know how to learn in other ways — like observation — & they’re extremely good at it,” she writes. “For instance, I went to a little indoor gym class with my toddler & the teacher held up a ball & moved it around so the kids could “learn how to track objects with their eyes”. I cannot stress enough how completely & utterly unnecessary that is. You do not need to teach that!”

3. Don’t worry about entertaining your kids all the time.

Kids should experience boredom, and we should let them, Amir explains. “You do not have to feel obligated to constantly entertain them or provide new activities for them. They should be allowed to generate their own activities & ideas.” If you’d like, you can just be your kid’s boring parent instead of their zany, cartoonish friend. In fact, she says the way Western parents pretend to be kids while playing with their kids is actually quite unusual, so don’t feel obligated to do it.

The same goes for the types of activities you choose to do.

Your life & schedule do not need to revolve 100% around your child’s preferences. Every family member is entitled to their own preferences & all should be considered. Your kids will almost certainly be content tagging along an adult-centered activity, like grocery shopping. 9/

— Dorsa Amir (@DorsaAmir) January 16, 2023

And, side note, that also applies to buying your kids tons of toys. You’re welcome, parents.

You don’t have to buy your children 600 toys. You shouldn’t feel guilty if you do, you shouldn’t feel guilty if you don’t. Kids can play with literally whatever. They have a particular fondness for adult-utilized objects, actually, those function as play objects just fine. 10/

— Dorsa Amir (@DorsaAmir) January 16, 2023

4. Your job isn’t to protect your kiddos from (developmentally appropriate) conflict.

“Kids should be allowed to experience social conflict,” she writes. “They can disagree or argue with their playmates; that’s completely fine & actually very good for them to practice. Let them resolve things if they can, you don’t have to get involved or prevent it from happening.” More generally, it’s not bad to experience negative emotions. It’s actually good for them to see what they feel like and learn to process them. “A childhood that’s entirely carefree & completely devoid of emotional challenges is NOT the goal. It’s good to experience all of life’s nuances.”

In other words, parents, you’re doing just fine. Let this message from Amir be the one you take with you: “One thing that makes humans extra special is high levels of what we call “plasticity” or, the ability to calibrate to a million different ecological, cultural, & social environments. What this means is that there are a million different ways to be human & they’re all valid.” So shed some of that worry and give your little ones the space to find their own way.

In a TikTok post, music therapist Vered Benhorin explains why parents might want to give it a go.

@babyintune

#stitch with @funny_baby4334 You have full permission to sound like @Ms Rachel even if you never thought you would. #msrachel #msrachelsongforlittes #msrachelbaby #cutebaby #parentingtips #motherese

♬ original sound – Vered, MTBC – Baby in Tune

“One of the reasons babies love Miss Rachel so much is because she speaks in an extreme kind of mother-ease or parents-ease. She starts low with her voice, goes high, and then down. I know you promised yourself you would never use that voice before you had a baby. But you know what? Your baby does love it,” she says.

Benhorin goes on to mention that research has shown that babies learn language sooner when parents use that sing-song voice. Though they’re not yet able to fully process phonetic sounds (a.k.a. the alphabet), “rhythmic speak emphasizes the boundaries of individual words,” explains Usha Goswami, a Cambridge neuroscientist and the lead of one such study.

“Infants can use rhythmic information like a scaffold or skeleton to add phonetic information on to. For example, they might learn that the rhythm pattern of English words is typically strong-weak, as in ‘daddy’ or ‘mummy,’ with the stress on the first syllable. They can use this rhythm pattern to guess where one word ends and another begins when listening to natural speech,” she adds. Note that this is entirely different from “baby talk,” where people use cutesy nonsense words and mimic sounds made by babies, like “baba” instead of “bottle.” This actually works against language development.

Goswami further explained how universal the findings were in an interview with the BBC: “We’ve looked at how mums talk to babies in different languages, and unconsciously, they’re exaggerating a rhythm pattern of around 120 beats a minute…we measured the brain response from 2 months, and it was always strongest to speech at that rhythm.”

Babies everywhere can’t be wrong. So ignore that thing you swore you’d never do and embrace the tone and cadence of Ms. Rachel. Your little one will thank you! 

“All the senses need to develop together, in an interconnected and synergistic manner, for a child’s development to remain on track,”  says Colleen Kraft, a pediatrician at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and former president of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). That being said, every kid is different, so consider this a broad guide to typical sensory development.

As they grow, your baby’s senses will help make them the kid (and adult) they will one day be! But how and when do these five senses develop? Whether you’re wondering how much your newborn can see or why your eight-month-old prefers applesauce to peas, here’s everything you need to know about your baby’s growing senses.

1. Your Baby’s Sense of Sight

It may seem like your brand-new baby is gazing wisely at the world around them, but the truth is they can’t see much.

Sure, your baby’s peepers started working in utero (studies show eye movements begin about 15 weeks gestation), but newborn babies have blurry vision at birth and can only see about 8 to 12 inches from their faces. That’s OK, though! That’s all they need those first few days when just finding the nipple of a breast or bottle is their most important task.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), babies can see bright colors within the first few weeks of life but likely can’t see differences in shades of colors until they’re 2 to 3 months old. This is because the nerve cells that control vision aren’t fully developed until a few months after birth.

