flash cards for baby university
DESCRIPTION
The first year of your baby's life is filled with so many amazing changes and events. The Baby University book is loaded with simple, playful activities that will stimulate your child's development and provide hours of fun. Every idea in this book has been tested with real babies, endorsed by a pediatrician, and specially selected for new parents--like you!Get your copy today! http://amzn.to/babyuniversityTRANSCRIPT
Hands-On activities fOr 0-12 MOntHs
Supplemental Flash Cards for
Print and cut these flash cards on the dotted lines for an age-appropriate, interactive toolbox to help your infant develop at each stage!
Get yOur cOpyOf baby universityOn aMazOn tOday!
Give your baby a head start with the hands-on activities in Baby University.
Your baby’s vision will develop at rapid speed over the course of her first three months of life. Infants reflexively prefer to look at high-contrast edges and patterns. Large black, white, and red shapes present the highest possible contrast to the eye and thus are the most visible and attractive to babies.
Show the high-contrast shape cards in this set to your baby, close enough that she’ll be able to see them well. Name what she is seeing (even though you probably feel you are light-years away from hearing her recall them for you). You can even affix these cards to the sides of your baby’s crib to en-courage her to turn her head.
In addition to contrasts, newborns are drawn to the appearance of human faces. In fact, there is a portion of the human brain that seems to be dedi-cated to allowing for facial recognition.
Show your baby the face cards in this set and see how she responds. Hold them up before her as she works on her tummy time endurance. Remember to tell her what she is looking at with each card.
Lastly, your infant drinks either formula or breast milk. Use the final card in this set as a reference guide for storing, freezing, thawing, and discarding breast milk and formula. Hang the 411 card on your refrigerator as a ready reference during your busy days—and nights!
Flashcards for 0 to 3 Months
Get yOur cOpy Of baby university tOday!
Get yOur cOpy Of baby university tOday!
Stars
Circles
Squiggly Lines
Squares
Get yOur cOpy Of baby university tOday!
Diamonds
Happy
Rectangles
Sad
Get yOur cOpy Of baby university tOday!
Surprised
Grouchy
Tired
Silly
Get yOur cOpy Of baby university tOday!
Formula 411Consult your pediatrician about the type of formula that is best for your child.
Kinds of FormulaThere are three basic types of formula:
soybean based formula, cow’s milk based formula, and protein hydrolsysate formula.
Your pediatrician will probably suggest one for your baby. Special formulas are available for infants with allergies.
Forms of FormulaFormula comes in a variety of forms, including liquid concentrate, powder, and ready-to-use liquid. Theready-to-use is the most convenient and is typically the most expensive, while the powder is the least expensive.
Mixing FormulaBefore feeding your baby formula, be sure to mix it thoroughly. Mix water that is warmed or at room temperature with powdered formula. Follow the directions for mixing, which should be located on the package the formula came in, and shake well. Be sure to let the formula cool until it is lukewarm, and test it on your wrist before feeding to your baby.
Storing FormulaAs with any foods, you will need to store your baby’s formula safely. Follow these general guidelines:
Use any prepared and/or opened formula within 48 hours.
Open cans of pre-mixed or ready-to-use formula should be stored in the refrigerator, as well as any formula that you havemixed using powder and water. Be aware of the shelf life of the kind you use, and discard it if it hasn’t been used within the suggested time frame.
If you offer a bottle and your baby doesn’t drink any, it can be refrigerated and used within 48 hours.
If a bottle has been partially consumed, discard the remaining contents within two hours.
(Hang on the fridge.)
Breast Milk 411Store breast milk in glass or plastic baby bottles or milk storage bags.
Freshly expressed milk can stay at room temperature:
Up to four hours at 80° F (27° C)
Up to 10 hours at 70° F (21° C)
Up to 24 hours at 60° F (16° C) e.g., in a cooler with ice packs
Breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator:
For eight days at 39° F (4° C)
Breast milk can be stored in the freezer:
For two weeks in a freezer compartment inside a refrigerator
For three months in a self-defrosting freezer (store away from the door)
For six months in a deep freeze that maintains a constant temperature of 0° F (-19° C)
For three to four months in a freezer with a separate door. Store in the back of the freezer, not in the door.
If you combine milk from different pump sessions, cool each batch first and store according to the age of the oldest milk. It is best to freeze your milk in small quantities (2 to 4 ounces, depending on the age of your baby) within two days of expressing. Leave room in the container for expansion when freezing, and date each container. As your milk cools, the cream may form a thin layer on the surface. Swirl to redistribute the cream when you warm the milk.
