While all children mature at their own individual pace, they will tend to reach developmental milestones at around the same age.

During the first five years of their lives, small children’s brains develop faster than at any other time.

Although all developments benefit from external stimulation and encouragement, progress in many, such as speech and mobility, will usually take place quite naturally.

Other major changes in a toddler’s life such as learning how to use a potty, making the transition from a crib to a bed, or sharing a first family meal together require a little more proactive input from parents in order for them to run smoothly and without fuss.

Easing The Move to a Bed

As a rough rule of thumb, your toddler should still be in a secure crib up until the age of two.

As they grow, putting their mattress on the lowest setting will prevent them from climbing out and, at any age, hazards such as large toys or cot bumpers with ties should be removed.

Loose covers pose a risk to very young babies but, after the age of one, a soft security blanket can provide extra comfort and help your toddler to get to sleep.

Once your child is ready to move to a bed, the familiarity of their favorite blanket will help to ease the transition.

A consistent routine including nightlights, lullabies, and stories at bedtime helps small children to relax and get to sleep, and maintaining a similar sleep routine as when they were in a crib will be reassuring.

Enjoying A Family Meal at Table

From weaning a very young baby to encouraging a toddler to feed themselves at the table, there are many food-related milestones to be reached.

Picky eating and tantrums at mealtimes are common traits in toddlers but, like at bedtime, creating a familiar and relaxed routine such as eating at the same time every day, can make them more pleasant for the whole family.

Giving your toddler plenty of warning before a meal will also help them to wind down from playing or other activities.

Once they are at the table, removing other distractions such as toys and setting a good example by putting away your phone will help you all to concentrate on eating.

It can take your toddler over ten tries to like a new food, and it may take several attempts before they are able to sit quietly in their high chair long enough to enjoy it properly.

However, by being patient and keeping your expectations low, you will slowly start to make progress.

Takeaway

As a parent, putting your toddler to bed and getting them to sit and eat quietly at mealtimes can be two of the most challenging parts of the day.

They also involve big changes for toddlers, moving from the security of their crib and a bottle to sleeping in a proper bed and eating with the rest of the family.

Keeping to a calm routine for both changes can help to ease the transition and ensure you both enjoy achieving these important milestones.