“We are born with eyes; these are the cameras that take pictures of the world,” says Alexander de Castro-Abeger, an ophthalmologist in Los Angeles. “We are also born with a brain; the brain is responsible for what we think of as ‘vision’ and seeing the pictures the eyes are taking.”

In other words, your baby’s eyes—and the connections between the eyes and the brain—need to develop for them to see the world fully. Here’s how that happens:

Your Baby’s Eyesight Timeline

At birth: Your baby can see a blurry 8 to 12 inches away—about the distance from your arms to your face. (Despite the fuzzy picture, she’ll know who you are because she can smell and hear you.) In those first few weeks, your new baby’s eyes are very sensitive to bright lights (the womb isn’t exactly well-lit), so don’t be surprised if they shut their eyes or squint when you walk into broad daylight. Also, it’s normal for your baby’s eyes to look cross-eyed or to “drift,” though a constant cross or drifting is not typical and should be evaluated, Castro-Abeger says.

By 4 months: Your baby should be able to align their eyes and track a well-contrasted object, light-up toy, or face. They should also be able to focus on a variety of smaller objects and tell the difference between colors (especially red and green), according to the AAP. This is also when babies start to develop depth perception.

By 6 months: Your baby should be able to see things across a table or room and notice them.

By 12 months: A baby’s vision is close to normal adult levels, according to the AAP (though hand-eye coordination still has a ways to go).

Signs of Vision Problems in Babies:

• While it’s normal for newborns’ eyes to look like they’re going in different directions, it’s worth a call to the pediatrician if this continues past 3-4 months, Castro-Abeger says. The same goes if your baby doesn’t seem to be looking at your face but instead looks past or around you.
• If you take a photo or look at the baby monitor and notice a whiteness in your baby’s pupils, this could indicate a potentially serious condition called leukocoria, which requires quick medical attention.
• If your baby isn’t tracking objects by around four months, let your pediatrician know.

2. Your Baby’s Sense of Hearing

There’s a reason doctors tell you to talk to your belly while you’re pregnant: Your baby’s hearing starts working around 18 weeks gestation and is nearly fully developed by birth! While the first sounds your baby will hear will be the sound of your heartbeat and the blood rushing around them, the muffled sounds of the outside world make their way through as your baby grows.

In fact, studies have shown that newborns prefer music they heard in utero, displaying decreased heart rates when exposed to that same tunes. Even more amazing? Babies can recognize their mothers’ voices as early as one day after birth, as suggested by this 2014 study showing babies sucked harder on a pacifier when they heard their mothers’ voices as opposed to those of other women.

Healthy hearing doesn’t just make your baby’s world more interesting—it also helps their overall social development. According to Kraft, who teaches Clinical Pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, infant hearing problems can lead to a host of other deficits, including delays in language and social development. “Hearing loss can prevent other normative social-emotional bonding activities from occurring,” Kraft said. “This bonding is the foundation of early learning.”

Note: A baby’s ears are more susceptible to damage from loud noises, so care should be taken to keep your baby away from loud environments or to protect your baby’s ears if you have to be someplace loud (after all, research has shown that babies love live music just as much as we do).

Your Baby’s Hearing Timeline

At birth: If your baby was born in a hospital, they likely had a newborn hearing test done there at birth (if you had a home birth, you should make sure your baby has a hearing test by 1 month old). Assuming your baby’s hearing is developing typically, Kraft says a newborn baby should:

• respond to or turn toward high-pitched sounds and voices
• startle at unexpected noises
• may be able to respond to the sound of your voice or lullabies you sing (especially if they heard them in the womb)

By 3 months: By the time a baby is 12 weeks old, the temporal lobe in their brains (which controls smell, hearing, and language) is better developed, allowing infants to process more of what they hear. Consequently, babies at this age may:

• look at you when you talk or sing to them
• smile at you when you speak or sing to them
• try to “talk back” by gurgling or cooing
• wake up because of loud sounds
• stop feeding or sucking in response to a noise

By 8 months: At this age, babies can usually:

• locate where sounds are coming from and turn their heads toward new sounds
• respond to whispers
• listen to you when you speak and “respond” with babbling
• understand basic words such as “bottle” and “milk”

By 12 months: Babies begin to assign meanings to words and imitate sounds. By the time your little one is a year old, Kraft says they should be able to:

• respond to simple requests such as “come here” or “roll the ball”
• imitate some speech sounds
• enjoy being read to or sung to
• point to simple objects in books they recognize
• use a variety of consonants at the beginning of words

Signs of Hearing Problems in Babies:
Kraft said parents should talk to their pediatrician if their infant isn’t meeting any of the milestones listed above. It’s also worth a call if your baby looks toward you when you move into their range of vision but ignores you when you say their name.

3. Your Baby’s Sense of Taste

Your babe may not be a picky eater yet, but their taste buds have been around for almost as long as they have! They form at about nine weeks in the womb, which means your baby can taste what you’re eating via sips of amniotic fluid during much of your pregnancy.

They may even have preferences. A 2022 study showed babies in the womb gave “laughter-face” reactions after their mothers ate carrots and “crying face” reactions after they ate kale (we feel you, babies; kale is an acquired taste).

“Taste preferences develop pretty early,” said American Academy of Pediatrics spokesperson Whitney Casares, an Oregon pediatrician and author of Doing It All: Stop Overfunctioning and Become the Mom You Can Be. “You’ll see kids when they first start solid foods; they’ll try avocado or vegetables and they’ll make a yuck face.”

