When this edition of the Laudium Sun hits the streets, there will be 3 very proud parents out there… proud as punch of their winning Tiny Tots and aren’t these tots the cutest little cherubs. What a job it is to decide just which precious bundles are going to make it to the top three for the month, going through the many entries we receive, as each entry is so special. If you fancy your tiny tot as one of the winners of 2026, there are a few rules to keep in mind, as set out in the blue Competition Rules box below. In the meantime, keep that camera or cellphone ready to capture the magic of your favorite little bundle… to submit to this column. Good luck!!
Competition Rules
– The Editor’s decision is final.
– This competition is open to all babies, between the ages of six and 24 months, who live in the Laudium Sun main distribution area.
– Closing Date: Monday, June 22
– Entries must include a recent, clear photo of your baby, accompanied by the full name and age of infant, and also parents’ names and addresses…as well as contact numbers.
– All entries must be hand-delivered to the Laudium Sun office in Laudium or e-mailed to: info@laudiumsun.co.za or posted to: PO Box 786, Pretoria, 0001, and are to reach us before the closing date.
Getting to know your baby – Part 3
Development in the first year
All babies are different but they usually follow a similar pattern of development. Your baby might: by 8 weeks:
- smile at you when you smile at them
- lift their head up when lying on their tummy
- kick both legs strongly by 3 – 6 months
- chuckle and laugh aloud
- turn their head towards a person talking by 5 months
- reach for an object and hold it briefly by 6 – 9 months
- know familiar people and be wary of strangers
- delight in playing ‘peek-a-boo’ games
- sit for a few minutes without using their hands for support 9-12 months / 9-12 months
- become anxious if main carer is out of sight
- find a toy hidden under a cloth
- sit unsupported
- pull themselves up to stand
- walk while holding on to furniture
Every baby is different even in the same family. Your baby might do things faster, slower or differently from others and this is usually OK. If your baby is doing things much more slowly or not doing some things at all, it is important to talk with your doctor or child health nurse to make sure all is well.
Separation Anxiety
Babies from about six months can remember you when you are not there. They may cry because they want you. This is called separation anxiety. It is a normal part of learning they are a separate person. Often babies will wake at night or be harder to put to bed because they miss you and don’t yet understand you always come back.
You can help baby develop trust in you by:
- always letting them know when you are leaving – wave goodbye and let them know when you are back
- playing games such as peek-a-boo to help them get used to your going and coming
- leaving them only with people they know well and feel safe with.
What parents can do to help babies develop
It is important to think of your baby as a unique person with their own likes and dislikes. Be warm and responsive as you work out what they need. They grow quickly so be flexible and change your routines as their needs change.
Enjoy spending time with baby when they are awake
– they love your company
Talking and listening
- Look into baby’s eyes, smile and talk to them gently from birth. They will notice the tone of your voice.
- Tell baby what you are doing – name things they are looking at.
- Say what will happen next – that you’re going to change their nappy, feed them or put them to bed. They learn what to expect and you are helping them feel safe and secure.
- Use the same words every time, e.g. ‘I’m going to pick you up now ‘ or ‘Here we go’. Don’t just pick them up without warning.
- Listen to baby’s little noises and copy them back – it’s the start of learning to talk.
Talking to baby helps them learn that sounds make words and they will gradually learn that words have meaning.
To be continued in the next edition of Tiny Tots Corner.
If in any doubt, please consult with your healthcare provider.