Heating breast milkMicrowaving destroys some of the anti-infective properties of the breast milk and may create “hot spots” that could burn your baby. Place the container of milk in a bowl of warm water, or place under the hot water faucet, and heat to room temperature. Your baby may refuse milk straight from the refrigerator, but cold milk is a fine option.
Thawing frozen milkPlace the container of breast milk in a bowl of warm water. Use the milk immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Do not refreeze.
Your baby is now learning to focus on colors and shapes (although he won’t recognize them until after his first birthday). Show the color and shape cards in this set to your baby while he is on his tummy or sitting in his seat.
After showing your baby a color or shape on the card, find it elsewhere in the room. For example, show your baby a card with a circle on it, and then hold up a plate. Repeat the word circle to help him make the connection.
In addition to colors and shapes, your baby is responding to the items he sees every day in your home. Help your baby learn to define the objects in his world by giving each a name. As with the shape and color cards, show your baby a card with a picture of an item he knows, name it, and then show him the real object, too.
Babies 3 to 6 months old love songs and finger play. The lyrics to some of your baby’s future favorite songs are listed on the cards inthis set. Enjoy some special times with your baby!
Flashcards for 3 to 6 Months
Get yOur cOpy Of baby university tOday!
Get yOur cOpy Of baby university tOday!
Red Circle
Yellow Rectangle
Blue Square
Orange Diamond
Get yOur cOpy Of baby university tOday!
Green Triangle
Rattle
Purple Star
Ball
Get yOur cOpy Of baby university tOday!
Duck
Itsy Bitsy Spider
The itsy bitsy spider went
up the water spout,
Down came the rain and
washed the spider out.
Out came the sun and
dried up all the rain,
And the itsy bitsy spider
went up the spout again!
Bear
Peek-a-Boo Baby!I love baby,
Yes I do.
I love baby,
How about you?
I love baby,
Yes I do.
Peek-a-boo baby,
I see you!
Peek-a-Boo is an ideal game to play with your
baby now. At this age your baby is beginning
to understand that items and people that
move out of sight still exist.
Get yOur cOpy Of baby university tOday!
Rock-a-Bye BabyRock-a-bye baby in the treetop,When the wind blows, the cradle will rock.When the bough breaks, the cradle will fall,And down will come baby, cradle and all!
Baby is drowsing, cozy and fair,Mother sits near in her rocking chair.Forward and back, the cradle she swings,And though baby sleeps, he hears what she sings.
From the high rooftops down to the sea,No one’s as dear as baby to me.Wee little fingers, eyes wide and bright,Now sound asleep until morning light.
Hush Little BabyHush, little baby, don’t say a word. Papa’s gonna buy you a mockingbird.And if that mockingbird won’t sing,Papa’s gonna buy you a diamond ring.And if that diamond ring turns brass,Papa’s gonna buy you a looking glass.And if that looking glass gets broke,Papa’s gonna buy you a billy goat.And if that billy goat won’t pull,Papa’s gonna buy you a cart and bull.And if that cart and bull turn over,Papa’s going to buy you a dog named Rover.And if that dog named Rover won’t bark,Papa’s going to buy you a horse and cart.And if that horse and cart fall down, you’ll still be the sweetest little baby in town.
Between the ages of six and nine months your baby will be able to do many new things, including eating! Introducing your baby to solid foods can be nerve-racking for new parents. Lose the stress by posting the “Foods to Avoid” card in this set on your refrigerator, where it will be easily visible to you and anyone else who cares for your child. The card also indicates health-ful foods to try to include in your baby’s diet, and suggests how to get them in. And, best of all, your baby will love the fruit and vegetable purees for which we’ve included recipes.
Now that your baby is eager to “talk” to you, it’s a great time to introduce him to baby sign language. Baby signs are the perfect ways to help your baby communicate his needs and lessen his frustration.
Finally, now that your baby wants so much of your attention, you may find yourself more distracted and forgetful than usual. Want to guarantee that you never forget that wallet again? Post the checklist card in a prominent place where you will see it on your way out the door—and take comfort in the fact that you’ll have everything you need with you when you are out and about.
Flashcards for 6 to 9 Months
Get yOur cOpy Of baby university tOday!
Get yOur cOpy Of baby university tOday!
Talk to your pediatrician before introducing new foods and discuss any allergens either parent may have.
Citrus: Beware of introducing citrus fruits and juices before 12 months as they may cause an allergic reaction.Eggs: Yolks are okay, but wait a year to offer egg whites because of allergic reactions. Honey: Honey can create spores that lead to botulism. In babies, the spores can grow and produce life-threatening toxins. Peanut butter: Peanuts are highly allergenic. Wait until your baby is at least a year old to offer peanut butter. Shellfish: Wait until your baby is a year old to offer shellfish because it can be highly allergenic.Pecans and walnuts: If you think your baby is at risk for allergies, you might want to wait before giving him nuts. Otherwise your baby can probably handle them when he’s a year old. To avoid a choking hazard puree them in a food processor.Cow’s milk: Cow’s milk doesn’t have all the nutri-ents your baby needs, and contains proteins and minerals in amounts that can be dangerous to your baby’s kidneys. Stick to formula or breast milk for the first year.Large food pieces: Pieces of food should be pea-sized so they won’t get stuck in your baby’s throat.
