From the moment of birth, babies are primed and ready for social input, and our loving care has a profound impact on their development. But what is it like to be a baby? How do they see the world, and what can we do to help them learn and thrive?
These are big questions — too big, too fascinating, too important to be answered from any single perspective. Evolution. Culture. Developmental biology. Neuroscience. Pediatrics. Psychology. We need the contributions from many scientific disciplines, with a lot of critical thinking and analysis thrown in.
In these pages, I share many of the big ideas (fully-referenced!) that researchers are trying to answer about little people and their caregivers. I also provide lots of practical, evidence-based information about infant sleep, feeding, communication, social development, cognition, motor skills, emotions, stress management, and more.
Gwen Dewar, Ph.D.
© 2019 Gwen Dewar, Ph.D., all rights reserved Breastfeeding on demand (also known as “responsive feeding,” “feeding on cue,” and “baby-led” feeding) is the practice of responding flexibly to your baby’s hunger cues. You initiate feedings when the baby requests them, and continue each feeding session until the baby is satisfied. You don’t impose time … Continue reading
No, spanking babies is a bad idea. Our forager ancestors rejected it, and so should we. Here is why spanking is counterproductive – and damaging.
Mind-minded parenting assumes that even babies have independent thoughts and feelings. It’s an approach that helps kids build secure relationships, strong social skills, and self-control.
These are the references cited in my article “Baby sleep patterns: A guide for the science-minded parent.” For related articles, see “Newborn sleep,”“Baby sleep requirements,” and “Infant sleep problems.” Akerstedt T, Billiard M, Bonnet M, Ficca G, Garma L, Mariotti M, Salzarulo P, Schulz H. 2002. Awakening from sleep. Sleep Med Rev.6(4):267-86. Anders TF. 1979. … Continue reading
The newborn feeding schedule: Why feeding frequently, on cue, is best for the health and development of young infants.
© 2008-14 Gwen Dewar, Ph.D., all rights reserved These breastfeeding tips and feature articles are based on discoveries in evolutionary, cross-cultural, and clinical research. Here you’ll find evidence-based information on such topics as • Newborns.What they can smell and taste, and the evidence in favor of frequent feedings for newborns (and against a regimented newborn … Continue reading
© 2009 -2014, Gwen Dewar, Ph.D., all rights reserved What is SIDS? Scientists can offer only partial answers. But we know this much: SIDS, or sudden infant death syndrome, seems to involve a failure to arouse from sleep during a life-threatening event–like a severe episode of sleep apnea or esophageal reflux (Franco et al 2004). … Continue reading
© 2009-2014 Gwen Dewar, Ph.D., all rights reserved Researchers who study baby development aim to understand one of the world’s most intriguing stories: How the human mind comes online. The discoveries are fascinating for their own sake. But they also offer many practical insights for parents. What does normal baby sleep look like? How frequently … Continue reading
A critical look at what scientific studies say about baby sleep requirements. How to determine your baby’s personal sleep needs.
© 2008-2014 Gwen Dewar, Ph.D., all rights reserved Breastfeeding may be natural, but it isn’t automatic (Volk 2009). Here are some tips for breastfeeding moms, based on research by lactation experts, anthropologists, and social scientists. For more evidence-based information about breastfeeding, see this collection of Parenting Science articles. 1. Don’t be bamboozled by the myth … Continue reading
Evidence-based potty training tips? There haven’t been many experimental studies of toilet training, but helpful research exists. Here you will find a collection of evidence-based articles, including: What research reveals about the timing of training Signs of toilet training readiness: Should you wait? How to prepare reluctant kids for toilet training The anthropology and biology … Continue reading
Compiled by Gwen Dewar (last updated 12/2013) Here is a list of references about infantile colic and inconsolable crying. I cite them in my articles “What is colic? A critical review of the scientific evidence” “The causes of colic: How disease and differences in brain chemistry can explain excessive, inconsolable crying in young babies” I’ve … Continue reading