When a baby first begins to identify with someone outside of the mother-child bond, it's usually Dada. If the child is still first identifying with Dada, then Mama usually follows, and this is the first indication that the child is now starting to name permanent objects in his/her life. "Research indicates that 'Dada' is actually more common as the first word than 'mom' or 'moma. In light of this, it should be noted that over the course of our history, moms were typically the ones at home with t...

Babies are born ready to learn, and their brains develop through experiences. In the first year, babies learn to focus their vision, reach out, explore, and learn about the things that are around them. The first thing your baby will learn is to associate you with getting their needs met. So, the feel of your touch, the sound of your voice, and the sight of your face will begin to mean nourishment, warmth, and comfort. Even at this young age, babies are ready to learn about the world around them....