Just as you think you're getting the hang of this parenting thing, your adorable baby reaches their first birthday. Soon, they'll be toddling around, babbling more, and getting into all sorts of mischief as they discover the world around them. With so many changes happening all at once, it's natural to have some questions popping up.
From figuring out nap time transitions to navigating the weaning process and debating when to start potty training, first-time parents of one-year-olds often find themselves pondering these common concerns. Rest assured, you're not alone – these are the kinds of questions that many parents have at this stage!
Trying to narrow down the endless questions I had with each of my kids at this age was quite a task!
1. At what age is it a good idea to begin potty training my one-year-old?
Most one-year-olds are usually ready to start potty training between 18 and 24 months old, but some toddlers might resist until they are around three years old. Your little one will be prepared for potty training when they can walk, sit, pull down their pull-up, and let you know when they need to use the bathroom.
When your child shows interest in trying to do things on their own to make you happy, that's a good sign they're ready to start potty training! Remember, your reactions to their successes and accidents will play a big role in how potty training progresses over the next few months.
As toddlers strive for more independence, they might try to assert their control in areas like eating and using the bathroom. So, be patient and supportive as you guide them through the potty training process.
How Can I Potty Train My One-Year-Old?
You can start by introducing your little one to the toilet routine. Try placing them on the toilet before and after sleep and meals or before heading out. Use a timer for three minutes and let your child watch the countdown before getting up.
Remember to praise them for their efforts, even if they don't pee in the toilet, but especially for successful trips to the potty. If accidents happen, assure them that it's okay and accidents are a normal part of learning.
Another approach, suitable for slightly older toddlers who can recognize the need to pee and manage their bladder, involves teaching them bathroom-related phrases and tasks (around 20 months old).
With this method, you'll help your little one understand the difference between wet and dry pants, guide them through the process of using the toilet, show them how to clean up, remind them to check their pants regularly, and have them sit on the toilet every fifteen minutes.
Celebrate enthusiastically when they successfully use the toilet, but gently guide them if accidents occur, reminding them of the correct steps and letting them clean up as they were taught.
Once they have grasped the basics, communicate their needs, and successfully used the toilet a few times, gradually increase the time between toilet breaks to 30 minutes, then an hour or longer.
While this method may be more structured and efficient, it might not suit every child's temperament (some may find it overwhelming or require a lot of effort from the parent). Regardless of the approach, ensure your toddler understands that trying the toilet when asked is non-negotiable. Using a visible timer might help them cooperate with the routine.
Is It Common for Toddlers to Experience Setbacks in Potty Training?
Absolutely, it's perfectly normal for your little one to have accidents after showing progress in potty training for a few days or weeks. The question to ask is why. Sometimes it's a way for them to exert control or show stubbornness. Other times, it could be due to getting caught up in playtime and simply forgetting to use the restroom.
The way you handle these accidents will impact whether the behavior continues, upsets your child, or fosters communication about mistakes. Reacting with kindness and staying relaxed will benefit both you and your toddler in the long term.
How Can I Prevent Nighttime Wetting with My One-Year-Old?
Often children who have mastered daytime potty use may struggle with nighttime accidents, and vice versa. For example, my youngest never had wet diapers or bed in the night during toilet training but faced difficulties making it to the toilet during the day for quite some time.
If your little one drinks a lot of water before bed, consider waking them up for a bathroom trip before you turn in for the night. Gradually adjust the timing of these nighttime breaks until they no longer need assistance. If they do have an accident, involve them in cleaning up as a gentle lesson.
Before making changes, consider whether it's more important for your toddler to sleep without wetting the bed or to stay adequately hydrated. Forcing them to avoid water before bed might not make sense to them, as it could be interpreted as withholding love when they are thirsty.
Instead of restricting water intake, provide nighttime bathroom breaks or utilize pull-ups until accidents are no longer an issue.
2. How many hours of sleep should my one-year-old be getting?
For optimal growth and development, a one-year-old should aim for 11-14 hours of sleep each day, including both daytime naps and nighttime sleep. While this may seem like a daunting task, establishing a consistent pre-sleep routine and gentle sleep training can help achieve this goal.
Implementing a regular routine can greatly assist in helping your little one ease into nap and bedtime, even during challenging times like illness or teething. To learn more about the advantages of routines and how to create one tailored to your one-year-old, check out The Ultimate Guide to One-Year-Old Sleep: Helpful Tips for Busy Parents.