Your Baby’s Taste Timeline

At birth: Your newborn has nearly twice the number of taste buds as you—including buds in the tonsils and the roof and sides of the mouth. Scientists think these added taste buds help make babies more receptive to their mothers’ milk.

By 4 months: Research suggests that your baby can’t taste salt until about this age. But don’t try to give them salt anyway; experts say kiddos shouldn’t have added salt until they’re at least one year old since their immature kidneys can’t flush it out as well as adult kidneys can (there’s enough sodium present in breast milk, formula, and common baby foods).

About 4 to 9 months: Infants begin to discern different textures at this age, which will help them when they start eating solid foods. This is a good time to get your baby teething toys and board books with different textures, Casares said, so they can explore these sensations (with both their fingers and mouths).

By 12 months: Babies might start to show marked preferences for certain foods, but parents should keep offering a variety of tastes and textures, adding that “it could take 30 times of trying a food for a baby to like it.”

4. Your Baby’s Sense of Smell

Your baby’s sense of smell is one of their strongest senses, being fully developed by the time they’re just 24 weeks in the womb!

In fact, studies show that babies can recognize the scent of their mother’s breast milk shortly after birth, thanks to having been exposed to it for many months in utero. This ability to recognize Mom’s particular smell is an important evolutionary step that helps little ones connect with their mothers in those first few days when their vision isn’t fully developed. (Don’t worry, dads and partners! Babies will eventually smell you, too.)

“When you think about it, smell is one of the most basic ways a baby can interact with the world,” explains developmental pediatrician Jennifer Poon, medical director at the Center for Pediatric Development, Behavioral Health, and Wellness at the Medical College of Georgia. “They’re not yet processing other things as much, so they’re really using their innate senses to process the world.”

Your Baby’s Smell Timeline

At birth: A baby’s sense of smell is fully developed by birth. This super-sniffer helps them recognize and enjoy the scent of their mother’s milk within minutes of birth (which helps encourage feeding). By two weeks, studies show babies can usually recognize their moms by their body odor alone. If a baby is formula-fed, they will learn to recognize and enjoy that smell, too.

By 3 months: Babies can recognize the smell of other parents and familiar caregivers, Poon says.

By 8 months: When trying solids, babies may reject foods that have unfamiliar smells, so be sure to expose your baby to all sorts of flavors while you’re pregnant—and continue to cook lots of different foods so your baby can become familiar with their smells even before they try them.

By 1 year: If your babe has a hard transition with their babysitter or at daycare, it may be helpful to leave behind a blanket or piece of clothing that smells like you.

5. Your Baby’s Sense of Touch

Touch is the very first sense to develop, forming only a few weeks after conception, according to What to Expect. This isn’t surprising—after all, touch is one of the most important building blocks for a child’s health and emotional development—helping babies bond with their caregivers and connect with the world. (So yes—more cuddles!)

As babies grow, touch becomes an invaluable way to explore the world as they pat, poke, prod, hold, hit, grasp, hug, squeeze, and mouth (another form of touch) anything within their reach.

“Touch is such an important thing for babies,” says Poon. “With a newborn baby, the first thing they encourage is skin-to-skin contact, which can be so helpful in releasing the so-called ‘love hormone’ between baby and caregiver.”

Your Baby’s Touch Timeline

At birth: Your baby’s sense of touch is fully developed (though it continues to evolve). According to What to Expect, even by week 32 gestation “every part of a fetus has gained a sense of touch that’s sensitive enough to feel a single hair brushing across the body.”

Newborn babies are programmed to snuggle, and in addition to bonding, studies show that skin-to-skin contact has a multitude of other benefits—from reducing infant crying to alleviating postpartum stress in moms. Babies also like being swaddled, which mimics the comforting feeling of mom’s belly. The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends baby massage, which it calls “a lifesaver in calming a fussy baby.”

By 4 months: Babies should have the strength to stretch out their hands and touch things within their reach. They still prefer their mouths to feel texture, so be sure to keep anything harmful out of reach.

By 6 months: With solid foods on the horizon, now’s the time to encourage board books and toys with different textures, which will help your baby accept different mouth feels when they start enjoying more and more food types. Also, are you childproofed yet? Get on that, because mouthing peaks at around this age.

By 12 months: Babies can discern all the textures with their fingers, including scratchy, wet, sticky, and soft. Now’s a great time to get your tot in on some safe sensory play, which lets them go wild with different textures and materials (Edible mud? You bet!)

Note: If your child seems to have a “major aversion to certain textures, smells or tastes,” Casares says it might be worth a chat with the pediatrician. While it is most likely nothing to be concerned about, sensory aversions can be a sign of sensory processing or other issues.

What is baby sign language?

Baby signs are very simple hand gestures, often based on American Sign Language (ASL), that help babies who aren’t yet speaking to communicate basic needs to hearing parents. Each sign corresponds to a word that is super relevant to an infant’s life, like wanting “milk” or needing “help.” Teaching your baby sign language allows your child to communicate their biggest needs and make sure they’re met, explains Laura Payne, MDE, a baby ASL expert and teacher.  This lessens frustrations for both kids and parents and builds trust.

Payne explains that teaching your baby a few useful signs and building from there is a wonderful way to introduce them to a beautiful language while also helping them express their wants and needs throughout their daily routines. In doing so, you can consistently meet those needs, strengthening your attachment and boosting your confidence as a parent. 

