Behavioral Development

An age-by-age guide to setting limits.

It's in the Genes. DNA plays a role in everything from your child's silly sense of humor to her erratic sleep patterns. Find out which behaviors you passed along to your little buddy.

Just because she can't talk doesn't mean your little one doesn't have important things she wants to tell you.

...Makes eye contact Cries for help Responds to parents' smiles and voices Begins to develop a social... sensitive to the presence of other children Separation anxiety may begin Self-esteem begins to develop... tantrums Can fluctuate between being cooperative and uncooperative Shows a developing sense of humor May...

Your curious baby delights in mangling your glasses and yanking the dog's tail. Steer clear of trouble and set boundaries for tiny explorers.

Discipline isn't punishment, and there's more than one way to correct your child's behavior--without yelling. Here's a tactic for every age.

You know all the usual ones, like first step and first word, right? But wait until you see these adorable achievements.

We cut to the chase and tell you what you really need to know to have a well-behaved kid.

... through the ever changing maze of new behaviors, developments, and challenges present in a child's first..., intellectual, and behavioral development at every age and stage. Love the adorable products and toys we used... choices to ensure a child's healthy development for their first six years -- and set them up for success...

Two-year-olds act out their emotions in some pretty bizarre ways. Let us help you crack the toddler behavior code.

If you're like most new parents, there are plenty of days -- ones when your baby won't stop crying and there's oatmeal on the wall -- when you feel as if you can't do anything right. But think again. Even if all you did was feed your little one when he was hungry, talk to him as you did the laundry, and take him for a stroll, you offered him fantastic learning experiences. Still doubt it? Here's what your baby would tell you himself -- if he could.

... parents through the ever changing maze of new behaviors, developments, and challenges present in a child..., intellectual, and behavioral development at every age and stage. Love the adorable products and toys we used... choices to ensure a child's healthy development for their first six years -- and set them up for success...

The innate parts of your baby's personality help determine how he eats, sleeps, and responds to new things. Identify his dominant traits and you'll find the easiest way to keep him comfortable and content.

The moment they emerge from the womb, babies are observing, absorbing, and gearing up to take on the world. Here's a peek at the wonders in store as the months go by.

Watch for these milestones to occur between 18-24 months.

What's really going on in your toddler's little head when she shoves peas in her ear, guzzles bathwater, or strips naked in the store? We asked experts to interpret little kids' oddest behaviors and give advice on the sanest ways to handle them.

... looking out the window is another sign her distance vision is developing well. Type of Milestone: Language... doesn't make contact at first, the practice will help develop his skills. Mama Must-Know: This exercise... also helps develop your baby's depth perception. Type of Milestone: Cognitive Practice with Baby...

Aggressive behavior is common at this age. Try these tactics to tame pushy toddlers.

... needs. Type of Milestone: Physical Practice with Baby: Since your baby's arm muscles are more developed... develops a new fear. A night-light in his room will help with a fear of the dark. If the sound of a vacuum... are more developed. Type of Milestone: Language Skills Practice with Baby: Whenever your child does...

... of the Barnard Center for Toddler Development, in New York City. Get past it: Although it's tiresome to pick up... these behaviors can be caused by a number of other factors, look for this telltale sign: If they persist for only...

Around-the-clock feedings. Nursing troubles. No sleep. No problem. We'll help you through the first crazy days.

Life seems like one big science experiment for curious little ones -- but you can't always let them poke, prod, and pour. Here's how to keep them out of trouble.

Your baby learns to be affectionate when he feels your love for him.

Baby sign language can help your child communicate without saying a word.

Infant-development experts believe that the first years of a child's life are a prime time for learning, but sometimes it may be hard to think of new ways to stimulate your baby. Let these fun -- and scientific -- activities will inspire you.