First words, first steps, first adventures… Toddlerhood has just begun!
This article is sponsored by Aptamil Toddler Milk, Haliborange, Joie, Pura & Aveeno Kids
From first words to first steps, there are a world of milestones for you and your toddler to experience as they grow up. But for first-time toddler parents, these firsts may feel a little daunting when you’re not sure what to expect.
At Boots, we’ve got advice and products to help you with this exciting new chapter in your little one’s life. Ready to make the first step?
First words
Every toddler is different, and so are their first words!
Toddlers tend to start saying their first words at around 12 to 18 months old, and as they grow older, they’ll start to piece together sentences. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves here!
To encourage their first words, there are some things you can do to help:
- Speak to them face to face, so they can see how your face moves, and they can imitate you
- Pick a handful of specific, easy-to-say words (like ‘Mama’, ‘Dada’, ‘dog’ or ‘hi’) and repeat them often
- Sing songs (like nursery rhymes) together to help teach them new words
- Whether you’re helping them get dressed or they’re eating, talk to them through their daily routine so they hear new words. Try to highlight their different senses, such as tastes, smells or sounds
First steps
One of the best ways to help your toddler feel confident and take their first steps is through supported walking.
To do this, gently hold their hands level to their waist or chest. Follow their lead with the pace of walking, and make sure they can’t pull or hang by your arms.
As they become more confident and balanced, try to loosen your grip. You can also offer them only one hand instead of two, or instead one finger.
For: fuelling up first steps
Consider: Aptamil Toddler Milk Stage 3
• Size: 800g
• Suitable for 1 year & older
Support your tot's increased nutritional needs with Aptamil Toddler Milk. Containing Omega-3, iron, calcium and vitamin D, this toddler milk contains no artificial preservatives** and no palm oil. Use toddler milk as part of a varied, balanced diet from one year.
For: Baby and Toddler Wellness
Consider: Haliborange Baby & Toddler Liquid
• Size: 250ml
• Suitable for 1 month to 4 years old
• Free from artificial colours, flavours & added sugar
Haliborange Multivitamin Liquid is a daily supplement that provides essential vitamins including vitamin A and C to support immune health and vitamin D to maintain bone and teeth health.
First adventures
From trips to see grandparents to going away on holiday, you’ll probably find yourself having to entertain your toddler while on a long journey. The great news is that you can find activities that are fun for your little one, while helping with their development.
Some examples include:
- If you’re in the car, you can sing nursery rhymes together, or play songs from their favourite movies or TV shows. Everyone loves car karaoke – and this is a great way for your toddler to learn new words
- If your toddler is a little older, you can also play the car journey classic: I spy! Take it in turns to pick items inside the car or outside – but make sure you pick objects that are easy for them to guess!
- If you’re sitting next to your toddler, such as on a train or plane, pack some pens and paper and draw with them. You can even turn this into a game; draw something simple in stages, and see if they can guess what it is
- Playing bingo! Before leaving home, make a list of things for your toddler to look out for, such as a cow, clouds or trees, which they can cross off
For: journeys, big & small
Consider: Joie i-Pivot Grow i-Size Spinning Seat
• Suitable from birth to 10 years old
This handy car seat by Joie grows with your little one. With a five-point harness that effortless adjusts depending on your child’s age, you can help keep them positioned safely and comfortably up until age 10. Plus, the one-time installation makes it a breeze for years of hassle-free peace of mind.
First emotions (& tantrums)
Toddlers are experiencing so many new things, that they’re bound to feel some big feelings, too. And, sometimes, these big feelings may lead to tantrums.
Although first-time toddler parents may dread them, tantrums are normally caused by toddlers not knowing how to express their feelings. While it may take some time to help your toddler label their many, many feelings, it’s important to let them know that all feelings – from happy to angry – are okay.
Some ways to help your toddler understand their feelings include:
- Help them name feelings. You can do this by drawing pictures, or even pulling different faces to show feelings like happy, sad, angry or worried. You could also use pretend play to show different emotions, by acting them out using their favourite toys
- Talk to them about feelings throughout the day. Explain to them how you’re feeling and why – for example, you could be feeling excited because of an upcoming event. It’s important to show your toddler that you feel a mix of positive and negative emotions just like them – that way, those big, negative emotions won’t feel as scary to them
Remember, your toddler looks up to you – and by seeing you navigate your emotions, they can learn how to understand and name theirs, too. And, once they can label how they’re feeling, you can work together to find the best way to help. (Although, tantrums may still happen from time to time!)
First foods
From family mealtimes to supermarket trips, make food fun for your toddler with these top tips:
- If they’re sitting in their high chair, you can play peek-a-boo while you’re cooking. This can help entertain them while you make dinner
- If they’re a little older, you can ask them to help you prepare food. One example of this is giving them a blunt knife, like from children’s cutlery, and ask them to help you chop fruits or vegetables. You can talk to them about what you’re doing – and if it’s safe, you can ask them to help stir, or even taste-test together!
- Out supermarket shopping? Ask your toddler to hold onto the list for you so they feel involved. You could also play I Spy; tell them to look out for supermarket products like apples or milk
For: cleaning up food spills
Try: Pura Plastic Free Baby Wipes
• 60 biodegradable wipes
• Made with 99% water & aloe vera
• British Skin Foundation approved
Pura wipes clean up toddler mess without making one for the planet. Made from biodegradable plant fibres, these wipes are 100% plastic-free. Pura wipes are approved by the British Skin Foundation and Allergy UK, and are suitable for the most sensitive of skin.
First bed
Another exciting milestone? Upgrading your toddler to their first big-kid bed!
When your child becomes around three feet tall, or they're between 18 months to three years old, you can transition your toddler from their cot into a bed.
It’s important to keep their bedtime routine well-established during this change, so they still go to bed at their normal time and stay in bed all night long.
To make this easier, you could:
- Keep one of their favourite cuddly toys next to their bed, so if they wake up during the night, they can cuddle the teddy instead of getting into your bed
- Add a night light to their room. This means that if they wake during the night, they won’t feel scared inside a pitch-black room
For: making bedtimes cosy
Try: Aveeno Kids Bubble Bath and Wash
• Size: 250ml
Gently wash away dirt and germs while nourishing skin with Aveeno Kids Bubble Bath and Wash. And if that isn’t enough, this wash creates oodles of fluffy bubbles – perfect for making bathtimes fun and getting that final bit of energy out before bedtime.
No matter when they unlock these special milestones, toddlerhood is a whole new world for both you and your little one to experience. And, whether you’re looking for advice or products, Boots has the essentials for you.
