Empathy in Infancy

A couple of weeks ago, I observed an incredible display of empathy in among a set of infant multiples. Since then, I find my mind wandering back to that moment when I watched with amazement..... An infant was working quietly on one side of the room. She had a material in her hand and was intently concentrating - turning it on one side and then the other; rubbing her hand against it to feel the texture and putting it in her mouth to explore it further. Her sister was on the other side of the room and all of a sudden became upset, wanting her teacher to pick her up. The first infant, who had been concentrating so intently, unconsciously processed the situation, put down her work and immediately crawled over to her sister. As she reached her sister, she stopped crawling and sat right next to her. That moment was amazing because the upset sibling stopped crying and they sat together, as if in unison, and waited for their teacher to pick up one. For those who doubt an infant's ability to show empathy and socialization, this scenario is a powerful example of just how perceptive these little ones can be...

Infant Oral Care

Infant oral care is very important to reduce germ and other build-up in your baby's mouth. The American Dental Association recommends parents begin regularly cleaning baby's mouth just a few days after birth with a small finger tool called a finger toothbrush or gum massager - an example can be found at http://sale.dentist.net/products/laclede-tiny-teeth-soft-finger-toothbrush-and-gum-massager. This massager can be gently rubbed across the infant's tongue and gums a couple of times per day.  In addition to providing oral health, infants love the sensorial stimulation provided from the brushing activity as little teeth may soon begin pushing to the surface! This also sets the stage for routine brushing later on.
So, when is the right time to take your baby to the dentist? The best time for an infant's first pediatric dentist appointment is as soon as their first tooth comes in. Some pediatric dentists will do free exams for children under one year old.

Free Infant Eye Exams

InfantSEE is a program in which optometrists will provide a one-time, comprehensive eye assessment to infants in their first year of life, offering early detection of potential eye and vision problems at no cost regardless of income. http://www.infantsee.org/