At the same time, their curiosity during the toddler years never ceases to amaze us as mothers. Watching them explore the world around them with wide-eyed wonder is a cherished reminder of their development.
Although the toddler stage is fun, it is not without its challenges. It’s a fine balance between giving them space to explore while also ensuring their safety and well-being. Toddlers are also capable of testing boundaries and they express their feelings in a variety of ways including tantrums.
While every baby has a different developmental journey, here are some tips to help you navigate this rollercoaster ride with your growing baby.
1. Foster a consistent routine.
Toddlers thrive on routine, just like babies. Establishing a predictable daily schedule helps them feel secure and helps them understand what’s next.
Create a consistent routine for meals, naps, playtime, and bedtime. However, remember that children’s needs often change. So be prepared to make adjustments as needed to meet your child’s changing needs.
2. Encourage healthy eating habits.
Offer a variety of healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to ensure your baby is getting enough nutrition. You can also involve your baby in the food preparation process.
This is also the time to encourage your children to feed themselves. Let them explore different food textures and tastes. Encourage them to use a spoon and fork made for baby feeding. However, it is good at this stage for them to eat with their hands.
3. Prioritize sleep.
Bedtime and bedtime can be a struggle. After all, your little one has so many exciting things to explore that sleep doesn’t seem necessary for them! However, getting enough sleep is important for your baby’s well-being
Develop a soothing bedtime routine to help them calm down, such as a warm bath, cuddle time, or reading a bedtime story. Create a calm and comfortable sleeping environment. It helps to aim for consistent naps and bedtimes to promote healthy sleep patterns.
4. Encourage active play.
Toddlers are full of energy. Sometimes, they don’t seem to get tired! For your little one’s development, it’s good to encourage active play. It is good exercise and also good for their learning.
Take a trip to the park, engage in sensory activities, and encourage free play with age-appropriate toys. You can also join the fun and play with them. It’s great for strengthening your bond and providing a safe environment for play.
5. Promote language learning and communication.
Your baby’s language skills develop rapidly during this stage. You can even speed up their learning with a few tips. Engage in regular conversations, read aloud, and sing songs together to stimulate their language acquisition.
Toddlers also often make jokes at this stage. This helps to respond to their chatter and encourage them to express their needs and feelings. It helps develop healthy communication skills including the need to listen.
6. Let them explore!
Healthy exploration is amazing for a toddler’s development. Toddlers are naturally curious and they tend to explore on their own. Things can get messy around the house as your baby plays with water, reaches to pick up things that spill on them in the process, and generally gets down and dirty, literally!
But remember that when your child is transferring water from one glass to another, picking up and exploring objects, or digging with their hands in the garden, they are learning! While it’s important to create a safe environment, don’t stop their exploration just because it’s messy. Let them explore and learn at this stage.
7. Practice self-care.
Remember, taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your baby. Motherhood can be hard and taking care of an active baby can take its toll on you.
So, make time for self-care activities that energize and rejuvenate you. Seek support from family and friends, join local parenting groups, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. A happy and well-rested mummy is better equipped to give the love and care your baby needs.
Final thoughts
Taking care of your baby is an extraordinary adventure full of joy, love, and sometimes some challenges. You are giving your child the best start in life by creating a safe and stimulating environment for them to grow, develop, learn, and explore.
Witnessing your baby grow as a toddler brings great gratitude. You are grateful for the privilege of being their parent, for the love and laughter they bring to your life, and for the opportunity to witness their incredible transformation.
So, trust your instincts, shower them with love, and enjoy every moment of this beautiful journey together.
You got it!
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