When should you start teaching sign language to your baby?

When are those adorable little hands ready to start forming signs? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests teaching your baby sign language beginning at 6 months. This is thought to be a good window because developmentally infants are learning how to gesture around this time, but this milestone really kicks into high gear at the 8-month mark. Payne stresses that you’re never too early or too late to start. “Babies are born needing to communicate with us,” she says. “So you can start at 6 months or you can start when they’re learning to walk.” You know your baby better than anyone, so give it a go when you feel ready.

5 of the best signs to teach your infant:

The best way to teach your baby sign language is to choose signs that are important to you and your family and ones that you use a lot. Payne suggests starting with “high-functioning” words because they help your little one communicate their basic needs.

1. Milk

While keeping your hand steady in front of you, form the shape of a “C.” Then open and close your hand twice, ensuring your thumb closes over your fingers. You can start modeling this sign before your baby is old enough to do it themselves, and once they’re familiar with the sign you might see their eyes widen with excitement when they realize it’s milk time.

2. Eat

Make a rounded “O” with your fingers and then flatten your fingers out. Turn your fingers to face your chin and move them to your lips like you’re eating.

3. All Done

When signing “all done,” start with your palms facing in and the top of your hands facing out. In a quick motion, turn your palms to face out, and now you’re all done. Remember that you can use this sign in all kinds of situations, like during play and at the park—it’s not just for mealtime.

4. More

Bring your fingers and thumbs to touch and flatten both your hands—like the flat “O” when signing “eat.” Next, tap your fingers together and then pull them apart several times. Remember that your baby could be attempting this sign in any number of ways, from clapping their hands to tapping a single finger into the opposite palm.

5. Help

Your dominant hand is going to sign the letter “A” in ASL, or you can remember it as a thumbs up. Make a flat palm with your other hand and place it under your dominant hand. Raise both hands together to sign the word “help.”

How do you teach your baby sign language?

Payne recommends signing while saying the word at the same time, always remembering to embed the word in context. The next time you and your tot sit down to eat, this can mean signing the word for “eat” while using it in a sentence like, “It looks like you love to eat bananas” or “I see you eating those sweet potatoes.” This gives your little one the context of what the word means supported by the sign language. “I’d also recommend using statements over questions when you’re modeling [sign language],” Payne advises. 

It’s important to incorporate signs into your daily life and be sure to repeat them, according to Baby Sign Language. Research shows that repetition can be critically important for learning, so try to sign before, during, and after an event, like a meal. Another great way to help your baby learn to sign is when you read together. Payne says to sit your child on your lap so they have a clear view of your hands and the book. This way your baby can see you sign words you’re introducing (or already using) as you read.

What are the benefits of sign language for babies?

As far as baby sign language goes, there are benefits for everyone involved. Babies can express their thoughts and needs more effectively, which means less frustration and fewer tantrums due to communication barriers. It also saves parents a lot of time and frustration. If your baby signs “eat” you’ll know to prepare their favorite sweet potatoes instead of jumping into trial-and-error mode, changing diapers and searching for favorite Loveys. Teaching your baby to sign sets everyone up for better communication.

Another benefit is that learning sign language is in line with your infant’s physical development. Payne says the muscles in your baby’s arms and fingers develop faster than those in their mouth, throat, and nasal cavity, so they can sign long before they actually say their first words. Some folks believe that using sign language with babies can delay their verbal communication, but research has shown just the opposite. According to recent studies, it can actually facilitate rather than hinder the development of voice language, per The National Library of Medicine. As Payne sums it up, “language supports language.”

Since sign language is multisensory—communicating through seeing, hearing (saying the words you’re signing), and creating movements—it also nurtures your kid’s cognitive development. “Children feel their body moving and it allows for a multisensory approach, which helps them learn best,” says Payne. And if all that wasn’t enough, signing also helps to strengthen the bond between a child and their parents or caregivers.

What if your baby seems disinterested?

All children learn at a different pace, so if you feel your infant isn’t picking up the signs you’re putting down, don’t panic. There are a number of potential causes if you’re feeling discouraged, like maybe your baby just isn’t ready to start signing, or they’re already signing but you haven’t realized or aren’t positively reinforcing their attempts. These are important pieces of the puzzle to consider. When your baby does start to show interest, positive reinforcement is key to building their self-esteem, which encourages them to sign more. 

If you’re concerned about your baby’s ability to learn sign language, Payne suggests you seek out a professional for help. “Reaching out to an expert in the field can help parents and caregivers troubleshoot.”

Babies are being exposed to screens—but not all screen time is equal

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children under 18 months (as in babies and young toddlers) shouldn’t really be watching screens—video chats with grandparents or other loved ones being the exception. The AAP also says kiddos 18 to 24 months should only watch “high-quality programming”—meaning they probably frown on toddlers being in the room while you binge-watch the John Wick collection.

“Babies typically start to really understand words around six months old and…they are very much social learners, so direct in-person interaction is what helps them to develop,” says Dr. Jacqueline Benson, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist at Deeper Than Color and founder of Center Stage Psychology. “Part of that process is often imitating what they’re observing around them, which is why we encourage parents to limit screens.”

