Parenting with Me
Week 48: Why You Should Let Your Son Play with Dolls
Despite our efforts to raise open-minded children, we still hear the outdated question: "Isn’t that a girl’s toy?" when a boy picks up a doll. But here’s the truth—dolls offer powerful developmental benefits for all children, regardless of gender. When your baby chooses to play with a doll, they’re modeling the behavior they see. They watch you nurture and care for them, and they want to mimic that love and responsibility. Dolls become tools for practicing empathy, creativity, problem-solving, and social skills. Here are seven key developmental benefits of doll play: 1. Imagination & Creativity According to the Child Mind Institute, pretending to feed, dress, or bathe a doll fosters imagination and encourages independent play. Children also build divergent thinking skills—finding multiple solutions to one problem. 2. Language Development When you play with your child and their doll, you create natural opportunities for conversation. Ask what the doll sees, hears, or feels. This kind of interactive play boosts vocabulary and narrative skills. 3. Empathy & Emotional Intelligence Dolls help children understand and practice caring for others. They learn what it means to nurture, comfort, and support—all vital skills in real life. 4. Comfort & Security Dolls often become trusted sidekicks, helping children navigate new or stressful situations with more confidence 5. Motor Skill Development Feeding, dressing, or carrying a doll promotes fine and gross motor skills and improves hand-eye coordination. 6. Responsibility & Nurturing Behavior Even at a young age, kids wrap dolls in blankets or pretend to feed them—small actions that reveal a growing sense of responsibility. 7. Freedom of Choice Toys have no gender. Whether it's a plush cat or a monster truck, your child deserves the freedom to play with what sparks joy. The Science Backs It Up A 2020 Cardiff University study found that children playing with dolls activated brain regions tied to empathy and social information processing—more so than kids playing tablet games. Diversity Matters Introduce dolls of various races, backgrounds, and professions. Persona dolls foster cultural awareness, inclusion, and identity building. When children see themselves in their toys, it reinforces self-worth. When they see others, it builds respect. Let your child explore. Let them lead. Because whether it's a doll or dino, what they're really developing is empathy, confidence, and emotional intelligence. That’s okay. If your son prefers a puppet or stuffed dinosaur, he can still reap the same emotional and cognitive rewards. What matters is that he has something to love, nurture, and imagine with. Neuroscientists agree: pretend play builds problem-solving skills, memory, logical thinking, and even internal state language (ISL)—the self-talk that helps children understand their thoughts and feelings. Playing with dolls also promotes cooperation. Children learn to take turns, resolve conflicts, and practice leadership by assigning roles like "parent" or "teacher." Let your child explore. Let them lead. Because whether it's a doll or dino, what they're really developing is empathy, confidence, and emotional intelligence. Start the development journey with MonkiBox. Our Montessori-inspired toys are designed to give your child the best start.
Week 5: Is It Better to Swaddle a Baby?
Your baby spent nine months in the womb—warm, snug, and gently rocked with every movement you made. After birth, that cozy space vanishes, replaced by a bright, open world. For many newborns, this dramatic change is overwhelming. That's why many parents turn to swaddling: to recreate that comforting sensation and help their baby adjust to life outside the womb. Swaddling can indeed improve sleep for some babies, especially in the early weeks. But not every baby needs it. Some infants naturally enjoy stretching out and exploring their newfound freedom. If your baby sleeps well without being swaddled, there’s no need to force it. The golden rule remains the same either way: always place your baby on their back to sleep If you choose to swaddle, here are a few essential tips to keep it safe and effective: 1. Get the Tightness Just Right - A loose swaddle can unravel and pose a suffocation risk. - Ensure the wrap around the chest is snug enough to fit two to three fingers between the blanket and your baby's body. - The bottom should be loose enough to allow free leg movement—tight swaddling around the hips can lead to developmental issues. - Struggling? Consider a sleeping sack as an easy, safe alternative. 2. Know When to Swaddle According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies can be swaddled up to 12–20 hours per day— primarily during sleep. Avoid swaddling when your baby is awake and alert, as those moments are crucial for muscle development and motor skills. 3. Mind the Temperature Swaddling can lead to overheating. Warning signs include sweating, flushed cheeks, or rapid breathing. If the room temperature is comfortable (20–21°C or 68–72°F), dress your baby in a single layer more than you’re wearing 4. Follow Your Baby's Lead Babies can be unpredictable. If yours fusses or resists being swaddled, don’t force it. Try different methods or sleepwear until you find what works best. When Should You Stop Swaddling? Swaddling can soothe and comfort newborns, but it's not meant to last forever. Once your baby starts showing signs of rolling over—typically between 8 weeks and 4 months—it's time to stop. Continuing to swaddle at this stage increases the risk of suffocation. Always monitor your baby closely, and make space for them to roll and explore safely. With or without swaddling, your love and attention are what help them feel most secure Explore our expert-designed sleep and development tools at www.monkibox.com
Week 2: Why Is It Important to Schedule Tummy Time for Your Baby?
