EN / PT
Childhood is a period of great change for the little ones and their parents and caregivers. Children grow at an incredible rate, and each stage of development brings discoveries, skills, and challenges. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the main stages of child development, what to expect, and how you can support children effectively and lovingly.
The First Year: discovery and total dependence
From 0 to 12 months, babies are completely dependent on adults. They begin to learn about the world through their senses and interactions with those around them. During the first few months, the baby cannot dissociate from the mother and thinks they are one. There is a shock when the child understands this reality and sometimes te baby can experience separation anxiety, where he’ll cry if the caregiver leaves.
What to expect:
Motor development: Up to 3 months babies start to lift their heads, between 3 and 4 months we can see them rolling over. Between 5 and 7 months most will start sitting alone and will eventually begin to crawl.
Communication: Around 12 months the first steps appear. It is also now that they begin to want to communicate more, pointing, babbling and using simple words (mommy, daddy, etc.).
Emotional bonding: bonding with caregivers is fundamental. Smiles, eye contact and even crying are important forms of communication for them at this stage.
Tips for this stage:
Provide sensory stimuli by offering toys with different textures, colors and sounds.
Create a routine, as this helps to give your baby security.
Be patient, as each baby develops at their own pace.
Toys from 0 to 12 months
Space Adventure Gym: Stimulates motor coordination and curiosity with bright colours and interactive activities. Buy here.
Sensory Magic Cube: Develops motor coordination, and auditory and visual development in a fun and educational way. Buy here.
Maraca Rain of Colours: Stimulates your baby's senses in a fun and educational way. Not only does it promote auditory and visual development, but it also encourages motor coordination and an understanding of cause and effect. Buy it here.
Magic Castle 5 in 1: Provides a complete experience for children's development. Ideal for stimulating motor coordination, recognising colours and shapes and introducing children to the world of music. Buy it here.
Stage from 1 to 3 years: autonomy and testing limits
From 12 months to 3 years old, children enter the “I can do it” phase. It's a period of a lot of curiosity and learning, but also tantrums and frustrations. Around the age of 2, the baby begins to challenge authority and test limits.
What to expect:
Autonomy: They learn to walk, run and explore their environment.
Emotions: They are still discovering how to express feelings, which leads to tantrums.
Communication: Simple phrases are beginning to emerge, as well as the famous word “no”.
Tips for this stage:
Set clear limits but be consistent and gentle.
Understand that the “tantrum” comes from the child’s anguish, caused by the difficulty in managing emotions and expressing what they need.
Offer choices, for example: “Do you want to wear the blue shirt or the red shirt?”. This helps reduce tantrums and promotes autonomy.
Set an example by showing how to deal with emotions calmly.
Toys for 1 to 3 years
Enchanted Mushroom 5 in 1: Multifunctional toy with activities such as classifying animals, playing the xylophone, combining shapes and developing motor coordination through rings, mirrors and sensory tubes. While having fun, children learn basic concepts of colors, shapes and numbers and improve their patience and concentration. Combining fun with the promotion of fine motor, cognitive and sensory skills. Buy here.
5-in-1 Space Adventure Rocket: Designed to stimulate imagination, motor coordination and fine motor skills, this multifunctional toy offers an experience rich in sensory stimuli, promoting children's curiosity and creativity. Ideal for moments of learning and family fun. Buy it here.
"Life on the Farm” suitcase: A suitcase that transforms into a farm, including animals, a tractor, a barn with open doors and even a mirrored pond. It's perfect for stimulating motor coordination, shape and color recognition and fine motor skills. It also encourages creativity and imagination through make-believe play. Buy it here
3D themed puzzle: Puzzle with colored and embossed wooden pieces, perfect for promoting motor coordination, visual perception and shape recognition, while encouraging logical thinking and creativity. Each piece is easy for little hands to hold and fits perfectly into the base, guaranteeing hours of educational fun. Buy it here.
3 to 6 Years: Imagination and Relationship Building
At this stage, children live in a make-believe world and develop important social skills. Creativity is the driving force of this stage.
What to expect:
Make-believe games: They love imagining scenarios and enjoy creating stories and fictional situations.
Social development: They begin to understand the concept of sharing and the importance of following group rules and working as a team.
Learning and curiosity: They recognize letters and numbers and show great curiosity about the world. It's the age of whys.
Tips for this stage:
Encourage creative play, stimulating emotional and cognitive development.
Talk and answer questions, helping them to explore the world with patience.
Teach empathy. Help them understand the emotions of others.
Toys from 3 to 6 years old
Stacking Jungle Animals: Stimulates imagination and motor skills. By exploring the different shapes and sizes of the pieces, children develop problem-solving skills and creativity, while learning about balance and stability. Buy it here.
Car Race 2 in 1: Combines a detailed road map and a board game with numbered wooden cars, providing children with a fun and interactive experience. Develops motor and cognitive coordination, recognition of numbers and colours, and stimulates concentration and creativity through make-believe play. Buy it here.
Musical table: Provides a sensory experience, stimulates motor coordination, facilitates interaction and promotes creativity. Perfect for introducing children to the world of sounds and rhythms in a playful and educational way. Buy it here.
Driving adventure steering wheel: Perfect for stimulating the imagination, and promoting logical thinking and motor skills in children, while they learn how a vehicle works playfully and safely. Buy it here.
Age 7 to 10: Learning and Responsibility
In the school phase, children undergo a major cognitive and emotional leap. They begin to deal with more responsibility and develop problem-solving skills.
What to expect:
Cognitive development: They develop logical thinking, and the ability to plan and solve more complex challenges.
Social identity: Friendships become more important, and the opinion of peers begins to gain weight, becoming more sensitive to what others think.
Development of specific interests: They may show an interest in a hobby, sport or area of study.
How to help:
Support their studies by creating a peaceful environment in which to study and organize routines.
Encourage open conversations about feelings and experiences, promoting a safe space.
Give space and support the balance between study and leisure. It's important that they have hobbies and explore their interests.
Toys from 7 to 10 years old
Math games: Stimulate learning and creativity by teaching math concepts, logical reasoning, motor coordination and problem solving.
Professions kits: Ideal for helping to develop social skills, imagination and creativity, allowing little ones to explore professions.
See toys for children aged 7 to 10 here.
How can Baby Sisters help?
We understand the importance of accompanying children at every stage of their development. Our babysitters know how to deal with different ages, needs and personalities, offering personalized support for families.
Need a break or someone you can trust to look after your little explorer? Get in touch. After all, supporting children's development is an adventure worth sharing! Book a babysitter here.