How do I help my one-year-old sleep soundly through the night?
Helping your one-year-old sleep through the night starts with identifying the underlying issue. Are they still nursing at night? Are they hungry, uncomfortable with gas, or in need of a diaper change? It's also possible that unfamiliar noises in a new environment are disrupting their sleep.
Once you pinpoint the root cause, you can address it accordingly. A basic checklist for troubleshooting these common sleep disruptions includes:
- full belly
- clean diaper
- fresh clothes
- comfortable temperature
- dark room
- no unusual noises
- a calming noise (box fan, noisemaker, voices in the next room)
- no blankets wrapped around the body awkwardly
Once all these requirements are in place, look for solutions to address the specific issue. To reduce gas bubbles, try cutting back on gas-producing foods consumed by your baby or yourself (if you're breastfeeding) after midday. Engaging in leg exercises before bedtime, such as walking around, crawling, or playing on the floor, can also help relieve gas.
If your one-year-old is waking up hungry at night, consider giving a filling and nutritious snack right before bedtime, such as blended oatmeal, meat and vegetable baby food, or a banana and milk smoothie. If the nighttime hunger persists for another week, consult your pediatrician.
In addition, avoiding caffeinated beverages after lunchtime can eliminate any caffeine transfer through breast milk. Taking a post-dinner walk or engaging in outdoor play before bedtime can help tire your little one out. Make sure to avoid screen time or overly stimulating activities an hour or two before bedtime.
How to Transition Your One-Year-Old to One Nap a Day
Successfully transitioning your one-year-old to one nap daily involves establishing a pre-nap routine, maintaining consistency, keeping your child active during waking hours, and incorporating quiet time for everyone.
While energetic one-year-olds can nod off anywhere when tired, aligning naptime with a consistent daily schedule for everyone at home is beneficial. Remember, taking a nap won't mean missing out on all the excitement.
When moving from two naps to one, gradually reduce the duration of the first nap based on your child's readiness and plan engaging activities during that former naptime. Typically, the morning nap is transitioned into an extended afternoon nap to align with our natural circadian rhythms.
Be patient and steadfast in your approach, and the transition to one nap will eventually fall into place!
3. Is there any food I should avoid giving my one-year-old?
It's best to hold off on honey until your child is at least one year old, but waiting until they are 18 or even 24 months old is a safer option. Honey can contain bacteria that may lead to infant botulism, so it's a good idea to wait until your little one's gut bacteria is more developed.
Other foods to avoid are those that could be a choking hazard for your one-year-old, like grapes, chunks of meat, and raw carrots. It's better to wait until your child's teeth have come in fully before introducing these foods, or cut them into small, manageable pieces. Fish bones can also be dangerous for one-year-olds since they are small and hard to see.
4. Is it common for my one-year-old to have tantrums?
Absolutely! It's totally normal for your one-year-old to have those moments. The first year was quite a breeze, focusing on keeping your little one healthy and content. But now, in the second year, get ready for a taste of their budding independence and strong-willed nature. Kids sure know how to test our patience!
In all honesty, tantrums are a common occurrence at this age. One-year-olds experience intense emotions that they struggle to make sense of. They're feeling a mix of strong feelings that they can't quite articulate or manage. So, when your little one has a full-blown meltdown after being told no for the umpteenth time in a store, just know it's par for the course.
Just remember, you're not alone in this. Tantrums are most common between 24-36 months, but a good 87% of 18-24-month-olds also experience them. As a parent, how you respond and the comfort and safety you provide during these challenging moments will shape how your one-year-old learns to regulate their emotions in the future.
5. Is it normal that my one-year-old isn't walking yet?
Don't worry! Most little ones start walking shortly after learning to stand, usually between 10 to 18 months of age. If your one-year-old hasn't started walking by 15 months, you can check in with your pediatrician.
If your little one is already standing, moving with walking toys, and cruising around furniture, walking independently is just around the corner! But if your child hasn't reached these milestones by 15 months, it's a good idea to chat with your pediatrician to make sure everything is on track.
How can I help my one-year-old start walking?
Babies progress through different stages before walking, starting from rolling over to pushing up, standing on all fours, rocking, crawling, pulling up, cruising, and finally, walking.
