Baby Development Myths Every Parent Should Know

Grandparents, friends, and society flood parents with well-meaning advice, but how can Mom and Dad be sure they are receiving accurate information? With help from Dr. Andrew Adesman and his book "Baby Facts", we separate baby myths from reality.

By Catie Bielecki

Fancy Photography/Veer

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Toys Can Make Baby Smarter

Myth: Baby needs sophisticated toys for maximum brain stimulation.

Reality: There's no evidence that a particular toy will make your baby smarter.

Dr. Adesman Explains: "As babies learn to explore their environments, a stimulating environment will help, but sophisticated toys are not necessary. Likewise, although it's true that babies seem to have a visual preference for contrasting black-and-white images, parents shouldn't have false expectations that surrounding a child with these images will increase their baby's intelligence."

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Comments (6)

mandyandbubs1 wrote:

My daughter started walking at 9 1/2 months old which is early! She can also say about 4-5 words.

2/8/2012 12:10:51 PM Report Abuse

leesonjessie1 wrote:

@ tattgurl2- most kids don't really walk until they are 1. She seems like she is on the right path. I have a nephew who didn't walk until 15 months. It happens. So don't worry about it too much as long as she's trying. My 10 month old only uses object to help him stand and walk. But he can't do it y himself.

11/23/2011 01:32:37 PM Report Abuse

tattgurl2 wrote:

My soon to be 11 month old still wont stand by hersef, she is scared and every time she starts to it freaks her out and she grabs for the closest thing. I dont know what to do

4/17/2011 03:27:08 AM Report Abuse

naomiashanti wrote:

My 9 month old is extremely curious, he crawls,slide, pull up and cruise thru the house, perfers independence. He love the animals of the house, two chichuahas(sp), 2 German Shepherds and a Kitty Kat. Oh yes, two older sisters, 3 and 5 years old...He is truely a happy baby. Oh, his sleeping is sporadic, HELP. GG

11/4/2010 04:48:57 PM Report Abuse

sdubesmith wrote:

My 13 month old prefers climbing up a chair to access the lid to the garbage can. She's fast at it and dodges to it with a develish grin if I'm across the room. It's great fun for her, but I have had to put allot of things out of reach.

3/2/2010 12:58:48 PM Report Abuse