Babies & Toddlers
The period from Birth – Three years is one of rapid development for young children. In order to provide more information for adults working with this age group BCCN has joined the organization Zero To Three in the US which specialises in carrying out research and provding valuable information on this age group. Please have a look at recent information they have provided to the BCCN

From Baby To Big Kid: Month 2
What to expect from your baby’s development
Learn how your baby’s development unfolds from birth to three months and what you can do to support his learning and growing.
What it’s like for you
Read about common feelings parents have at this stage, such as dealing with baby’s demands and how much life has changed since “Before Baby.”
What it’s like for baby
Tune in to how playtime supports all areas of your baby’s development.
Did You Know...
Read about research that shows that babies are already learning about the art of conversation at this early age and what you can do to encourage your baby’s communication skills.
Spotlight On: Playing with Baby
Take a close look at how you can play with your little one in the earliest months and how to read his cues about when he is ready to interact and when he needs a break.
Let’s Play: Activities that nurture bonding and learning
Check out these fun activities that nurtures your baby’s development and her connection to you.
What’s On Your Mind?
The Q & A’s below are adapted from the Your Child’s Behavior column in American Baby Magazine, written by Claire Lerner and Rebecca Parlakian of ZERO TO THREE and authors of this newsletter.
- I have an 8-week-old. Her eating and sleeping habits are all over the map and everyone keeps telling me to "put her on a schedule." What does that mean and how do I do it?
- My neighbor’s two-month-old loves his mobile. He kicks his arms and legs and squeals with delight. I got the same mobile for my baby, and he hates it. He turns his head away and cries every time I turn it on. What does this mean?
- I wish I could stay home longer, but I’m going to need to head back to work when my baby is 8 weeks old. Will my daughter be okay in child care?
- My 2-month-old cries hysterically when I dress and undress him. It makes me feel awful, but what do I do?
- My 2-month-old cries so much more than my friend’s babies and than my first child. It’s stressful to deal with, but my biggest concern is if this has any bearing on how fussy she will be as she gets older. Will she be crankier than other kids who don’t cry as much as babies?
From Baby to Big Kid: Month 3
What to expect from your baby’s development
Read about how your baby’s development unfolds from three to six months and what you can do to support his learning and growing.
What it’s like for you
Read about common experiences parents have at this age, like the thrill of your baby beginning to engage in more back-and-forth interaction with you.
What it’s like for baby
See how, even at this very young age, babies are developing trust in you as they come to count on you to meet their needs. Trust is critical for building a strong, healthy relationship with you and others as he grows.
Did You Know...
Read about research that shows how babies sense and react to their parents’ stress. Studies like this one bring home the importance of taking care of yourself in order to take good care of your baby.
Spotlight on: Choosing Child Care
Take a close look at how to choose quality child care.
Let’s Play: Activities that nurture bonding and learning
Check out these fun activities that nurture your baby’s development and her connection to you.
What’s On Your Mind?
The Q & A’s below are adapted from the Your Child’s Behavior column in American Baby Magazine, written by Claire Lerner and Rebecca Parlakian of ZERO TO THREE and authors of this newsletter.
- My maternity leave is about to end and I’ve made plans to send my 3-month-old to child care. I thought I would be prepared for this, but as the date draws closer, I can't help but worry that my baby will develop a closer attachment to her caregiver than to me. Should I be concerned?
- I'm home with my 3-month-old all day every day. I try to stimulate her with toys and books, but she’s not that interested in them. Is something wrong?
From Baby to Big Kid: Month 4
What to expect from your baby’s development
Read about how your baby’s development unfolds from three to six months and what you can do to support his learning and growing.
What it’s like for you
Hear about common experiences parents have right around their baby’s four-month birthday, like how you may be starting to understand her cues and signals better as the days and weeks go on.
What it’s like for baby
Read how, even at this very young age, babies enjoy playing and being with you…and are developing quite a sense of humor, too.
Did You Know...
Take a look at a research study that suggests your reaction during vaccinations affects your baby’s pain level.
Spotlight on: Sounds and Language
Take a close look at how babies begin to develop the very beginnings of early language skills through their coos and gurgles.