You can help encourage your one-year-old to start walking by:
- using a push toy
- holding their hand to take steps together
- encouraging them to come to you while they're cruising around furniture
You can even try spacing out your furniture a bit more to challenge them to take bigger steps.
6. How much should my one-year-old be talking?
Every child grows and learns at their own pace, especially when it comes to speech. Several factors play a role in this, such as how much parents interacted face-to-face with the child in their first year, how much they were exposed to adult conversations, how often they are encouraged to respond, and their individual personality.
Around their first birthday, your little one will begin to grasp a few words and gestures for family members they see frequently and things they need or want often. They may also start using repeated sounds to identify people or objects (like mama, dada, bubba, papa, gama). However, these words may only be clear to you.
When should I start to worry about my toddler's language development?
By 18 months, your child should be picking up more words and have a good vocabulary by 24 months. If they are not using any syllables by 18 months, it's a good idea to talk to your pediatrician. If they are still not talking by 24 months, your pediatrician might suggest seeing a speech therapist.
Many toddlers experience delays in speech, especially if an older sibling speaks for them. It could be related to hearing problems or simply not feeling the need to speak up.
7. How to Comfort My One-Year-Old with Teething Troubles
To ease teething discomfort for your one-year-old, try offering a cold teething ring, a chilled, damp cloth, or gently massaging their gums with a clean finger. At our company, Moonkie, we have created top-notch silicone teething rings that are safe for your child to chew on. These rings come in various designs, textures, and shapes to keep your little one engaged and happy.
Our teething rings are robust, sturdy, and built to last. For extra relief, you can cool them in the freezer and clean them in the dishwasher once your baby is done. We take pride in the quality of our products!
If you have any concerns about using silicone baby items, we recommend checking out our article on the safety of silicone teething products titled "Are Silicone Baby Teethers Safe? What You Should Know."
When is the Right Time to Take My Child for their First Dental Visit?
Once your child's teeth start coming in, it's a good idea to start brushing them with baby-safe toothpaste and schedule their first dental appointment. While some dentists may not see children under 24 months, many are experienced in treating toddlers and young kids. If you're unsure, reach out to your pediatrician for recommendations on kid-friendly dentists in your neighborhood.
8. When is a Good Time to Transition My One-Year-Old to a Toddler Bed?
Once your little one starts showing an interest in climbing out of their crib or pack-and-play, it's a sign that they're ready for a toddler bed. You can make the switch gradually by starting with either naps or bedtime in the new bed first, or involve them in setting it up and decorating it with a few beloved stuffed toys.
Every child transitions differently, some might adjust in just one night while others may take a bit longer. Whichever pace your child goes at, it's completely fine. If your one-year-old is rolling out of the toddler bed, consider getting a rail to keep them safe.
9. What are some typical milestones for one-year-olds?
Common milestones for one-year-olds include taking their first steps, babbling more, expanding their vocabulary through baby talk and sign language, developing social skills, expressing new feelings, and understanding daily routines and the questions and statements you address to them.
Physically, one-year-olds are honing their fine and gross motor skills by running, jumping, balancing, climbing, coloring, holding pencils correctly, stacking toys, and combining objects.
Mentally, one-year-olds are starting to understand cause and effect, recall and act on memories, learn animal sounds, and problem-solve. So, if your little one starts rearranging furniture to reach something high up at twenty-two months, it's a sign that they are using their problem-solving skills!
10. How Can I Help My One-Year-Old Become More Independent?
Most one-year-olds are already eager to explore on their own, so you may not need to do much to encourage independence. However, if your little one seems extra attached and always wants you nearby, here are a couple of friendly tips to help them gain confidence.
Try not to immediately pick up your child every time they reach out for you. Instead, engage with them, make eye contact, and reassure them that you will be there for them shortly, just not right away (this is best done while you're occupied with something else).
Encourage your child to play independently with toys or look at books for short periods of time. Offer praise for their efforts, spend a few minutes playing together, and then slowly move on to another task.
Gradually increase the amount of time you spend apart from your child. Before you know it, they'll be happily engaged for twenty or thirty minutes at a time!
11. What are some effective ways to guide my one-year-old's behavior?
Disciplining a one-year-old varies among families, as each child responds differently to different approaches. The key to discipline lies in how it is delivered, taking into account your child's unique temperament.