But given how demanding life is for most families, it’s not surprising that many overworked and under-supported families rely on screen time to entertain children. 90% of babies under 2 and 40% of infants regularly watch television, and most kids spend an average of 5 to 7 hours on screens per day. Moreover, on average, US children between the ages of 8 months and 8 years are exposed to about 232 minutes of background television per day, which studies have shown hurts their ability to focus on play behavior.

While some studies have already yielded insight into the effects of rated-R movies on children, like how they tend to increase the likelihood of adolescents trying alcohol by affecting their sensation-seeking behavior, the jury is technically out on how this affects babies and young toddlers. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some solid theories.

“While very young infants may not fully comprehend the content in adult tv and movies, we also know adult content isn’t helping them to positively develop any of their foundational skills like language and play,” says Dr. Benson.

R-rated movies can influence children’s behavior

Additionally, Dr. Benson explains that toddlers who are old enough to grasp the language and simple social themes are in a position to be more strongly impacted by these films.

“That’s when we’ll see them start to imitate those themes of violence in their play or you might hear a child repeat something they overheard. These behaviors can definitely have social repercussions, and that impacts child development as well,” she says.

For example, if the toddler is repeating adult language, they could get into trouble at preschool (though it wouldn’t necessarily be their fault) or be viewed negatively by peers or even the parents of peers.

Dr. Bensons also says that research tells us that there are other risks. Studies have repeatedly linked children’s exposure to violent media (often found in R-rated movies, television, and video games) with increases in aggressive behavior, nightmares, and fear of being harmed, as well as a general desensitization to violence.

“I would say this rings true for toddlers even if they seem like they aren’t directly engaging with the media but are simply in the room,” she adds.

Of course, the truth may also lie in other areas, not just the exposure itself. Dr. Benson says parents who are pretty hands-off about the type of content their children watch are often also lax in other areas, such as language and behaviors they might be exposed to in their own households. It’s a difficult thing to narrow down, which is why monitoring media content helps reduce children’s future risk factors when it comes to things like violence and substance abuse.

It’s probably best to play it safe

Overall, it’s pretty evident that watching an R-rated movie with your baby in the room (not directly watching) won’t ruin them for life, but it should probably be avoided. After all, you never know how what they are overhearing or casually glancing at will impact them later. And when it comes to toddlers, we should be even more mindful of what they see or hear, given their increased ability to imitate and absorb the content.

“I often point parents towards Common Sense Media as a resource to help them navigate their kid’s relationship with media,” says Dr. Benson. “It’s a helpful resource that provides breakdowns of different shows, movies, and games and helps parents determine what is developmentally appropriate for their kids to have access to.”

So next time you’re looking for something to watch, do a little research and find something more family-friendly. Or even better, get a sitter, or at least put the kids to bed early, so you don’t have to worry about your little one having nightmares or accidentally dropping F-bombs at their next play date!

On top of all the worrying, we’d bet you’re getting lots of “advice” and opinions from friends and fellow parents, your own parents, daycare providers, and social media, telling you what you should and shouldn’t be stressed about. It’s hard to know what’s “normal” and what’s worthy of a chat with your pediatrician. Sometimes, you need a bit of a gut check with an expert.

@milestonemama

I could actually do like 25 parts to this series. So much that i wanted to talk about #babytok #momtok #babytiktok #momsoftiktok #babystuff #newborn #tummytime #colic #crawling

♬ original sound – Dr Bonnie | Baby PT

Baby and toddler physical therapist Dr. Bonnie knows just how much information is being thrown at moms and dads all the time, so she took to her popular TikTok to share nine things she wished baby parents knew, and it was quite enlightening. Here are her recommendations:

1. Colic is not normal. “You do not have to just wait for your baby to grow out of that. You need support, and you need, maybe, a lactation consultant, somebody who will check out their oral motor function [and] their latch and maybe dive a little deeper into what their whole body is doing.” So if you’re suffering through hours of crying and feeling totally helpless, there may be supports out there that you didn’t know about. In the comments, here’s what Bonnie suggests: “Get a functional oral motor evaluation or a feeding evaluation from IBCLC, OT, SLP, or PT. That’s the first step.”
2. Growing out of a head-turning preference or flat spot is not a good idea. This is something that should be addressed with your pediatrician and then a physical therapist, as it might mean your baby needs helmet therapy.
3. Tummy time is part of a bigger picture. “It doesn’t have to be the only thing that you do with your child during the day. It is also important for them to [lie] on their backs. It is also important for them to [lie] on their side.” Rolling your baby in and out of tummy time also helps to develop important core muscles. In the end, variety is key and you don’t have to work yourself into a tizzy over tummy time, though you should include it in the mix of positions your newborn experiences daily.
4. It’s okay to pop them in a container so you can take a shower or eat a meal. You may have seen the term “container baby syndrome” floating around your mom groups, but you don’t have to worry about plopping your baby into a containment device like an exersaucer or activity center here and there so you can get something done or take care of yourself. That being said, Bonnie stresses that we want variety, so they shouldn’t be in there for extended periods of time.
5. Offer teethers ASAP. “As soon as your baby starts grasping a toy and trying to bring things to their mouth, give them teethers. They’re working on oral motor function. They’re working on pre-feeding skills. Give them stuff to put in their mouth. We want them to explore toys in their mouth.”
6. A four-month-old should not use an exersaucer, jumper, or walker. It seems that some parents get ahead of themselves where standing and walking are concerned. “[A four-month-old] shouldn’t be standing. They should be able to take weight through their legs, maybe at that age.” By six months, babies should be able to bear weight through their legs when placed in a standing position, but they shouldn’t be standing—if they look like they are, it’s probably the result of tension or stiffness in those little legs.
7. Crawling is important. “If we’re seeing red flags that they’re having a hard time with tummy time skills, rolling skills, moving in the direction of crawling, it’s time to get support,” Bonnie suggests. “Just because some things have become very common does not mean that it is normal.”
8. Everyone should be sleeping with their mouth closed. The optimal sleeping position is mouth closed and tongue at the roof of your mouth. Children, babies, and even adults should not be snoring or mouth-breathing while they snooze, so if you’re noticing that your baby does this it’s best to have it checked out so you can try to correct it.
9. There is no prize for your child walking early. “I highly, highly recommend and much prefer a baby to get to crawling and crawl for many months before they even get to walking. Just because your baby is pulling to stand, there are actually a lot of mini milestones in between pulling up, then standing, and taking independent steps or walking. It can take months.”