Let’s Play
Check out fun activities that nurture your baby’s development and her connection to you.
What’s On Your Mind?
The Q & A’s below are adapted from the Your Child’s Behavior column in American Baby Magazine, written by Claire Lerner and Rebecca Parlakian of ZERO TO THREE and authors of this newsletter.
- My 4-month-old isn’t rolling over yet. Is something wrong?
- My 4-month-old isn’t interested in her toys—when will she be?
From Baby to Big Kid: Month 5
What to expect from your baby’s development
Read about how your baby’s development unfolds from three to six months and what you can do to support his learning and growing.
What it’s like for you
You’re not alone. Read about common experiences parents have with their five-month-olds, like realizing it’s been months since they had a few minutes to themselves!
What it’s like for baby
Babies are using their growing physical and thinking skills to help them explore the world and learn how things work.
Did You Know...
Take a look at some research that shows how even young babies use imitation as a way to learn language and connect with the grown-ups they love and trust.
Spotlight on: Routines
Take a close look at how routines promote your baby’s sense of safety and security, as well as help your little one begin to develop self-control, thinking skills, and social skills.
Let’s Play: Activities that nurture bonding and learning
Check out these fun activities that nurture your baby’s development and her connection to you.
What’s On Your Mind?
The Q & A’s below are adapted from the Your Child’s Behavior column in American Baby Magazine, written by Claire Lerner and Rebecca Parlakian of ZERO TO THREE and authors of this newsletter.
- We have a five-month-old and I just found out I’m expecting. How do we prepare our daughter for our new addition?
- My five-month-old just bit me for the first time while breastfeeding. What’s the best way to handle this?
From Baby to Big Kid: Month 6
What to expect from your baby’s development
See how your baby’s development unfolds from six to nine months and what you can do to support his learning and growing.
What it’s like for you
Read about common experiences parents have with their six-month-olds, like having to develop quick-thinking strategies to sidestep “space invaders”—those people in the mall or out on the street who just have to touch your baby.
What it’s like for baby
Learn how babies use everyday experiences, like bathtime, to learn about their world.
Did You Know...
Read about a research study that found that babies (even ones as young as six months old) seem to have a sense of behaviors that are helpful…or not.
Spotlight on: Getting Baby to Sleep
Take a close look at how to teach babies to fall asleep on their own, and help them begin (if they aren’t already) sleeping through the night, if this is a goal that you are working toward.
Let’s Play: Activities that nurture bonding and learning
Check out these fun activities that nurture your baby’s development and her connection to you.
What’s On Your Mind?
The Q & A’s below are adapted from the Your Child’s Behavior column in American Baby Magazine, written by Claire Lerner and Rebecca Parlakian of ZERO TO THREE and authors of this newsletter.
- My six month old is more interested in chewing on, rather than listening to, storybooks. Is this normal?
- My mother died recently and I’ve taken it hard. Can my grief affect my baby?
From Baby to Big Kid: Month 7
What to expect from your baby’s development
Read about how your baby’s development unfolds from six to nine months and what you can do to support his learning and growing.
What it’s like for you
Explore common experiences parents have with their seven-month-olds, like how you’re probably seeing your child’s temperament and personality starting to emerge, which helps you understand him even better.
What it’s like for baby
Tune in to how a child’s temperament influences how she understands and interacts with the world around her.
Did You Know...
Read about research that shows how babies are able to express a wider range of emotion by six months.
Spotlight on: Reading Books With Your Baby
Take a look at how you can make reading together fun with your baby. What’s important right now is not getting through each page, but making stories a great experience for your little future bookworm.
Let’s Play: Activities that nurture bonding and learning
Check out these fun activities that nurture your baby’s development and her connection to you.
What’s On Your Mind?
The Q & A’s below are adapted from the Your Child’s Behavior column in American Baby Magazine, written by Claire Lerner and Rebecca Parlakian of ZERO TO THREE and authors of this newsletter.
- Sometimes my baby seems more interested in his toys than in me! Is this normal?
- How can we help my baby develop a relationship with her grandparents, who live 500 miles away?

