Studies show benefits of babies’ ‘tummy time’

Research indicates that babies who spend extra time on their tummies roll, sit, crawl and walk earlier than babies who don’t. But most babies don’t start “tummy time” soon enough.

If a parent waits even six weeks to start putting a baby on his tummy, he likely will fuss and cry because he’s not used to it, said Julie Grassfield, a child life specialist at Children’s Medical Center in Dallas.

She suggests starting with three-minute sessions with newborns, who usually can lift their head 45 degrees. Work up to three 20-minute sessions per day, but always supervise babies for safety reasons and to avoid overstimulation.

Children get chance to design Pokemon card

Fans of the popular Pokemon series and card game will get a chance to become official Pokemon card illustrators in a contest being sponsored by Kids’ WB and Nintendo.

Children are being asked to design a card featuring one of the following five Pokemon characters: Pikachu, Mudkip, Treecko, Torchic or Wurmple.

Five grand-prize winners will have their names credited as illustrator on their card creations. The winners also will receive 50 sets of an exclusive Pokemon booster pack and a $500 Target gift card.

To download the entry form, go to www.KidsWB.com. Entries must be postmarked by April 10.

Books explain parents’ absence to military kids

As military families deal with deployments to Iraq and elsewhere, two books aim to help explain those issues to children.

“Daddy, You’re My Hero” and “Mommy, You’re My Hero,” written by Michelle Ferguson-Cohen, explain in simple language why a military parent has to go away and what life will be like when they are gone.

The books do not address the dangers of war because, Cohen says, “kids are dealing with enough with the absence of a parent. All kids need to feel at that age is secure and safe.”

The books cost $12.99 at bookstores and are available online for $9.99 in hardback and $5.99 paperback, or read them for free on the Web site, www.booksforbrats.net.