There are three essential questions every parent should ask: 1. Is your baby sleeping well? 2. Is your baby breastfeeding enough? 3. Are you making time for tummy time each day? The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that while babies may prefer sleeping on their stomachs because it mimics the fetal position and reduces the Moro (startle) reflex, stomach sleeping is not safe for unsupervised rest. It increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Infants should always be placed on their backs to sleep until at least 12 months of age. However, supervised tummy time during awake hours is a vital part of early development. It builds the foundation for milestones like reaching, crawling, standing, and walking. Tummy time is essentially your baby's first workout and should begin from birth (after the umbilical cord falls off and the area heals). Research-backed benefits of tummy time include: - Strengthens neck, back, shoulder, and abdominal muscles. - Encourages motor skills like reaching, turning, and lifting limbs. - Supports gross motor development and prevents delays. - Helps prevent flat head syndrome (positional plagiocephaly) and torticollis (tight neck muscles). - Improves hand-eye coordination and environmental exploration. How to start tummy time: You can begin tummy time when your baby is around two weeks old. Start by placing them on your chest or lap for 30 seconds to one minute. Avoid tummy time immediately after feeding to reduce discomfort. Important safety note: While your baby may seem to enjoy lying on their stomach, do not let them sleep on their tummy. Even if they start rolling over at 4 or 5 months, it is still unsafe for sleep until they are at least 1 year old and can independently reposition themselves. Tips for tummy time success: - Lay your baby on a clean, firm surface like a play mat or blanket (never on pillows or beds). - Position their arms forward under the shoulders to help them push up. - Turn their head to the side to ensure they can breathe freely. - Use songs, toys, and your voice to make the experience enjoyable. - Try tummy time after diaper changes to help build the routine. It’s normal for babies to resist or show startle reflexes during early tummy time. These jerky movements are typical in the first 2–4 months and are linked to an immature nervous system. Stay consistent and positive. Daily tummy time while your baby is awake and alert lays the groundwork for healthy motor development. Start the development journey with MonkiBox. Our Montessori-inspired toys are thoughtfully designed to support tummy time and every step of your baby’s growth.
