Muskingum County Help Me Grow

11/20/2025

Very Special Friends
Written by: Jane Chapman

11/18/2025

Come read with me on Thursday, November 20, at 3:30pm.
Very Special Friends
Written by: Jane Chapman

11/13/2025

We’re Going to the Mountains
Written by: Steve Kemp
Illustrated by: Lisa Horstman

11/12/2025

👶✨ Your newborn may be tiny, but their curiosity is already growing! Here are sweet, simple ways to play and bond with your little one every day 💕

🍼 Try tummy time while smiling face-to-face
🎶 Sing softly - they love your voice more than any song
💬 Talk them through your day, it builds language from love
🪞 Show them the mirror - faces fascinate newborns!
🤱 Skin-to-skin cuddles are the most powerful kind of play 💗
👀 Use black & white cards to boost their focus
💞 Rock, sway, or gently dance - they feel safe in your rhythm
😊 Make funny faces, and watch them start to mimic yours!

Every giggle, every gaze - it’s all learning through love. 💫

11/12/2025

If you want to strengthen your child's self-expression abilities, download our FREE Pathways.org Baby Milestones App: https://pathways.org/mobile-app?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=general&utm_content=app. Learn games and activities to do with babies and toddlers, and track their progress.

➡️ Self-expression is the expression of one's feelings, thoughts, or ideas. They are important for a toddler's development!

11/11/2025

Today we honor all who served. Thank you, veterans, for your courage sacrifice, and dedication to our freedom. Thank you for your service.

11/11/2025

Come read with me on Thursday, November 13 at 3:30pm.
We’re Going to the Mountains
Written by: Steve Kemp
Illustrated by: Lisa Horstman

11/10/2025

11/10/2025

👶 Why Does My Baby Always Want to Feed?

Is your little one constantly asking for milk? Don’t worry, it’s completely normal! Here’s why your baby may want to feed more often:

1️⃣ Growth Spurts – Around 2–3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months & 6 months, your baby may feed every 1–2 hours to support rapid growth. 📈

2️⃣ Cluster Feeding – Sometimes babies feed several times in a short period, especially in the evenings. It helps them feel comforted and boosts milk supply. 🌙

3️⃣ Hunger – Some babies have small tummies or fast metabolism. Frequent feeding might just be their way of staying full and happy. 🍽️

4️⃣ Comfort Nursing – Feeding isn’t always about food. Your baby may just want to snuggle and feel secure. 🤗

5️⃣ Low Milk Intake – If your baby isn’t getting enough per feed, they’ll come back for more. Watch for fussiness, few wet diapers, or slow weight gain. ⚖️

6️⃣ Illness or Teething – Even mild discomfort can make your baby want to feed more often. Keep an eye out for fever, congestion, or extra irritability. 🌡️

💡 Tips for Parents:

Feed on demand but watch for overfeeding signs.

Try soothing techniques between feeds: rocking, cuddling, or a pacifier.

Track weight gain, diaper output, and alertness to make sure everything’s on track. ✅

If you notice your baby isn’t gaining weight or seems dehydrated, reach out to your pediatrician. 💖

11/08/2025

how to gently clean your baby’s oral cavity 👶🪥

1️⃣ Wash your hands first
Always start with clean hands before touching your baby’s mouth.

2️⃣ Use a clean, soft cloth or gauze
Dampen it with warm (not hot) water — no toothpaste needed for now.

3️⃣ Gently wipe gums & tongue
Wrap the cloth around your finger and softly wipe the gums, inner cheeks, and tongue in circular motions to remove milk residue and bacteria.

4️⃣ After each feeding
It’s best to clean the mouth once or twice daily, ideally after the first morning feed and before bedtime.

5️⃣ When teeth appear
Switch to a baby toothbrush with soft bristles and use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice).

6️⃣ Avoid honey or sweet gels
They can cause cavities and increase bacteria.

🍼 A clean mouth = fewer germs, healthier gums, and a happy smile! 😄

11/08/2025

Keeping your mouth healthy doesn't have to be complicated. Here are some simple tips to keep your smile healthy from Dr. Kilie Pletcher, DDS.

11/08/2025

Milestones are key behavioral and physical checkpoints in children's development. Baby should be reaching specific motor, sensory, and communication milestones by their 30-month-old well-baby visit.

All our milestones are from American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) materials. If your baby is missing a milestone, discuss this with Baby's healthcare provider.