Top Tips for Parenting Toddlers

Toddlers appear to always be on the move. Their newfound walking skills allow them to explore the world. Following them around to ensure they remain safe can easily wear out a doting parent. 

Toddlers are beginning to feel more independent as they gain more control over their bodies and minds. Unlike babies, when they wake up in the middle of the night, they won’t just cry for attention; they’ll get out of bed to find you.

Toddlers are energetic and inquisitive, and they’re also little balls of emotion. They’ll be over the moon because of the tiniest things, like going out for ice cream. But they’ll also throw a tantrum if they can’t get something their way.

If you need some help navigating this challenging (but exciting) stage of your little one’s childhood, read on.

Your toddler’s needs and how to meet them

While they have grown out of the baby stage, your toddler’s daily routine still mostly revolves around eating and sleeping. However, their awake windows are getting longer, they’re becoming more physically capable, and they’re growing more inquisitive. These changes often make toddlers quite challenging to parent. But you’ll also get to enjoy their antics and discover their emerging personality, which makes toddlerhood an amazing time in a parent’s life.

Here are the basic needs you’ll have to meet to make your tiny tot happy.

Exercise

A toddler needs to have about three hours of exercise daily. They’re very eager to practice their new skills of walking and running, and have plenty of energy, so you’ll need to do your best to keep up. When they become steadier on their feet, you can try more challenging activities, like jumping on the trampoline, which they’ll absolutely love. Outdoor activities are also great for their development, so take them outside as often as you can.

Diet

Toddlers grow rapidly, and they need proper fuel to promote their growth. At the age of one, your little one can start eating all the foods the rest of the family eats if they haven’t had allergic reactions to any of the solids you introduced in the previous months. 

Avoid processed foods and make sure their diet consists of nutritious foods like fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy, meat, and fish. They can’t eat large quantities at this age, so there’s no need to coax them into eating more. Focus on the quality of food you serve them instead.

Sleep

A toddler needs between 11 and 14 hours of sleep every day, split between nighttime sleep and a couple of naps during the day. This is very important because a lack of sleep can make them cranky and irritable, while quality sleep promotes growth and brain development. At this age, you can start thinking about buying a kid bed and moving your little one out of their crib.

Potty training

Another big transition during toddlerhood is the one from diapers to using the toilet. Offer them to use the potty frequently, and don’t be angry if they have an accident. Be patient and accept that accidents will happen while they’re learning. Praise works really well when you want to reinforce a positive behavior, so make sure you praise them every time they use the potty.

Safety

As they grow stronger and acquire new skills, toddlers become more bold and independent. They want to touch and experience every single thing, but they’re still too young to stay away from danger. Unfortunately, their curiosity and eagerness to explore can put them at risk of getting hurt. 

To protect them, it’s important to anticipate potential dangers and keep them out of your toddler’s way. This includes things like installing gates to prevent falls down the stairs, using safety caps on toxic household chemicals, and using outlet plug covers.