“By building with physical objects, children will learn spatial skills such as ‘on top,’ ‘under,’ and ’next to.’ They will learn to problem solve how things fit together,” Heather Shafi, MD, a New Jersey-based pediatrician, says. When it comes to choosing the right blocks for a child, age can be the deciding factor, but you also want them to be durable so they last longer. We carefully considered age recommendations, design, material, toy safety, and value when reviewing products....

No matter what items you still need for your kids (and yourself!), we searched for the best deals for you. We’ve pulled some of the best deals to get you started. Be sure to bookmark this page as we’ll continue to update through Labor Day weekend. Kimberly Palmer, personal finance expert at NerdWallet advises parents to shop early and be aware that back-to-school shopping lists could look a little different this year....

For an autistic child, play may look different than it does for a neurotypical child. According to Susan Kim, a behavioral interventionist who has nearly 10 years of experience working with autistic children and young adults, autistic children may engage in unique forms of play, such as repetitive motions or fixating on specific toys. “They may also find it difficult to read social cues or take turns with others,” says Kim....

According to Neonatal Occupational Therapist, Clinical Specialist Lauren Ashley Quinn OTD, OTR/L, “Three-month-old play activities can include time spent in tummy time (on their stomach) to promote strengthening and motor development, as well as time spent engaged with caregivers while talking, reading, and singing for cognitive [and] intellectual development. Mirror play can encourage visual skills and enhance motivation for play,” so opt for toys and gifts that encourage their stage of development....

If you’re struggling to come up with newborn baby gift ideas or need a place to start, think about what kind of gift you want to give: Are you going for something practical that can be used once the baby is born? Something that will come in handy as they grow? A sentimental keepsake? There are plenty of options for each type of gift. Additionally, you can never go wrong with a gift that’s useful for both the baby and their parents or caregivers....

Consider your child’s age and readiness before you transition to ensure they’re truly ready for the switch. You’ll also want to think about the different materials of sippy cups, like glass, plastic, or stainless steel. Certain materials may break more easily or be harder to clean than others. We carefully looked over material, design, value, ease of cleaning, and age recommendations when reviewing products. From silicone and stainless steel options to straw cups, we’ve rounded up the best sippy cups for your growing baby....

No matter what type of phone you decide to purchase for your child, consider how you plan to teach them about technology and digital media. Child psychiatrist Helen Egger, MD, tells Verywell Family, “When we reflect about when children should have personal cell phones, we must think beyond the device and consider how we are going to teach our children to use technology and consume digital media responsibly." To create our list, we looked carefully at age appropriateness, parental controls, durability, and features of each device....

No matter the reason, you’ll want to look for a baby lotion with clean and safe ingredients as they could otherwise irritate your little one’s skin. Depending on how dry your baby’s skin is, know whether you need to reach for a lotion (the lightest form of hydration), a cream (a denser, heavier moisturizer), or an ointment (a thicker, more emollient formula that creates a barrier to seal in moisture)....

“Data is showing that this nutrient plays an important role in the development of the spinal cord during early pregnancy, and taking in adequate amounts may support baby’s cognitive development,” says Lauren Mannaker MS, RD, LD, author of Fueling Male Fertility. While our bodies produce some choline, they don’t make enough to meet the total needs of the body. Therefore, we must consume choline through food and/or supplements. Choline is predominantly found in animal foods....

First Grade Basics What You Can Expect in First Grade: Here’s an overview of what you can anticipate as your child navigates their way through first grade. What Do Kids Learn in First Grade?: First grade teachers use children’s pride in growing bigger to challenge them to learn about more complex topics. Reading skills come into play, math becomes more complex, and science and social studies expose children to new worlds....

If you’re eager to find a name that encompasses your fascination for magical beings, these names are fit for a Scorpio! Get your spellbooks ready to write down our list of the spookiest vampire and witch names for your baby. More: 15 Harry Potter Baby Names Only True Fans Will Understand Top Vampire Names Did you know that vampire is an Albanian folklore word meaning, to drink with teeth? Vampires are also notorious for being immortal, strong, and attractive....

Turning sixteen is such a momentous occasion, so coming up with the perfect sweet 16 gift ideas can be a daunting task. Sweet 16 gifts should reflect the magnitude of this special milestone yet also touch upon the fun energy and style of this entrance into young adulthood. More: The Best Stocking Stuffersfor Teens Here are our 20 favorite sweet 16 birthday gift ideas that your teen girl will love:...

Shampoo Chemicals to Avoid Specifically, when buying baby shampoo, be sure to review the ingredient list. Similar to packaged foods, if the ingredient list is excessively long and complicated and contains substances that are very difficult to pronounce, that’s a pretty good clue that it’s probably full of unnatural and unsafe additives that can irritate your baby’s skin. Some benefits and risks involved with certain ingredients are more controversial, such as glycerin, but there are some chemicals that you should definitely avoid when choosing a baby shampoo:...

20 to 30 minutes Materials Collected leaves, feathers, or other outdoor itemsNeedle and threadA 2-yard piece of sheer fabric Directions Extensions Hang the display in front of a window so the light can shine through it.

All parents want their children to be successful, and in today’s world, a good education is the key to a successful life. For most kids, education means attending public or private school. But there are almost two million children in the U.S. who never set foot in a classroom, yet are receiving a first-rate education — through homeschooling. Why are so many families choosing this radical approach to learning? The answer is simple: it works....

Aside from skin cancer, pregnant people have a number of other risks to consider if they spend too much time in the sun. These include everything from burning more easily to becoming dehydrated and depleting folic acid stores. Sunbathing Risks When you are pregnant, the increased hormone levels coursing through your body cause your skin to become more sensitive and burn more easily. Your pigment-producing cells are in overdrive, causing your skin to be more susceptible to discoloration when exposed to the sun’s UV rays....

2 clear plastic large soda bottles Tape Water Food coloring (optional)