Ultimately, if you have a question about whether your baby is developing appropriately, it never hurts to ask your pediatrician. That’s what they’re there for! And a little peace of mind—and a clear path to dealing with any baby concern—is good medicine for anxious parents.

As an astrologer and the author of Raising Baby by the Stars: A New Parent’s Guide to Astrology, I’m passionate about teaching parents how to use astrology to gain more insight into their little’s distinct perspective—and to hold space for that tiny human to grow into their authentic selves. So let’s dive in and look at each sun sign to explain how it colors your baby’s budding personality.

Aries (March 21-April 20)

With Mars, the planet of action and energy, as their ruling force, your little Aries will need to engage in a lot of physical activity to burn off all that steam. In other words, the minute they’re on the move, you’re going to be getting some boot camp-level cardio just trying to keep up. As the cardinal fire sign, your Aries baby will be a restless go-getter who initiates games and has just about zero tolerance for losing at anything. And because they’re the first of all 12 signs, Aries is considered the baby of the zodiac, so even as they get older your babe will remain super playful and a bit wide-eyed.
Key personality traits: Active, competitive, direct, fiery
Favorite things: Fast-paced physical activity (jumping, running, or even chilling in the jogging stroller while you zip the two of you through the park); winning and being declared #1 (so make sure you have a space in their room for the trophies they’re going to start racking up); being silly and laughing at slapstick humor.
Tantrum fuel: If anything takes too long, moves too slow, or just feels straight-up boring for eager, fast-paced Aries, they’ll quickly lose their cool. The good news is that they do everything at lightning speed, including tantrums, so just as quickly as they explode they’ll be back to their bouncy, happy selves and on to the next thing. To help them move through a bad mood quickly, lean on physical activity or a competitive game.

Taurus (April 21-May 20)

Born under the fixed earth sign ruled by Venus, the planet of luxury, art, and beauty, your Taurus baby adores being comfy and sticking to what they know to be tried and true. This is a kid who is more attached to their lovey than any other and who will really dig their heels in when it comes to trying new foods or routines. The positive flipside of this obstinacy is that they’ll be incredibly dedicated to the activities—and people!—they love and are especially engaged with following through on tasks or goals. As an earth sign, they’re also in touch with nature and love hanging out outside.
Key personality traits: Down-to-earth, stubborn, slow-paced, practical
Favorite things: Snuggling and getting cozy; enjoying activities that engage as many senses as possible (like smelling flowers in the park while listening to birds and eating a yummy ice cream cone); expressing themselves artistically, perhaps by painting or singing.
Tantrum fuel: The good news: Taureans are known for their long fuse. The bad news: They absolutely hate to be rushed or pushed to change anything faster than the pace that comes naturally to them. And as the sign associated with the Second House of Material Possessions, losing a favorite toy or any tactile object they’re attached to will likely result in a major meltdown, so buy backups of that lovey ASAP. When they’re raging, speak to them in a calm, soothing voice and point to the practicalities of any given situation (e.g. “You need to wear this jacket because it is very cold outside”).

Gemini (May 21-June 21)

It’s no wonder Gemini toddlers are super social and raring to go; the mutable air sign is ruled by Mercury, the messenger planet that oversees communication, transportation, and technology. They want to take in as much information as possible and then share it, so don’t be surprised if your tot’s a total chatterbox. Mercury also makes them really active listeners, and they’ll be the first kids to mimic or do impressions (so you’ll want to watch your language around this one!). There’s a good reason the sign is symbolized by twins, as you may notice that your Gemini baby vacillates between two distinct personality traits—they could be incredibly shy one moment and extroverted the next.
Key personality traits: Curious, communicative, dualistic, social
Favorite things: Lively “chats,” whether that’s simply listening to you talk or fully engaged in a tête-à-tête; being read to and, later, reading on their own (they’re lovers of language from a young age); going on road trips or long-distance journeys where there are lots of opportunities to soak up new information.
Tantrum fuel: Having to engage in quiet time or missing out on social time (maybe it’s their bedtime, but Grandma’s visiting) will send your Twins kid into a tailspin. They also loathe any circumstance that limits their mental stimulation and ability to express themselves and connect with others. That said, you can tackle a tantrum by holding space for them to talk through their feelings or work through them by scribbling with crayons on a piece of paper.