Week 3: For Your Baby, It's All Black & White
Did you know that shortly after birth, your baby can detect shapes and edges, specifically where light meets dark? Luckily for new parents, their little one is naturally drawn to familiar faces. Since newborns can only see 15–30 cm ahead, your face is at the perfect distance for them to study and connect with. In addition to face-to-face bonding, providing your baby with high-contrast black-and-white images can help exercise their eye muscles, improve focus, and increase attention span. Since their vision remains blurry and color perception is limited until around 3–4 months, experts recommend using simple black-and white visuals within 8 to 12 inches of their eyes. These images send stronger neural signals to the brain, which helps with tracking objects and developing overall visual strength Here are research-backed benefits of black-and-white images for your baby: - Stimulate underdeveloped optic nerves - Support healthy brain development without overstimulation - Improve visual focus and make tummy time more engaging - Encourage shape recognition, distance estimation, and gross motor coordination - Boost curiosity and memory by sending strong visual signals to the brain - Enhance hand-eye coordination through visual tracking When should you start? You can introduce high-contrast cards from day one. Color vision typically matures around the fourth or fifth month. Just be sure to hold images within their visual range—about the same distance as your face during feeding. Ways to incorporate visual stimulation into your routine: 1. Face-to-Face Play Looking into your baby’s eyes supports visual development. Try making funny faces—your baby will be drawn to features like your lips and eyebrows 2. Tummy Time It’s perfectly safe to place black-and-white cards in front of your baby during tummy time (1–5 minutes a day is great for newborns). As they grow stronger, these visuals can motivate them to lift their head and neck. 3. Crib or Changing Table Cards Hang black-and-white visuals on the wall near their crib or changing area. Alternate sides to help them practice looking both ways and prevent flat head syndrome 4. Bold Fashion Dress your baby in black-and-white mittens for short periods. High-contrast patterns promote hand discovery, which is key for hand control and fine motor skills. Your baby’s eyes are still learning to work together. Don’t worry if they occasionally appear cross-eyed—it’s completely normal. Pediatric experts suggest starting with basic shapes and curves in the first few months As your baby’s vision sharpens (around 2–3 months), you can introduce more complex patterns like checkerboards. If you notice any persistent or significant visual irregularities, consult your pediatrician. For a better understanding of how your baby sees, check out this helpful video demonstration. Try holding an image card and waiting until your baby looks away. When they look back, rotate the card to show the same image in a new direction. Repeat 2–3 times before switching to the next image. Start your baby’s developmental journey with MonkiBox. Our Montessori-inspired toys are carefully crafted to give your child the best start in life.
The Ultimate Guide to Your Baby’s Developmental Milestones by MonkiBox
Watching your little one grow is a magical journey — from their first smile to their first steps, every moment is pure wonder. Some milestones are big and unforgettable, others are quieter, like when your baby starts swaying to music or skillfully moving food with their tongue. At MonkiBox, we celebrate every moment, because each is a stepping stone in your child's incredible growth ❤️ Discover how MonkiBox Play Boxes are designed to nurture every milestone, right when your baby is ready for it. What Are Baby Milestones? Milestones are skills babies typically develop within a certain timeframe, guiding their physical, mental, social, and emotional growth. They fall into four key areas: Motor Skills (gross and fine movements) Cognitive Development (thinking, reasoning, learning) Language & Communication (both understanding and expressing) Social & Emotional Growth (connections, emotions, relationships) Remember: Milestones are flexible. Every baby is unique, and the "right time" is different for each child. Some skills may appear earlier, some later, and a few might be skipped altogether. That's perfectly normal! How Are Milestones Measured? Development is a beautiful dance of small steps building up to big achievements. For example: before walking, babies learn to pull up, cruise along furniture, and balance. Many milestones overlap. A baby's first smile is emotional and a motor skill! Growth is interconnected, and small wins lead to major breakthroughs. Do All Babies Hit Milestones at the Same Time? Short answer: No. Every child has their own natural rhythm. Milestones give us helpful markers, but there's a wide range of "normal." If you ever feel unsure, your pediatrician can help guide you. Early support is powerful when needed. Premature Babies and Milestones If your baby arrived early (before 37 weeks), milestones are usually measured from their due date, not their birth date — what doctors call “adjusted age.” Most premature babies catch up to full-term development by around age two. Your Baby's Month-by-Month Milestones We’ve crafted a detailed look at what you might see as your little one grows. Remember, these are ranges — some babies will zoom ahead in one area and take their time in another. 