Baby Ecology book is here! Learn more
Baby Ecology book is here!
KidEcology: What's New
(You can view all blog articles organized by topic HERE.)
Here are the latest articles at KidEcology:
Educational toys for babies you already own
There are quite a few educational toys for babies you can find in your home - and they might actually be better for learning than STEM toys one can purchase.
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Independent play for babies: is 'independent' the goal?
Everyone talks about independent play for babies and young children. But wait, is our goal independent play or free play?
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Is it true that babies think they are part of mom?
Is the idea that "babies think they are part of mom" or "don't know they are separate from their mother" supported by research? Let's explore together.
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Supporting your baby’s language development through connection
It’s not only the number of words that matters; research points to the importance of connection and two-way communication in supporting language development.
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Parenting questions science cannot answer
Three reasons why there isn't a science-based answer to every parenting question.
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Why babies do not learn from screens
The video deficit phenomenon – or why babies do not learn from screens nearly as much as they do from real life – explained in under 5 minutes.
Why doesn't videochat count as screen time for babies and toddlers?
The AAP recommends no screen time except for video-chatting for children under 18 months. Let's explore why videochat doesn't count as screen time.
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Baby things to buy: Our most used baby and toddler items
Wondering what baby items are worth investing time and money into? As I leave early parenting years behind, I thought I'd share our 'master list'.
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Food before one is NOT just for fun
Food before one is for allergen exposure, flavor, texture, and iron.
Separation anxiety in babies is a good sign
A perspective shift on separation anxiety in babies: not a problem to fix but a milestone to celebrate.
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Mirror in playroom: Are mirrors necessary for babies?
Some educational philosophies, like Montessori, recommend having a mirror in playroom. Others, such as RIE, discourage mirrors for babies. What does science say?
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Flash cards for baby: Are they necessary?
Do 'flash cards for baby' help babies learn? Let’s take a look at what the studies says.
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What if best parenting techniques aren't working
If best parenting techniques aren’t working, it might be because they aren’t the best, or even good, for your baby.
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Science-based parenting: finding your way
Science-based parenting can help you avoid conflicting parenting trends - and find the answers that work best for your baby and your family..
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I am Anya Dunham, a scientist with a PhD in Biology, an award-winning author, and a mom to three young kids. Here and in my book, Baby Ecology, I analyze the research on baby's first year to find the optimal nurturing environment — the (usually wide) range of good options — to help you choose what works best for your baby and your family. Welcome!
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