Foods to Avoid
First Fruit Puree Recipe2 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and chopped
1/4 cup unsweetened apple juice or water
Put the apples, pears, apple juice, and two
tablespoons of water in a saucepan and cook
over low heat for 8 to10 minutes, or until apples
are tender. Blend the fruit to a smooth puree.
Let it cool. You can also add a bit of your baby’s
milk for a smoother consistency and serve.
As your baby is ready for more varieties,
add a little full-fat yogurt and a pinch of ground
cinnamon.
Use this card as a guideline to foods your baby should have each day.
ProteinPoultry, egg yolks, milk, cheese, fish, beans, grains, and tofu
CarbohydratesWhite and whole-grain breads, cereals, grains, pasta, rice, beans, potatoes, vegetables, and fruit
FiberSoluble fiber: Oats, barley, beans, rye, and apples
Insoluble fiber: Corn, rice, grains, wheat, beans, vegetables, and fruit
FatsOlive, sunflower, corn, and sesame oils
Omega-3 fatty acidsFresh salmon, trout, tuna, mackerel, walnut or canola oil, flaxseed, pumpkin, sunflower, sesame seeds, and omega-3 enriched eggs
Omega-6 fatty acidsSoft margarines, as well as sunflower, grapeseed, safflower, corn, or walnut oil
Foods for Your Baby to Try
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and
chopped well
4-5 medium-sized carrots, peeled and
chopped into round pieces
2-3 parsnips, peeled and chopped
1 tablespoon of your baby’s milk
Steam the sweet potato, carrots, and parsnips (or
simmer them in a pan with a little water for about
20 minutes, or until cooked through). Remove from
the steamer or pan, and reserve the cooking liq-
uid. Puree to the desired consistency in a blender,
adding a little of the cooking liquid or your baby’s
milk if it’s too thick. Serve this puree warm, or
spoon into ice cube trays, let cool, and freeze.
Root vegetables are easy on the stomach,
packed with nutrients, and cook up to a great
consistency for purees. Mix and match a selection
of three root vegetables choosing from the
selection below:
Butternut squash Sweet potato
Potato Parsnip Rutabaga
Wash the vegetables, peel and then chop them.
Simmer in a saucepan until they are soft, then cool
and blend to a puree consistency.
Root for Me!
Get yOur cOpy Of baby university tOday!
Mom’s Checklist When Leaving the House
Baby’s diapers
Baby’s wipes
Snack for baby
Milk/formula for baby
Extra bottles for baby
Change of clothing for baby
Baby’s favorite toy
Baby’s blanket
Baby’s pacifier
Teach Your Baby His/Her First Mealtime
Baby Signs
Milk
Open and close fists
as if milking a cow.
Juice
Place one fist on top
of the other fist and twist.
Mom’s Checklist
Pediatrician: ___________________________________
Pediatrician’s number: _________________________
Closest hospital: ________________________________
Hospital’s number: ______________________________
Poison Control: ________________________________
Baby-sitters:
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Other important info:
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
More
Tap fingertips together.
Eat
Place fingertips to the lips.
Get yOur cOpy Of baby university tOday!
Teach Your Baby His/Her First Bedtime
Baby Signs
Quiet
Place index finger
across lips.
Book
Hold hands together
and open and
close palms.
Teach Your Baby His/Her First Feeling
Baby Signs
Happy
With flat hand, pat
chest with an upward
stroking movement.
Angry
Open and close
clawed hand while
scowling.
Blanket
Grasp and pull up an imaginary
blanket with downturned hands.
Sleep
Rest head on hands and tilt head to the side.
Want
Hold palms facing upward and form
claws with fingers, pulling them toward body.
Thank You
Pull the fingertips of one hand away from chin.
Get yOur cOpy Of baby university tOday!
Teach Your Baby His/Her First Safety
Baby Signs
Dirty
Wiggle fingers of right
hand under chin.
Hurt
Touch index
fingers together.
Stop
Use side of hand to hit palm sharply.
Gentle
Stroke the back of the opposite hand.
Between nine and 12 months your baby is developing into an even more in-teractive, playful child—ready to learn and increasingly skilled at reciprocat-ing in conversation. Your baby is now ready to learn about the greater world around her. Babies love animal sounds—especially those produced by you! Hold up the animal cards in this set and make the individual animal sounds. Encourage your baby to imitate the sounds she hears.
