Why has feeding a baby become one of the most controversial parenting choices? Is there actually a significant difference between breastfeeding and formula feeding? Infant nutrition has been shaped throughout history by both science and societal opinion, as seen in todays video.

This video explores the history and science behind baby formula while challenging common myths and stereotypes. Using both humor and accurate scientific information in a skit format, a clear message is relayed to parents everywhere. They discuss various research studies and feature a lactation expert who explains that breastfeeding and formula feeding are both equally effective for helping a baby grow and develop.

Both breastfeeding and formula provide babies with the essential nutrients they need. Modern infant formula is carefully created by scientists to closely replicate the balanced nutritional components of breast milk. Formula is completely safe and an excellent nutritional source for infants. The video explains that a child’s long-term development depends on many things, not just how they are fed as a baby. What really matters is that the baby is nourished, safe, and surrounded by love.

It is important to remember that how a parent feeds their baby does not make them a ‘better’ or ‘worse’ parent. Some breastfeed, some use formula, and some do both! Feeding choices can depend so many factors; health, work, money, family structure, personal comfort, etc. All completely valid reasons. A mother who feels supported and happy in her choices helps her baby grow healthy and secure.

Check out this video for a fun and informative look at baby feeding methods!

Grace Hoey

UConn KIDS Research Assistant

Many parents worry when their children fight often. It can be stressful to hear that constant bickering, but conflict is actually a normal part of sibiling relationships and child development!

Sibilings spend a lot of their time together. Sharing toys, space, and attention can make disagreements bound to happen. Young children may not know how to express their feelings clearly, and older children tend to get annoyed easier. These differences in sibilings can lead to conflict, but this is expected.

Sibiling relationships are never entirely positive or negative. One moment they can be laughing and playing, and the next they are ‘enemies’. This does not mean that the realtionship is unhealthy, but it shows that they are learning how to navigate social interaction properly.

Conflict supports development and helps children learn important life skills. They can learn how to problem-solve, better understand other’s feeligs, control their emotions, and develop a sense of independence. These are all interpersonal skills they will need to create a healthy social life.

This article takes a look at the ‘essential ingredients’ and important factors in a sibiling relationship. Parents play a very important role in helping to build healthy relationships. They can stay calm during conflicts, help children talk through their problems, teach simpler problem-solving and emotional regulation skills, encourage shared activities, and treat children fairly and with respect. Instead of stopping every argument, parents can guide children towards better ways of learning to manage conflict. The goal is not to eliminate conflict, but help children learn to handle it in a healthy way.

Click here to read more!

Grace Hoey

UConn KIDS Research Assistant

With all the recent snow days, parents might be stuck at home hearing a lot of “I’m bored” from their kids all day. While most parents feel pressure to fix it right away, this article brings up great points that explain how boredom is actually not a bad thing.

1. Boredom helps kids slow down and notice the world around them. Instead of always being on screens or in planned activities, they start paying attention to small things and learning naturally. Kids are naturally curious, and working with their imagination, boredom gives them opportunities to explore.

2. Mental breaks are important. Being constantly busy can be overwhelming, and boredom gives their brains time to rest.

3. Creativity flourishes when kids are bored. They have to come up with their own ideas, like building something, pretending, or making games. These moments help them learn how to solve problems on their own. If everything is always planned for them, they do not get that chance.

4. Boredom also helps kids become more independent. Even something simple like figuring out what to do during a snow day teaches decision making and responsibility. These small moments actually matter more than they may seem.

Especially during snow days, it might be okay to let kids be bored sometimes instead of trying to fill every moment. That space helps them grow!

Click here to read more!

Grace Hoey

UConn KIDS Research Assistant

Grace Hoey is a Spring 2026 research assistant for UConn KIDS. She is a sophomore majoring in Human Development & Family Sciences and is in the Early Childhood Specializations program. She also works with the infants at the Child Development Labs. After graduation, she plans to attend occupational therapy school. Grace is so excited to have this opportunity!

Welcome back to Trivia Tuesday with UConn KIDS!

 

Last weeks question was “Which cognitive milestone is most related to why peek-a-boo is such a fun game for babies?”

The answer is C. Object permanence

 

This weeks trivia question is:

What sense is most developed at birth?

a. Sight

b. Hearing

c. Taste

d. Smell

Come back next week to view this week’s answer!

What if infants could clearly tell us what they want before they can talk? With simple sign language, they can! Teaching infants signs gives them a voice even before they have words. Research shows that babies as young as 6 months can learn simple signs, which can lead to reduced frustrated crying and support early language development.

Babies have ways to communicate by making facial expressions, crying, and making sounds. However, they can be hard to understand, leading to lots of frustration. By teaching them signs that match their needs, the child is able to communicate better and sooner. Infants learn signs easier compared to learning spoken words, and studies have even confirmed that learning sign language has helped the child develop speech.

Beginning around 6 months, adults can model signs and gently physically prompt the baby to mirror the sign. Prompts and rewards can be motivating but should be gradually delayed to encourage independence. Some useful, simple signs to introduce are “more”, “please”, “up”, “food”, and “all done”. This process of teaching will eventually lead to independent signing from the babies in real scenarios. Communication will become more specific and calmer.

Even if you don’t have a baby to teach, taking the time to learn basic sign language is a small step that can make a big difference. It’s a language everyone can use to connect.

If you would like to read more, click here!

Grace Hoey

UConn KIDS Research Assistant

 

 

 

 

 

When is that magical moment when a child goes from coos and babbles to real words? HELLO Lab’s latest episode, “When Do Kids Say Their First Words,” looks at this question using research and real footage from their lab! 

This episode explains that before words fully emerge, babies spend several months practicing sounds, listening closely, and learning how communication works. Word learning is a long, yet important process. The video discusses the milestones babies reach before they begin to talk. All the small steps lead to the child learning about the purpose of communication.  

Although the moment at which children begin talking varies, most babies develop important communication skills throughout infancy before spoken language emerges. 

Watch more here!

Grace Hoey 

UConn KIDS Research Assistant