Now that you’ve got a one year-old, these are the questions you’re probably asking about bub…
One year-olds are fun loving and grow up way too fast – they go through so many changes! It’s such a magical period — they are finally more aware about the world around them, they’re curious and their brains are like sponges, absorbing all kinds of information while working overtime.
While it’s an exciting time for any parent, there’s no doubt that there’s a whole lot about our one year-olds that we’d like to know. Luckily for you, we’ve done our research AND sought the help of the more experienced HoneyKids mums to answer all your questions about one year-olds. So without further ado, here are the top 10 burning questions most parents have about their one year-old.
Top 10 questions parents have about one year-olds
1. “Should my one year-old be able to talk?”
According to the folks at Stanford Children’s Health, at one year of age, bubs should be able to say four to six simple words. Yup, you’ll probably hear the most dreaded word — “no” — among other words like “mama” or “dada” during this time. The big caveat is that they’ll probably repeat these words over and over again!
2. “Should my one year-old be walking?”
Worried that your one year-old is still crawling? It’s totally normal! In fact, according to this study by WHO, babies only start taking their first unassisted steps at 12-13 months of age. While there are some babies who might start walking earlier, there are also some who might start walking a lot later. HoneyKids mum Jana, who has two sons, said her younger son started walking at 11 months, while his older brother started walking at 12.5 months!
3. “How much sleep does a one year-old need?”
The peeps at the National Sleep Foundation recommend that toddlers aged one to two years-old should get at least 11-14 hours of sleep each day. And yes, that includes naps too! Wondering if they can finally sleep through the night (so you can FINALLY get some decent sleep)? This study says that they can, but a lot of one year-olds (around 30%, to be exact) probably won’t. So if you’re hitting the Nespresso machine often, don’t worry. You aren’t alone!
4. “What can I do when my toddler puts everything in his mouth?”
Curiosity is at an all time high for these guys, which means they’ll want to explore and sometimes, taste everything. Yes, oral sensory seeking is the norm at this stage. It could be to self-soothe, learn about objects or even teething! Our suggestion? Keep healthy snacks such as Bellamy’s Organic Pear & Apple Snacks within reach! Made with 100% fruit ingredients and no added sugar, bub will be more likely to eat actual food over their toys or the cat’s tail. For teething babies, give them a Bellamy’s Organic Milk Rusk, made of organic ingredients and safer for babies than putting plastic in their mouth.
5. “How do I handle mum-stress?”
One year-olds can be a handful (especially if it’s your first child), which means it’s normal to get stressed out. We get it — it can get overwhelming: work, sleepless nights, being present for bub — you need a break too! Get in some me-time when you can, it doesn’t have to be anything extravagant, even just lighting a candle or soaking in a hot bath will do. Check this out for more me-time ideas. Just remember, mum’s health is as important as bub’s health too. A happy mum is the best mum for bub!
6. “What childcare options are available to mums in Singapore?”
In Singapore, mums are lucky enough to have several options for childcare. While some opt to leave bubs with their grandparents, expats might not be as lucky to have family support and may have to turn to childcare, nannies, babysitters or domestic helpers instead. Singaporeans and PRs can also use government subsidies for childcare to pay for childcare fees, an option many parents consider because of the trained childcare and infant care teachers. Read here for the full lowdown on childcare options in Singapore.
7. “How do I make sure my child is eating well for his development, especially when I’m working or he’s at childcare all day?”
Whether you’ve chosen to leave your toddler at childcare or at home with your domestic helper, not knowing if your child is eating well can be a cause for concern. Our top tip? To ensure they’re getting all the right vitamins and minerals by supplementing their diet. We love Bellamy’s Organic Step 3 Toddler Milk Drink. Dual certified organic and made in Australia, it’s a nutritious and naturally delicious option suitable for energetic toddlers. Made with organic milk from happy, free-roaming and organic cows, with added DHA, prebiotic (GOS) and 16 essential vitamins and minerals which are essential for your baby’s mental and physical development, it is a great way to supplement your child’s diet! Get your free sample here!
8. “What should I feed my one year-old?”
At this stage, your toddler should have some teeth, which means they can chew solids and be more adventurous when it comes to food. Solid foods, including healthy snacks, are now your child’s main source of energy and nutrition. According to UNICEF, each meal should be packed with nutritious food. Parents should ensure bub has a portion of protein (milk, dairy, eggs, meat, fish and poultry) each day, plus legumes (like chickpeas, lentils or peas) — or nuts, veggies, fruits and good carbs like organic veggie macaroni or sweet potatoes. You’ll need to stay away from too much sugar at this stage so you can maximize bub’s tummy for nutrient rich foods that are more beneficial for their development. For mums on the go, we recommend healthy snacks such as Bellamy’s Organic pear apple snacks or food pouches. And yes, they both have no added sugar.
9. “How do you play with a one year-old?”
With their newfound ability to take those first steps and use their favourite words, your one year-old is bound to be full of energy and independence. This makes it the perfect time to teach them new things through play. Sensory play activities work best at this age, as well as encouraging them to make music and dance. You’ll be surprised at what bub can do!
10. “How do you deal with separation anxiety?”
It’s natural for your toddler to be upset each time you say goodbye. After all, nobody likes having the most important person in their world leave them! At this stage, they’re still used to the familiarity and security you make them feel. Plus, they still don’t understand the concept of time: you leaving them for a few minutes might feel like forever to them. To banish your little one’s worries, we recommend acknowledging bub’s anxiety and comforting them before you leave. If leaving is going to be a regular thing (daycare drop-off), we suggest creating a routine for leaving. The more routine you make it feel, the easier it will be for bub to transition!
While we might expect a lot from our toddlers, we need to remember they’re still growing! Every child is different; they grow and learn at their own pace. Moreover, they’ve only been on the planet for a few hundred days, so why not cut them some slack? And yes, it’s also the best time for parents to give them a pure start to life. We love Australia’s #1 organic brand, Bellamy’s Organic as our reliable partner through every stage of our little one’s life with their wide range of products from baby food to formula to support your parenting journey.
Bellamy’s Organic is the winner of Favourite Organic Brand and Organic Product of the Year in the Australian 2020 Organic Consumer Choice Award. They also won Highest Rated Toddler Milk (Stage 3 & 4) in Tell Me Baby Awards 2021. What’s more, 100% of their products are dual certified organic by NASAA & ACO, made in Australia with no artificial preservatives, colours, flavours, synthetic pesticides or GMO ingredients.
Bellamy’s Organic Step 3 Toddler Milk Drink is professionally formulated for active toddlers, especially when dietary intake may be inadequate. It’s made from certified organic cow’s milk, with added DHA, prebiotic (GOS) and 16 essential vitamins and minerals which are essential for your toddler’s mental and physical development. Most importantly, organic cows are free to roam and graze outdoors, not injected with growth hormones, not treated with antibiotics, nor fed with GMOs. Try the tasty, nutritious milk from happy, healthy, organic cows by signing up for a free sample!
This post is in partnership with Bellamy’s Organic.