Promote baby's independence with the Élhée learning gourd

Bringing a child into the world means choosing, through this act of love, to support and nurture the future adult within. An adult that every parent wants to be fulfilled and autonomous. Autonomy is learned from an early age, and acquired throughout childhood, adolescence and even adulthood. That said, did you know that there are several stages and forms of autonomy? Here, Élhée takes a look at the physical independence of babies aged between six months and three years, aided by her new learning gourd. Unboxing ahead!

CONTENTS :

Why encourage babies' independence?
Encouraging baby's autonomy: different stages for different ages
All new, all beautiful: Élhée presents her learning gourd
The learning gourd, a springboard to independence
In a nutshell: how can you encourage baby's autonomy?

Why encourage babies' independence?

It's easy to think that babies aren't concerned by autonomy. This is both true and false. Of course, in the first few weeks, your newborn is entirely dependent on you. But as he learns to sleep on his own (and therefore to go back to sleep without you), to space out his feeds (and therefore to manage his hunger better), or to try out his first moves, your baby quickly takes new steps towards autonomy.

Why are they so important? Because autonomy, through the discoveries, reflections, learning and successes it brings, gives your baby knowledge of his environment. It also boosts his confidence and creativity, and helps him pay more attention to what he's doing, sooner.

Encouraging baby's autonomy: different stages for different ages

A baby's autonomy is forged step by step, over the course of months, acquisitions and experiences. At the same time, a toddler's field of action expands along with his or her cognitive and motor skills.

Before the age of three months, we're not yet talking about autonomy, yet parents can already encourage its development by gently accompanying their baby's every need, to provide maximum stability.

Between three months and a year, the first signs of independence appear. Baby begins to sleep and fall asleep on his own. Slowly, he begins to space out his feeds, while the beginnings of verbal communication take shape. This is also the age when toddlers begin to drink on their own: first from a bottle, then from a gourd, cup or tumbler.

From the age of one to around three, major milestones are reached in terms of independence: first movements (on the tummy, on all fours, then on his feet), first words, introduction to cleanliness and discovery of "no". It's also at this time that baby begins to eat on his own, more or less cleanly. To stimulate cravings and the discovery of solid foods, child-led diversification (CDD) is an option.

As you know, Élhée accompanies your babies from birth with its bibsRonds 150, 240 and 330 ml. And for older children, it's time to discover the Élhée learning gourd! For even more enjoyment and independence!

All new, all beautiful: Élhée presents her learning gourd

Like its big brother, the ergonomic and healthy feeding bottle made in France, the brand-new Élhée water bottle is: unbreakable and easy to hold thanks to its soft silicone body, but also totally compatible with learning to be independent thanks to its non-leak suction spout.

Unbreakable: like the bibRoundthe Élhée training bottle is made from medical-grade silicone, 100% healthy and 100% safe for your child. Both flexible and resistant, this innovative material has a huge advantage in helping young children to become independent: it can withstand any treatment without breaking, deforming or cracking. The Élhée learning gourd can therefore be thrown, crushed or dropped: it's safe, and so is your child.
Easy to hold: thanks to the amazing material of soft silicone, the Élhée learning water bottle can be used by all hands, even the smallest. Élhée recommends its use from the age of six months. Here, its exclusive, rounded design makes things even easier, for a bottle that fits snugly in the palm and is a partner on all his first adventures.
Featuring a non-leak suction spout, the Élhée gourd is ideal for little ones who want to learn to drink like grown-ups. It allows a smooth transition from baby's bottle to the glass.

The learning gourd, a springboard to independence

Sucking is both a physiological need and a real pleasure for babies. However, your child will eventually push his bottle away and let you know that he wants to try something else. Because he sees you doing it, becausehe's curious and because he wants to drink like the grown-ups now.

Just as the highchair and the suction-cup plate enable baby to sit down at the table with you to eat, the Élhée water bottle is the new must-have for baby's independence.

Your child no longer (or hardly ever) spills his drink.
Lightweight and easy to carry, your child can take his water bottle with him wherever he goes.
Being able to do what the grown-ups do reduces frustration.
Whether thirsty or dehydrated, the water bottle offers perfect capacity, allowing children to manage their drinking needs independently.
Water, squeezed fruit juices, fruity water and, of course, milk, the use of the gourd is limitless (or almost).

drink like a pro with the elhee learning gourd

In addition to the equipment and accessories that promote independence, the autonomy of babies and children can be encouraged by a general state of mind, that of confidence: confidence in you and confidence in your child, so that they in turn can have confidence in themselves.

Children's autonomy around the world

In some Asian and Latin American countries, young parents use very few diapers. They prefer to rely on their baby's autonomy to learn how to be potty-trained. Also known as Natural Infant Hygiene (NICH), this ecological and intuitive method, based on the child's signalling of his or her needs, is gaining more and more followers around the world.

In the Netherlands, children are considered as individuals in their own right from an early age. Their parents therefore allow them a great deal of autonomy, particularly when it comes to decisions concerning them, for which their opinion is systematically sought and taken into account.

Finally, in Germany, it's not uncommon for children to go off on their own to run errands or go to the playground. It's no surprise either that a day-care center will organize an overnight stay or even a holiday away from home, with the young children and without their parents.

In a nutshell: how can you encourage baby's autonomy?

Practice free motor skills to stimulate curiosity and facilitate experimentation.
Adapt and secure his environment (low storage units or baskets so that baby can quickly reach his toys on his own, a mattress on the floor so that he can go to bed when he's tired, etc.).
Encourage initiative and reward success (bravo!).
Let him manage his own feeding whenever possible(breastfeeding on demand, DMA, training bottle, etc.).
Trynatural infant hygiene (NICH).
Guide your child, explain slowly, but always avoid doing things for them.
Always give yourself time and be as patient and caring as possible.