By Emma 
The first two years of parenting are both fun and demanding. Most development milestones take place during this time.
Therefore, you have to tap into the moment to ensure the little one gets to learn the necessary skills. It’s during this time that a child will take the first step, smile for the first time, and learn to utter some words. And as a parent, you have a role to play.
At 2, a toddler moves around more and becomes aware of themselves and their surroundings.
While you feel a little relieved they can move on their own, it’s time to run around to stop them from destroying things. That’s what makes parenting what it is, and it’s amazing to be someone’s mom or dad.
But even then, parenting shouldn’t be overwhelming. Despite the responsibilities that come with it, you should find a way to make it less daunting.
Table of Contents
Here are parenting tips that will keep you going for the first two years.
Child Safety Comes First
As the little one grows, they tend to move around more. They can crawl or walk to dangerous places and end up getting hurt.
It’s OK to take care of other chores when the baby is playing, but you need to keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t go to danger zones. In addition to that, be sure to observe the following tips to keep your toddler safe:
- Keep the little one way from water as much as possible. Don’t let them be around areas such as pools, ponds, or a bathtub when no one is watching. Fence off backyard pools and keep the door to the bathroom shut always. No matter how little the water may seem, a toddler can easily drown and die.
- Block off the stairs using safety gates. Since they tend to be all over the house, toddlers can easily fall down the staircase. So don’t risk.
- Always keep kitchen appliances and other electronics out of a child’s reach. This also applies to sharp objects like knives and scissors.
- Never leave the little one in a vehicle even if it’s for a few minutes. Heatstroke is one of the biggest dangers of leaving the baby inside a car, as it can damage their body organs and even lead to death.
- Consider their weight and height when buying them strollers to ensure you get them something comfortable that won’t hurt their back.
Healthy Feeding & Sleep
Sleeping and feeding are essential in a toddler’s growth. While a child can eat almost everything between 1 and 2 years, they need to eat healthily to boost their immunity.
If your child isn’t on a special diet, be sure to give them balanced meals. Let them take enough proteins, starch, and vitamins. Moreover, toddlers should be given meals on time.
Unlike adults, children can eat even five times a day. So know how to spread the meals throughout the day.
Here are other tips for healthy feeding:
- After year one, the little one will be eating different solid foods, but you still need to breastfeed them, as it’s an essential addition to the diet. Therefore, instead of giving them sugary drinks, let them drink plenty of water and milk.
- Don’t force your toddler to eat what they don’t want at that particular time. Just offer them a selection of healthy foods and let them choose what they want.
- Ensure your baby gets the recommended amount of sleep every night. In addition to this, put them to sleep a few hours during the day. In 24 hours, toddlers should sleep for at least 14 hours.
Keep the Little Body Fit
Like adults, toddlers too need to flex their muscles once in a while. Of course, you got them the best baby carrier, and so, it’s easier to carry them wherever you go.
However, don’t do this every time. Since they can move around on their own, let them run, kick, and jump to keep the little body active.
Remember, some of their motor skills are developing during this time. Therefore, they need to exercise a little bit to improve their coordination and become stronger.
Play with Your Child
You may be pretty busy with other chores. However, playing is part of parenting, and there’s so much you can teach the child during this time.
Remember, they’re speaking for the first time, and they need someone to talk to. As much as you might not figure out everything they’re saying, at least you’ll be communicating.
Most toddlers go to preschool at the age of three. Therefore, you can advantage of the first two years to introduce them to some concepts they’ll learn in school.
For instance, you can read out letters to them, name images, or teach them to hold a pen and scribble something.
It not only improves their motor skills but also prepares them for school. Actually, learning starts at home, and you don’t want your child to miss it.
Around the House
Most toddlers like engaging in activities their parents are doing. It’s part of learning, and, therefore, don’t lock them out.
While it’s easier and faster to do everything by yourself, allowing the little one to give a hand keeps them active and teaches them essential skills. Let them use their toy broom to sweep by your side or throw a piece of paper to the bin.
Other chores for toddlers include putting books back on the shelf, picking up toys, putting dirty clothes in a hamper, etc.
During the first two years, a baby undergoes several developmental stages. It’s your roles a parent to ensure they go through the steps successfully.
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