Cancer (June 22-July 21)

Born under the cardinal water sign ruled by the moon, which oversees emotions and intuition in astrology, your Crab baby is a total softie. Family-oriented and heartfelt, it might sometimes feel like they’re literally glued to your side. They’re also big on being near the water, whether that’s your go-to beach for annual vacays or just a tub full of their fave bath toys. Since the moon moves through the zodiac quickly, changing signs and setting a different emotional tone every two-ish days, you’ll notice your Cancer’s disposition tends to ebb and flow, too. That’s why they have a reputation for being a bit moody, but even when they’re retreating into their shell, they’re total lovebugs.
Key personality traits: Sentimental, goofy, sensitive, nurturing
Favorite things: Time spent with you and other family members, ideally feeling closely bonded by saying “I love you” (and showing it); creative outlets that allow them to lean into their innate caring side, like playing doctor with you as the patient; helping you make—and noshing on—yummy comfort foods in the kitchen.
Tantrum fuel: Crabs need to feel emotionally secure and connected to their parent or caregiver even more than the average kiddo, so sensing that you’re not in sync and attuned to them could set them off. Reassuring them that you’re always there for them and love them can go a long way.

Related: The Parent-Child Astrology Compatibility Chart

Leo (July 22-August 22)

Your little Lion will be a bit of an attention fiend from the start, but they come by it naturally—it’s the fixed fire sign ruled by the gleaming, brilliant sun. They adore being the star of the show and earning all of the applause, and they just can’t help it since they’re usually pretty magnetic, upbeat, and charming. Plus, their sign’s association with the Fifth House of Self-Expression makes them naturally creative performers. They’re also direct, confident go-getters who believe being sunny and self-assured will get them across any finish line. Like all the fixed signs, they’re apt to become kind of infatuated with their favorite pastimes—whether that’s watching Ms. Rachel or staging their own plays.
Key personality traits: Charismatic, optimistic, fun-loving, confident
Favorite things: Soaking up the sunshine (they’re happiest during their warm, playful, summery season) and the spotlight; expressing themselves through an art form, like dancing or theater—ideally one with an adoring audience; setting the stage for friends to emulate them and leading the charge on play dates.
Tantrum fuel: Leos are innate leaders and have a bossy streak, so learning that they’re actually not the one calling the shots can drive them up a wall. Feeling like you’re not seeing and/or hearing them will also likely fuel a lot of roaring. Offer them a sense of control and to feel heard by giving them a choice between limited options (like two different rainy day activities to do).

Virgo (August 23-September 22)

Born under the mutable earth sign ruled by Mercury, the information-gathering planet, your little one is eager to be helpful, a bookworm in the making, and a super communicator with an aptitude for critical thinking. They love hearing and telling stories as well as learning and sharing what they’ve learned. And, lucky you, because they might actually be eager to help out with detail-oriented chores as a result of Virgo being associated with the Sixth House of Daily Routine. As a true mutable sign, they might just be a bit more adaptable than other kids, but on the flip side, they also struggle to make up their minds as a result of overthinking.
Key personality traits: Cerebral, diligent, kind, pragmatic
Favorite things: School supplies—even before they’re in school, they’ll gravitate to pencils, journals, or just blank pages of construction paper perfect for working on their communication skills; reading books, perhaps especially on Mercury-ruled topics like technology or transportation; a tidy, organized space that contributes to them feeling calm.
Tantrum fuel: As a result of their ruler, Mercury, Virgos need to feel like they’ve had a chance to gather information before they make a decision, so feeling pressured into a conclusion before they’ve had a chance to do that can cause your Maiden kiddo to get frighteningly cranky. They also tend to overthink and worry quite a bit, which can contribute to moodiness—and is also a case for fostering grounding mindfulness skills, which can also be the perfect antidote to a grouchy mood.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

With Venus, the planet of relationships and art, as your Libra kid’s ruler, they can’t help but be partnership-oriented and beauty-loving. The benefits of having an aesthetically appealing space are probably lost on a lot of littles, but not a Libra who will be more inclined toward peacefulness if the color of their nursery walls and the amount of sunlight in their room is just so. The sign is also associated with the Seventh House of Partnership, so your wee Libra prefers one-on-one bonding with you, other loved ones, and friends—and may be quick to declare a playmate their BFF. They’re also people-people and complete social butterflies.
Key personality traits: Social, peace-seeking, artistic, free-spirited
Favorite things: Art supplies that will allow them to create something beautiful of their very own; soothing surroundings (music, colors, lighting) that set a harmonious tone in their living space; parties and other opportunities to hang out with a bunch of fun, friendly faces.
Tantrum fuel: As a result of their ruler, Venus, which is the planet of harmony and peace, little (and, tbh, big) Libras will go out of their way to avoid conflict or any kind of bumps in the road. As they grow up, in an effort not to lose their cool, they sometimes steer toward passive-aggressiveness. It’s a case for showing them that all feelings are equally important and worthy of acknowledging and working through.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