Avoid shouting, causing harm, embarrassing, forcing, pushing, twisting limbs, gripping tightly, or hitting your child. These actions create unhealthy stress for the child, impacting brain development and emotional growth.
Instead, stay composed. If you're feeling overwhelmed, place your little one in a safe area like a playpen or crib, set a visible timer, and take a moment to calm down. Your reaction to your child's misbehavior plays a crucial role in shaping how they regulate their behavior and interact with others in the future.
When applying discipline, make sure it fits the situation and is age-appropriate for a one-year-old to understand. Timeouts, a gentle tap on the diaper for attention, redirecting a hand from danger, or removing a toy in a disagreement are all suitable consequences for this age group.
Using visual aids like a countdown timer, designating a designated "timeout spot," and maintaining consistency in rules and consequences can also be beneficial techniques to guide your child's behavior.
12. What are some ways I can encourage my one-year-old to drink more water?
You can try adjusting the type of bottle they use, incorporate structured water breaks, or offer a snack that piques their interest in drinking, like crackers or popcorn.
To help increase water intake, try limiting other sugary drink options for your little one. Instead, opt for water as it is the healthier choice. Another fun idea to consider is infusing water with lemon or frozen fruit to make it more appealing to your child.
13. When is a good time to start teaching my one-year-old to use utensils?
The best scenario would be if your one-year-old has already been experimenting with utensils, but if not, it's okay to let them give it a try! It might get messy, but practicing with utensils is an important step for one-year-olds to improve their fine motor skills.
To make it easier on hectic days, you can offer Cheerios or puff snacks in a tidy bowl with a spoon. If you have concerns about the plastic or metal spoons commonly found in stores nowadays, take a look at our gentle silicone baby feeding set!
14. How Can I Help My One-Year-Old Learn to Share?
Teaching one-year-olds to share can be quite tricky! The best way to encourage them is to lead by example. Show them how to share by sharing toys with them, friends, and family members, and make a big fuss about it.
You can also create opportunities for your child to practice sharing by gently asking, "Can I have a turn?" When they give you something, be sure to show your appreciation by saying, "Thank you for sharing with me! That was so kind of you!"
It's natural for conflicts to arise when little ones play together, especially when older kids take toys from younger ones. It's essential to intervene in these situations and guide older kids on how to resolve the issue properly to teach your one-year-old the right way to play the sharing game.
If another child upsets your little one, offer comfort and help them find something else to play with instead.
15. How Can I Help My One-Year-Old Learn Good Manners?
The key is to lead by example! Little ones pick up social skills by observing, so your one-year-old is constantly watching and learning from you. Your child is like a little copycat, paying attention to your facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language when you interact with others.
Even though it may not seem like it now, you will start to see your toddler imitating your behavior in the coming years. With a little mirror image watching you, it's important to demonstrate good manners towards others as well as towards your child.
If your one-year-old behaves rudely on purpose (like throwing food, hitting, grabbing toys, etc.), gently say, "No, that's not nice," and redirect their attention.
16. What are some fun ways to help my one-year-old learn about cause and effect?
One great idea is to give your little one the chance to explore and discover on their own. That's the beauty of Montessori or sensory toys; they're made to help kids learn through hands-on exploration and self-discovery.
Understanding cause and effect is a key skill that Montessori children pick up as they play. To learn more about Montessori and sensory toys, check out the article "Are Montessori and Sensory Toys the Same Thing?"
17. How can I support my one-year-old in building a strong ability to focus?
It's all about starting with what not to do. Using screens as a quick fix to keep your little one occupied might actually hinder their attention span in the long run. It can lead to a need for constant entertainment and excitement.
As your child's cognitive skills naturally develop, so will their ability to concentrate. By avoiding screens and opting for simple, engaging toys and activities, you can nurture your child's ability to focus on tasks like reading and play.
Encouraging play with open-ended toys, reading together daily, and limiting screen time to an hour or less can all contribute to building a strong attention span in your one-year-old.
18. When is a good time to start introducing my one-year-old to colors and shapes?
The sooner, the better! While your child can start learning about colors and shapes even before turning one, it might take a little longer for it to really click – typically after 18 months or even closer to 24 months for some kids. Just talking about colors and shapes regularly can help your child become familiar with them.
