Our three first-aid tips:
Rely on your gut feeling – that often works more reliably than you expect
Pay attention to your child's needs – and less to what advice books recommend
Approach everyday life with a a large dose of calm on – and some pragmatism can't hurt either
We have also compiled a few helpful pieces of information on what to expect in the first years with a baby and toddler.
Developmental stages – when does my child learn what?
The first years with a child fly by. From the tiny, helpless newborn, your baby quickly develops into a lively, attentive little person. The first smile, the first steps, the first word – many parents can hardly wait for these milestones. The pace of development differs from baby to baby, and the older your child gets, the longer the time spans for certain developmental steps become.
The first smile: Between the 2nd and 3rd month, your baby begins to smile at you deliberately – a highlight that quickly makes many parents forget the unsettled first weeks.
The first tooth: Some babies are even born with a little tooth in their mouth. As a rule, the first teeth come through from the 5th or 6th month. Don't worry if it takes longer: some babies don't get teeth until they're 10 months old.
Eye color: Fair-skinned babies are usually born with bluish-shimmering eyes. At about 6 months the color begins to change and by 12 months at the latest children have their final eye color.
Eating puree: Experts recommend starting the first puree between the 5th and 7th month. The timing of weaning depends on how long mom and baby want to breastfeed. Most stop by the end of the first year.
Talking: The first multisyllabic sounds, from about the 7th month, already suspiciously sound like 'mama' or 'papa' – but most babies only speak deliberate words between the 9th and 14th month. By 18 months they already use at least 50 words and understand considerably more.
Sitting up independently: Between the 8th and 10th month, babies learn to sit down independently and sit securely. It's better not to put your baby into a sitting position before they can get into it by themselves.
Crawling: Babies usually make their first crawling attempts between the 6th and 10th month. Some skip crawling and scoot or roll until they pull themselves up and take their first steps.
Sleeping through the night: When children sleep through the night is not only a question of their development but depends on many different factors. There are babies who already sleep six or more hours at a stretch at six months. But there are also children who still regularly wake up at night at three or four years. According to a survey, about one third of babies sleep through the night by one year.
Walking: At 9 or 10 months many babies begin to pull themselves up on objects and move along them independently. It can still take time until the first steps – but by 18 months most babies have learned to walk.
Becoming toilet trained: Between one and a half and two years, children develop a sense for their bladder function and begin to show interest in the potty. When children manage without diapers varies greatly and cannot be sped up even with a lot of practice – some children are ready at three, others at four or five years.
What does my child need?
The time with a baby and toddler is wonderful, but sometimes also accompanied by uncertainty.Perhaps the everyday life with a child is completely different than expected
Fundamental questions about how parents can best meet their child's needs are often:
How much attention does my child need, what is too much of a good thing?
How can I help my child with fears?
How can I support and foster their personality?
How do I prepare my child for daycare, nursery, etc.?
How much contact with friends does my child need and when?
Even if hearing this unsettles many parents at first: You know best what your child needs. This does not mean that you must insist on your competence as a mother or father in every dispute about child nutrition and upbringing. Rather, it is the awareness that you know your child and their personality better than anyone else. Pay attention at every age to the signals, that your child gives you – and feel free from time to time to trust your gut instinct.
When will my baby finally sleep through the night?
The question that preoccupies all parents – and that simply cannot be answered definitively. Tips for falling asleep and sleeping through the night are plentiful – unfortunately no magic formula. Too many factors play a role in your baby's sleep behavior. We have a few tips, on how you can support your baby's sleep. But the most important advice remains: Be patient – and persevere.
Exceptions and setbacks:
Even if children have been sleeping through the night for a while, restless nights can still occur, sometimes for an extended period. Teething can hurt, the day may have been too exciting, or there may be no obvious reason at all. In such cases the only thing that helps is to wait – perhaps there will be time during the day for a short nap to regain strength.
Nutrition:
"If your baby is really full in the evening, they'll sleep through the night" – many tired parents have heard that line. In fact, it doesn't make much sense to 'stuff' a child in the evening so they'll sleep better. There are many reasons why children wake at night, and too much or too rich food at night can even disrupt sleep.
Regular bedtime rituals:
A book or a song before bedtime, cuddling together, a night light or a music box that runs for a while signal that the day is over and help your child to calm down.
Sleep environment:
A temperature around 18° C is ideal. If everyone feels comfortable with it, the baby may also sleep in the parents' bed.
Structured daily routine:
Even if it's not particularly exciting – a structured daily routine with set times for meals, naps or walks gives your child security and makes it easier for them to prepare for the night.
Important for all parents: don't forget yourself
Especially in the early period your own needs take a back seat. But the demanding everyday life with a baby and toddler is much easier to manage if you occasionally allow yourself a mini break provides. Sometimes just a few hours alone or with friends are enough to recharge – and of course couples also need time together now and then. Even if you have to plan far ahead and organize babysitting – treat yourselves from time to time to a little break from parenting.
Checklist for everyday life with babies and toddlers
Aim for a structured daily routine – and expect that it will be disrupted
Calmness in everyday life: Perfectionism has no place with a baby and toddler – feel free to let things slide sometimes
Be creative: What works is good – if your baby only falls asleep in the car or is only soothed by the sound of a hairdryer, then do it that way
Don't compare: Don't compare your baby with your friend's, nor siblings with each other – every child has its own pace
Ritualize daily routines – from changing diapers to meals to bedtime
Plan small breaks: Difficult and sometimes impossible – but each time a breath of fresh air for family life
Have a lot of patience – and enjoy life with a baby and toddler
Discover more articles about babies & toddlers
Image credits
Family image with baby and toddler © Halfpoint - stock.adobe.com