1 Month Old Motor Skills Lifts head briefly during tummy time Moves arms and legs with jerky motions Turns head to the side when lying down Cognitive Development Stares at contrasting patterns or bold colors Calms when comforted by a familiar voice Language & Communication Makes simple cries for hunger, discomfort, or tiredness Begins to make "comfort" sounds Social & Emotional Momentarily establishes eye contact Responds to being cuddled or rocked 2 Months Old Motor Skills Holds head steadier when picked up Pushes up slightly during tummy time Follows moving objects with eyes Cognitive Development Recognizes familiar people at a distance Starts anticipating routines (feeding, diaper changes) Language & Communication Coos and gurgles Smiles intentionally in response to interaction Social & Emotional Shows excitement when seeing caregivers Enjoys being talked to and smiled at 3 Months Old Motor Skills Opens hands more often Lifts chest and head with arm support Begins swatting at toys Cognitive Development Watches faces with interest Notices own hands and begins exploring Language & Communication Laughs out loud Babbles more expressively Social & Emotional Smiles at reflection in a mirror Starts recognizing familiar voices 4 Months Old Motor Skills Rolls from tummy to back Reaches for and grasps toys Brings hands to mouth Cognitive Development Notices cause-and-effect (shake a rattle = noise) Looks for sources of sounds Language & Communication Babbles with different tones Imitates some facial expressions Social & Emotional Shows pleasure through smiles and giggles Enjoys playful interactions 5 Months Old Motor Skills Rolls from back to belly Pushes up on extended arms Brings feet to mouth Cognitive Development Explores objects with hands and mouth Recognizes familiar faces vs. strangers Language & Communication Begins vocalizing excitement Reacts to sounds with movements Social & Emotional Shows preference for primary caregivers Enjoys mirror play 6 Months Old Motor Skills Sits with support Rocks back and forth on hands and knees Transfers objects between hands Cognitive Development Understands object permanence beginnings Shows curiosity about surroundings Language & Communication Responds to own name Begins "talking" during play Social & Emotional Recognizes own name Shows joy at social games like peek-a-boo 7-8 Months Old Motor Skills Sits without support Begins crawling or scooting Grasps smaller objects using a "raking" motion Cognitive Development Explores toys with hands and mouth Looks for hidden objects Language & Communication Babbles chains of sounds ("ba-ba-ba") Responds to simple verbal cues Social & Emotional Develops stranger anxiety Becomes more interactive during play 9-10 Months Old Motor Skills Pulls to stand Cruises along furniture Points with index finger Cognitive Development Engages in simple problem-solving Follows basic gestures like pointing Language & Communication Understands simple phrases like "come here" Imitates sounds and actions Social & Emotional Shows preference for certain people and toys Enjoys interactive games like pat-a-cake 11-12 Months Old Motor Skills Stands alone for short periods Takes first independent steps Picks up tiny objects with thumb and finger (pincer grasp) Cognitive Development Tests limits and reactions (cause and effect) Starts simple pretend play (feeding doll, brushing hair) Language & Communication Says "mama" or "dada" meaningfully Uses simple gestures like waving "bye-bye" Social & Emotional Shows preference for certain people and toys Enjoys interactive games like pat-a-cake 11-12 Months Old Motor Skills Stands alone for short periods Takes first independent steps Picks up tiny objects with thumb and finger (pincer grasp) Cognitive Development Tests limits and reactions (cause and effect) Starts simple pretend play (feeding doll, brushing hair) Language & Communication Says "mama" or "dada" meaningfully Uses simple gestures like waving "bye-bye" Social & Emotional Displays attachment to caregivers Seeks comfort from familiar adults when upset MonkiBox Play Boxes are crafted by child development experts to spark joy and support your baby’s growth at every magical stage. ✨ Give your little one the best start. Explore our Play Boxes today.