If your kid was born under the sign of the Scorpion—the fixed water sign—they’re magnetic, dynamic, powerful go-getters. That’s in part because their modern ruler is Pluto, the planet of transformation, and their traditional ruler is Mars, the planet of action and energy. Though they experience emotions in a super-intense way, they’re prone to keeping them to themselves and sharing only once they are absolutely ready (and generally only with VIPs).
Key personality traits: Family-oriented, fearless, intuitive, self-possessed
Favorite things: A security item like a blanket or lovey that has been and will be theirs forever; games, activities, puzzles, or stories that involve a mystery they can solve; time spent at the beach or swimming, because, just like other water signs, they find being near or in the water centering.
Tantrum fuel: Driven and resolute, little Scorps absolutely hate being told “no”—yes, even more than the average toddler. It’s enough to make them dig their heels in even further. Making sure they feel heard can make a difference. And remind them that they can let you know how they feel whenever, given that your Scorpion prefers to open up about big feelings on their own time.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

A little one born under the mutable fire sign Sagittarius is gregarious, free-spirited, independent-minded, and probably fairly outspoken—even if only in the form of top-volume shrieks or giggles. Thanks to Sag’s ruler, Jupiter, the planet of abundance and fortune, they’re glass-half-full kids and also believe bigger and more is always better. In other words, skip the mini cupcakes and opt for a totally over-the-top cake with a giant Bluey figurine. Being associated with the Ninth House of Adventure, they’re full of wanderlust right off the bat. You can typically guarantee a Sag kid is one you can plunk in a carrier and take with you wherever—on a hike, a train ride, or overseas—without all that much fuss.
Key personality traits: Adventurous, unfiltered, buoyant, independent
Favorite things: Any opportunity to learn about different languages or cultures given their innate penchant for soaking up knowledge and globetrotting; lots of silly jokes because they’re natural comedians; lots of wide, open spaces to play, run, and feel free.
Tantrum fuel: As free-spirited as they are, Sagittarians absolutely hate boundaries, restrictions, and limits more than most kids, so talking to them from a young age about how following rules can actually create space for more freedom would be wise.

Capricorn (December 22-January 21)

Born under the cardinal earth sign ruled by taskmaster Saturn, the planet of commitment and boundaries, Cap kiddos are serious, driven, and wise beyond their years. They’re also eager to put in the work to achieve their goals, and they’ll set ambitious ones. Your Sea Goat is a natural-born leader who enjoys taking the initiative, likely catching you off guard when they actually want to help you file away bills or put away dishes. As a toddler or older, they’ll be the kid who kicks off a round of a new game with friends and then makes sure everyone understands the rules.
Key personality traits: Precocious, grounded, traditional, industrious
Favorite things: Spending time working toward a goal, especially in nature, like helping you garden; big-picture goals they’re able to hit via a step-by-step plan and possibly a sticker chart; learning about history as they’re old souls with a reverence for the past.
Tantrum fuel: Being thought of as foolish is your Cap’s worst nightmare, so if they make a mistake or have an accident, they’ll be deeply upset. Don’t expect a fire sign-style freakout; their tantrum style is a bit more restrained as they may struggle to let their guard down. So relay that it’s OK to mess up, because we’re all human, and it’s also OK to have big feelings.

Aquarius (January 22-February 18)

Your science-minded, super-social kiddo was born under the fixed air sign, symbolized by the Water Bearer. Quick to make friends with just about anyone, your little one will also want to be fiercely themselves and strike out against convention, thanks to Aquarius’ modern ruler, Uranus, the game-changer planet. So if you want to encourage them to do something, telling them that all the other kids are doing it will get you, well, just about nowhere. Celebrating what makes them unique and different and allowing for a lot of experimentation is the fast track to a happy Aquarius.
Key personality traits: Future-minded, inventive, friendly, rebellious
Favorite things: Working as part of a team or group, maybe even joining you when you volunteer, because Aquarians take a lot of pride in connecting with and contributing to their community; technology of all kinds, given that Uranus is the planet of electricity and innovation; lots of opportunities to go against the grain, whether that’s by listening to quirky music or wearing wildly clashing colors completely on purpose.
Tantrum fuel: Because they’re so defensive of their independent spirit, your little Water Bearer could very well go berserk as a result of being told they have to do, well, just about anything, especially if it’s because everyone else is doing it. And while all toddlers love to ask “why” repeatedly, Aquarius is especially prone to this, and if you don’t play ball, they’re sure to get wildly aggravated. Nurture their curiosity and lean on creative learning when they’re feeling down (think: STEM activities or putting together funky outfits).

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

If your baby was born under the mutable water sign Pisces, they’re empathic, sensitive, and intriguingly in tune with the mystical, spiritual aspects of life. Heck, they may even be psychic They can’t help but pick up on the energy around them, which means from a very young age, it’s smart to work with them on identifying and owning their own emotions. Incredibly imaginative, as a result of their modern ruling planet, Neptune, the planet of spirituality, your Pisces might have vivid dreams and would do well to have lots of artistic outlets for expressing themselves and their deep feelings.
Key personality traits: Emotional, imaginative, tenderhearted, perceptive
Favorite things: Whimsical, fantastical stories and entertainment that allow them to escape the humdrum of everyday life; an artistic way to share their emotions, whether that’s a beginner’s musical instrument or canvas and paint set; time spent with you learning about everyday magic (like how flowers bloom or the tides are linked to the moon).
Tantrum fuel: Sensitive Piscean kids are easily overwhelmed by not only their own feelings but other people’s emotions they often pick up on, and feeling totally exhausted by being the littlest empath can really set the stage for a tearful tirade. In turn, you’ll do well to work with your Fish on self-soothing techniques like meditation or toddler yoga.