When babies start to approach that 12-month milestone, it’s not hard to see changes happen. They become more independent and their personalities adjust accordingly. For many moms, this is a bittersweet transition. But there’s a lot you can do beforehand to prepare for those future magical moments. Take a look at these tips and tricks so you can enjoy this journey with your baby.
1. Introduce Educational Toys
As babies grow into toddlers, they need new toys to stimulate their brains. Though every child is different, many say their first words and communicate through hand gestures at this age. Provide your baby with the proper educational toys. These include blocks, balls, puzzles and books. Stuffed animals are still helpful, but try to put away objects that don’t encourage learning.
2. Toddler-Proof Every Room
When your baby turns one, movement becomes an important factor in their daily life. At this point, they can sit up without help. Soon enough, they’ll grab onto furniture to help them walk. To make sure that your child doesn’t put themselves in harm’s way, baby-proof each accessible room. Various locks and ties are available to secure cabinets and doors. Place baby gates at the tops and bottoms of each staircase. This way, they can develop their skills freely.
3. Set Aside Money
It’s no secret that kids are expensive. From new clothes to extracurricular activities, it all costs money. College may seem like a lifetime away, but it’ll go by faster than you know it. If you can afford to, set up a savings account for your child. Add to it as often as you can, so you start to build up a decent fund. You should also explore life insurance options only 57% of women have a plan. This way, you can prepare for the future and protect your family.
4. Talk About Everything
To help your baby pick up on their environment, do your best to talk to them regularly. For instance, when your baby tosses a ball, narrate that action out loud “You just threw a blue ball into the basket.” Your child will then understand what’s happening around them more thoroughly. At mealtimes, name the foods they’re about to eat. When you’re outside, point out birds and trees. All of this allows them to practice word association.
5. Switch to New Foods and Utensils
By the time your baby is six months old, they can start to eat solid foods like vegetables and proteins. When they turn one, they can eat almost all table foods. Don’t hesitate to introduce them to a wide variety of tastes and textures but make sure each bite is small enough. At this stage, your child can feed themselves with their hands and utensils, so provide the appropriate forks and spoons.
Also, sippy cups are now a thing! About a month before their first birthday, switch them to one of these. This way, their oral motor skills can develop properly. You’ll also want to transition to whole milk or a dairy-free alternative so they can receive an adequate amount of nutrients.
6. Buy the Appropriate Clothes
This tip may seem like a given, but many new moms don’t realize how quickly their babies can grow. The difference between a six-month-old and a one-year-old is drastic. Make sure you have a wardrobe that fits your baby correctly. Now that they can stand and walk, to an extent, you should also pick up a few pairs of shoes to protect their feet outside. Children at this stage don’t need shoes unless they venture to the great outdoors.
7. Remove Their Pacifier
Babies are born with a sucking reflex, which is why pacifiers are so helpful in those first few months. But when they turn one, you should begin to wean them. These habits tend to go away naturally, so this won’t be super difficult. Start to take away their pacifier at night right before they fall asleep. Limit their use to bedtime and never let it leave the house. Before you know it, they’ll have moved on. Though your child may throw a fit, don’t cave they’ll establish another source of comfort soon enough.
8. Establish Boundaries
At this age, your child will start to be more independent. That said, toddlers don’t have the best tempers and can’t maintain a ton of self-control. You may find that your baby begins to test your patience, which is entirely normal. Take these moments as opportunities to teach them respect and courtesy. They won’t always listen, but it’s essential to establish boundaries.
Sometimes, new moms are hesitant to discipline their children because they think it’s too harsh. Remember that this is a chance to guide your toddler on the right path. No matter how you choose to parent, this is the time when you need to teach them the difference between right and wrong. Communicate rules and expectations and implement consequences when necessary.
- Embrace This New Journey
Your baby’s first birthday is a time for celebration. While it’s difficult to watch them grow up so quickly, there’s so much to anticipate. Before they hit this milestone, take some of these tips into account so you can prepare accordingly.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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