For the first time in decades, the developmental milestones checklist for infants and young children has changed to make it easier to identify delays that could signal autism or other social-communication disabilities. Updates raised the percentage of children meeting certain milestones from 50 to 75 percent. Read more here.

Reading to children is important for many reasons. It has cognitive benefits: It strengthens the part of the brain associated with visual imagery and word meaning. Reading also strengthens children's social, emotional and character development. Reading to babies help build bonds and vocabulary. And by just reading pictures, illustrations are visual clues that can help children build their vocabulary. Specific to children with special needs, looking at faces and body language in a story, helps them learn about nonverbal cues of communication. With a vast assortment of books from which to choose, we are sharing a wonderful list of 100 Books Every Child Should Hear Before Kindergarten. Happy reading!

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the unexplained death of a healthy baby under a year old. This usually occurs during sleep, hence the term 'crib death.' While there are physical and sleep environment risk factors, other factors may also increase a baby's risk, such as sex, age, secondhand smoke and prematurity. Click here to learn more and read about prevention tips.

- A Little Book About Spring by Leo Lionni and Julie Hamilton

-Worm Weather by Jean Taft

-Spring is Here by Will Hillenbrand

National Nutrition Month, National Celery Month and National Craft Month. In honor of healthy eating, grab a stalk or two of celery and plan your next homemade creation. Enjoy.

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