The Ultimate Guide to Your Baby’s Developmental Milestones
Watching your little one grow is a magical journey — from their first smile to their first steps, every moment is pure wonder. Some milestones are big and unforgettable, others are quieter, like when your baby starts swaying to music or skillfully moving food with their tongue. At MonkiBox, we celebrate every moment, because each is a stepping stone in your child's incredible growth ❤️ Discover how MonkiBox Play Boxes are designed to nurture every milestone, right when your baby is ready for it. What Are Baby Milestones? Milestones are skills babies typically develop within a certain timeframe, guiding their physical, mental, social, and emotional growth. They fall into four key areas: Motor Skills (gross and fine movements) Cognitive Development (thinking, reasoning, learning) Language & Communication (both understanding and expressing) Social & Emotional Growth (connections, emotions, relationships) Remember: Milestones are flexible. Every baby is unique, and the "right time" is different for each child. Some skills may appear earlier, some later, and a few might be skipped altogether. That's perfectly normal! How Are Milestones Measured? Development is a beautiful dance of small steps building up to big achievements. For example: before walking, babies learn to pull up, cruise along furniture, and balance. Many milestones overlap. A baby's first smile is emotional and a motor skill! Growth is interconnected, and small wins lead to major breakthroughs. Do All Babies Hit Milestones at the Same Time? Short answer: No. Every child has their own natural rhythm. Milestones give us helpful markers, but there's a wide range of "normal." If you ever feel unsure, your pediatrician can help guide you. Early support is powerful when needed. Premature Babies and Milestones If your baby arrived early (before 37 weeks), milestones are usually measured from their due date, not their birth date — what doctors call “adjusted age.” Most premature babies catch up to full-term development by around age two. Your Baby's Month-by-Month Milestones We’ve crafted a detailed look at what you might see as your little one grows. Remember, these are ranges — some babies will zoom ahead in one area and take their time in another. 1 Month Old Motor Skills Lifts head briefly during tummy time Moves arms and legs with jerky motions Turns head to the side when lying down Cognitive Development Stares at contrasting patterns or bold colors Calms when comforted by a familiar voice Language & Communication Makes simple cries for hunger, discomfort, or tiredness Begins to make "comfort" sounds Social & Emotional Momentarily establishes eye contact Responds to being cuddled or rocked 2 Months Old Motor Skills Holds head steadier when picked up Pushes up slightly during tummy time Follows moving objects with eyes Cognitive Development Recognizes familiar people at a distance Starts anticipating routines (feeding, diaper changes) Language & Communication Coos and gurgles Smiles intentionally in response to interaction Social & Emotional Shows excitement when seeing caregivers Enjoys being talked to and smiled at 3 Months Old Motor Skills Opens hands more often Lifts chest and head with arm support Begins swatting at toys Cognitive Development Watches faces with interest Notices own hands and begins exploring Language & Communication Laughs out loud Babbles more expressively Social & Emotional Smiles at reflection in a mirror Starts recognizing familiar voices 4 Months Old Motor Skills Rolls from tummy to back Reaches for and grasps toys Brings hands to mouth Cognitive Development Notices cause-and-effect (shake a rattle = noise) Looks for sources of sounds Language & Communication Babbles with different tones Imitates some facial expressions Social & Emotional Shows pleasure through smiles and giggles Enjoys playful interactions 5 Months Old Motor Skills Rolls from back to belly Pushes up on extended arms Brings feet to mouth Cognitive Development Explores objects with hands and mouth Recognizes familiar faces vs. strangers Language & Communication Begins vocalizing excitement Reacts to sounds with movements Social & Emotional Shows preference for primary caregivers Enjoys mirror play 6 Months Old Motor Skills Sits with support Rocks back and forth on hands and knees Transfers objects between hands Cognitive Development Understands object permanence beginnings Shows curiosity about surroundings Language & Communication Responds to own name Begins "talking" during play Social & Emotional Recognizes own name Shows joy at social games like peek-a-boo 7-8 Months Old Motor Skills Sits without support Begins crawling or scooting Grasps smaller objects using a "raking" motion Cognitive Development Explores toys with hands and mouth Looks for hidden objects Language & Communication Babbles chains of sounds ("ba-ba-ba") Responds to simple verbal cues Social & Emotional Develops stranger anxiety Becomes more interactive during play 9-10 Months Old Motor Skills Pulls to stand Cruises along furniture Points with index finger Cognitive Development Engages in simple problem-solving Follows basic gestures like pointing Language & Communication Understands simple phrases like "come here" Imitates sounds and actions Social & Emotional Shows preference for certain people and toys Enjoys interactive games like pat-a-cake 11-12 Months Old Motor Skills Stands alone for short periods Takes first independent steps Picks up tiny objects with thumb and finger (pincer grasp) Cognitive Development Tests limits and reactions (cause and effect) Starts simple pretend play (feeding doll, brushing hair) Language & Communication Says "mama" or "dada" meaningfully Uses simple gestures like waving "bye-bye" Social & Emotional Displays attachment to caregivers Seeks comfort from familiar adults when upset Unlock Your Child’s Potential — the Playful Way MonkiBox Play Boxes are crafted by child development experts to spark joy and support your baby’s growth at every magical stage. ✨ Give your little one the best start. Explore our Play Boxes today.