Your baby is about to learn to self-feed. So, we have included recipes in this set to encourage her self-feeding skills. These recipes are fairly simple to make and will almost certainly be enjoyed by your baby.
Finally, your ever-more-playful baby will become very excited about bath time now. Make bath time extra-special by singing some of our suggested songs, splashing about, and blowing bubbles.
Flashcards for 9 to 12 Months
Get yOur cOpy Of baby university tOday!
Get yOur cOpy Of baby university tOday!
Cow
Moo
Baa
Sheep
Dog
Woof
Horse
Neigh
Get yOur cOpy Of baby university tOday!
Chicken
Cluck
Duck
Quack
Pig
Oink
Meow
Cat
Get yOur cOpy Of baby university tOday!
Avocado & Cream Cheese Dipsticks1/2 avocado
2-3 tablespoons full-fat cream cheese
1 tomato, peeled, seeded, and chopped
Mash the avocado along with the cream
cheese. Stir in the chopped tomato. Serve
this dip with vegetables, such as carrots,
cucumber, celery, and peppers.
Strawberries & Cream1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
2 tablespoons fine sugar
1 cup plain full-fat yogurt
(thick Greek yogurt works best)
Puree the strawberries and stir in the sugar.
Combine the strawberry puree and yogurt.
Serve this dip with fresh fruit, such as apple
and pear slices.
Recipes to Encourage Independent
Feeding Skills
French Toastoes
1-2 slices white bread
(raisin bread works well, too)
1-2 tablespoons whole milk
1 egg
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Sugar and cinnamon (optional)
Cut the bread into triangles. Beat together
the egg and milk, and soak the bread in the
mixture for a few seconds. Fry the bread in
a frying pan with the butter until brown on
both sides. Add a little bit of sugar or a pinch
of cinnamon to the egg mixture for a
sweeter version.
Recipes to Encourage Independent
Feeding Skills
The Perfect Pear Dip
1 ripe, juicy pear, peeled, cored, and chopped
1 tablespoon cottage cheese
Mash or puree pear and cottage cheese in
a blender. Serve this dip immediately. It goes
best with raw vegetable “dippers.”
Pear & Berry Dippety Do!
2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and chopped 3/4 cup blueberries
1 tablespoon apple juice (unsweetened)
2 tablespoons rice cereal
Place the blueberries, pears, and apple juice
in a saucepan and cook, covered, over low
heat for 5-7 minutes. Place the contents of the
saucepan in a blender and puree. Stir in the
rice cereal. Your baby will enjoy this dip with his
teething biscuit.
Chicken Chunks
12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken
breasts, cut into chunks
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped1/2 cup grated carrot
1 apple, peeled and grated
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 chicken bouillon cube (low sodium), crumbled1/2 cup white bread crumbs (preferably fresh)
Salt and pepper to taste
All-purpose flour for coating
Vegetable oil
Heat the olive oil in a pan and sautee half the
chopped onion and grated carrot for 3-5 minutes,
stirring occasionally. Mix together the grated
apple, chicken, and sautéed onion and
carrot along with the raw, chopped onion, bread
crumbs, parsley, and bouillon cube. Chop in the
food processor. Season with salt and pepper.
Form the mixture into balls using your hands.
Roll them in the flour, and fry them in a little oil until
they become golden and cooked through (about
5-7 minutes). This recipe makes about 20 balls.
Get yOur cOpy Of baby university tOday!
Bath Time Fun Song Card
To the tune of “Here We Go ’Round the Mulberry Bush”
This is the way we wash our legs, wash our legs, wash our legs.
This is the way we wash our legs, to make ourselves so clean.
This is the way we wash our arms, wash our arms, wash our arms.
This is the way we wash our arms, to make ourselves so clean.
This is the way we wash our back, wash our back, wash our back.
This is the way we wash our back, to make ourselves so clean.
This is the way we wash our tummy, wash our tummy, wash our tummy.
This is the way we wash our tummy, to make ourselves so clean.
This is the way we wash our hair, wash our hair, wash our hair.
This is the way we wash our hair, to make ourselves so clean.
Bath Time Fun Song Card
To the tune of “Five Little Monkeys Splashing in the Bath!”
Rub-a-dub-dub, baby’s in the tub, getting nice and clean.
Rub-a-dub-dub, baby’s in the tub,getting nice and clean.
First we’ll wash your little hair, get it nice and clean.
Then we’ll wash your little arms, get them nice and clean.
Then we’ll wash your little toes, get them nice and clean.
Then we’ll wash you little nose, get it nice and clean!