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First Things Blog

Information and inspiration for parents and caregivers of babies, toddlers and preschoolers

Dad and baby son playing in park on the floor with leaves.

Helping young children find nature outside the front door

  • play

For families who want to introduce their babies, toddlers and preschoolers to outdoor play, there’s one thing to know: nature is everywhere.

Pregnant mother on couch in orange dress with young girl hugging the mother's stomach

Counting kicks is a simple way to monitor baby’s well-being

  • pregnancy

Expectant parents in their third trimester are being encouraged to count their baby’s kicks. It could help save their baby’s life.
Babies' cues

Positive Parenting: What is baby saying?

  • infants

Noticing and responding to your baby’s cues is what great parenting is all about.
little girl with backpack holding hand of adult woman, walking outside

Building excitement for your child’s transition to preschool

  • school readiness

Many 3- and 4-year-olds will be looking forward to starting preschool in the fall and parents can use this summer to get them ready.

New law bans inclined infant sleepers and crib bumpers

  • safety

These popular but dangerous products pose a risk to infants who can roll over onto the padded surfaces and suffocate. Families that already have crib bumpers…
caring for yourself helps you care for your children

A message for moms: Self-care isn’t selfish

  • parenting

Try to remember that you don’t have to be perfect, and taking care of yourself helps you take care of your children.
Mom and daughter on slide

Quality time doesn’t have to cost a thing

  • parenting

Read the story of how an unexpected car repair bill led a single mom to realize that time together is the best thing we can give our children.
tips for having back and forth conversations with your baby

Baby, let’s talk! Serve and return

  • language & literacy

Having back-and-forth conversations with your baby, even before they can use words, helps them learn and develop language. It’s easy and fun to do.

Test your knowledge of early childhood

  • child development

The more you know about child development, the better you can meet your child’s needs and help them learn and grow.

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