Tips for Healthy Fasting While Breastfeeding
✅ Before you start: Ensure you’re in good health, your baby is growing well, your milk supply is stable, and you have a support system at home. 1️⃣ Watch for dehydration signs in your baby – Fewer wet diapers, less stool output, and increased fussiness may indicate dehydration. 2️⃣ Fasting isn’t all or nothing – You can fast on some days and rest on others. Listen to your body and prioritize your well-being. 3️⃣ Support your milk supply – Eat nutrient-dense foods, stay hydrated with electrolyte-rich drinks (like coconut water & carrot juice), and include galactagogues like Moringa and Shatavari. 4️⃣ Avoid excessive caffeine, junk food, and sweets – These can dehydrate you and affect your energy levels. 5️⃣ Don’t skip Suhoor! – A high-protein Suhoor will help keep your energy levels stable and prevent crashes. 6️⃣ Be mindful of your limits – Delegate tasks, rest when needed, and adjust your routine to avoid burnout. 7️⃣ Stop fasting if you experience dehydration signs – Dizziness, fatigue, dark urine, headaches, or dry mouth are red flags. Your baby’s health comes first. 8️⃣ Break your fast in phases – Start with dates & juice, then soup & salad, followed by a balanced meal with protein, healthy fats, and vegetables. Hydrate well between meals. 💡 Fasting is a personal decision—there’s no one-size-fits-all. Do what’s best for you and your baby. You can follow Dr. Soulaf on Instagram for more!
Expert Tips for Fasting While Breastfeeding
Fasting or not fasting while breastfeeding is completely up to you and your doctor. If you choose to fast during Ramadan while breastfeeding, Dr. Mariam shares a few tips that will keep you and your baby healthy: 1️⃣ Stay hydrated by drinking 2-3 liters of fluids at night, including water, juices, and milk.2️⃣ Include enough protein and dairy in your Iftar and Suhoor to maintain your energy and milk supply.3️⃣ Eat at least 2 servings of fruits and nuts to replenish lost salts and minerals.4️⃣ Avoid soft drinks, high-caffeine beverages, and excessive salt and sugar, as they can lead to dehydration.5️⃣ Watch for dehydration signs in yourself (dizziness, fatigue, headache, thirst) and your baby (fussiness, fewer wet diapers). Lastly, if you feel too exhausted but still want to continue, consider alternating fasting days to balance your well-being! You can follow Dr. Mariam Jabr for more insights on your little one’s health!
Expert Tips for Your Little One’s Sleep During Ramadan 🌙
To change sleep routines or not to change? That’s the question! During Ramadan, we often hear different opinions on whether to adjust little ones' sleep schedules. To help you make the best decision, Christine shares four essential tips to maintain your child's sleep quality during the holy month. 1️⃣ You don’t have to change their bedtime – Even though our routines shift during Ramadan, your little one still needs their sleep. Keep their usual bedtime to ensure they stay well-rested. 2️⃣ Limit sugar before bed – Avoid giving sweets close to bedtime to prevent an energy boost that could make it harder for them to settle down. 3️⃣ Create a sleep-friendly space – Ensure a safe, quiet, and comfortable environment with a good temperature, minimal light, and no loud noises. 4️⃣ Make bedtime meaningful – Swap regular storytime for Ramadan-themed stories or simple duaas to introduce faith-based traditions before sleep. You can follow Christine on Instagram for more insights on sleep and potty training!