Teaching a one-year-old isn't about giving lessons or quizzes; it's more like pointing out and talking about shapes and colors while your little one plays with them. I used to love playing a game where we named everything we saw in a certain color. I started this with my twenty-month-olds, but they only started giving consistent answers around 24 months.
19. How frequently should I be giving my one-year-old a bath?
Well, it really depends on how much your little one plays and gets dirty! Some toddlers love exploring outdoors, have furry friends, or simply have a knack for finding messes that call for a bath every night. On the other hand, some toddlers are more easy-going and don't need a bath every single evening.
One idea is to adjust the bathing routine based on the season: maybe daily baths when it's warm outside, and every other day during the colder months. Of course, if your child is dealing with psoriasis or eczema, you'll discover that setting a bathing routine isn't as straightforward.
20. How Can I Help Manage My One-Year-Old's Eczema?
Eczema is a skin condition that causes dryness and itchiness in certain areas. It can be quite uncomfortable for your little one, leading to scratching that may result in bleeding. The more they scratch, the worse it can get. Understanding this can be challenging for toddlers.
To help control your one-year-old's eczema, start by consulting with your pediatrician or dermatologist. They may recommend a steroid cream, reducing the frequency of baths, and using gloves at night to prevent scratching.
For long-term prevention, consider switching to gentle soaps and detergents. Avoid products with fragrances, dyes, sulfates, and other additives. Opt for natural or fragrance-free options instead. For more tips on creating a sustainable home for your family, check out my guide on Going Green.
21. Is it alright to allow my one-year-old to sleep with me?
It really depends. In some cultures, it's common for kids to share the bed with their parents for a long time. But sharing a bed can be risky since you might accidentally roll over your child. Regularly sharing a bed could also make it harder for your toddler to learn to fall asleep on their own.
If your little one is having trouble sleeping because of a stuffy nose, a fever, or a cough, it might be necessary to let them fall asleep with you. Just make sure to do so in a recliner or another seat where you won't roll over them.
22. What amount of sugar is appropriate for my one-year-old?
Did you know that it's not recommended for children under the age of two to have any added sugars? Since little ones have small appetites and are constantly growing, it's best to focus on giving them nutritious calories instead of sugary treats. Plus, we all know how tempting and hard to resist sugar can be for us adults, so it's a good idea to be cautious about introducing it to toddlers who are still learning self-control.
23. Is it time to give up using a chest carrier to carry my one-year-old?
Each chest carrier has a recommended weight limit, usually around 18-20 pounds for a lightweight carrier and 35 pounds for a more durable one. It's also important to consider your child's height and circulation. If your one-year-old is tall and slim, you may find it awkward for her to sit in the carrier.
Alternatively, if your little one's legs get chilly quickly while in the carrier, it might be a sign that it's time to put it away and opt for a stroller instead.
24. Is it okay for my one-year-old to have screen time?
For babies and toddlers under three years old, it's recommended to limit screen time to no more than an hour a day, but less or none at all is even better. Research shows that babies and toddlers don't really learn much from watching screens, despite what advertisements may suggest.
When little ones are constantly exposed to exaggerated cues on screens, they may struggle to pick up on the subtle facial expressions and body language that are so important in real-life interactions. Everyday conversations don't involve over-the-top gestures, so these normal cues might be missed by babies who are used to screens.
While I understand that TV can be a lifesaver during busy times, opting for toys that encourage open-ended play can be more beneficial for your one-year-old in the long term.
25. Can my one-year-old sense when I'm feeling upset, angry, or overwhelmed?
Yes, your one-year-old can pick up on your emotions when you are upset, angry, or overwhelmed. Even though they may not fully understand the reason behind your feelings or how to respond, they can sense that something is different about your demeanor
It's important to stay composed and refrain from taking out your emotions on your little one. They are not able to comprehend why you are feeling a certain way or adjust their behavior accordingly. They might react by crying, becoming fussy, or seeking more attention from you, but it's not out of manipulation; it's their way of seeking reassurance and safety from the person they trust the most - you.
To put it simply,
Here are 25 questions that new parents often wonder about, and even experienced parents may find themselves pondering when a subsequent child throws them a curveball. Parenting a one-year-old presents a whole new set of challenges compared to the first year, but it's also filled with unforgettable memories, important milestones, and plenty of laughs. Embrace this unique stage and savor every moment!
