While we wish our babies stayed babies forever, this isn’t the case. Babies grow up fast, and knowing what transitions to make and when is essential. 

Babies require a similar routine during their first year of life. Things might change after that (depending on the baby’s development). It is common for things to change around the 18-month mark. You need to learn things as a parent to guarantee you transition their needs at the right time, from sleeping training your baby to developing their communication.

Here, you can learn all the common transitions your baby might require around 18 months.

Dropping to one nap a day

It might be daunting to drop to one nap. But it is essential to help them sleep better at night and not rely on so much sleep. Encouraging them to enjoy more than one nap during the toddler stage can restrict their routine. 

Many children drop from two to one naps around 14 to 18 months old. Some children might enjoy this routine before or after this period. However, this is a rough estimate for when to try reducing the naps. Deciding what nap to drop is the crucial part. Some babies might prefer to nap in the afternoon after being awake for a long time. Meanwhile, others might prefer the morning nap after their first feed. You can monitor and manage this to decide when to drop a nap.

Switching to cow’s milk

Whether you breastfeed or use formula, it is common and safe to use these for around 18 months of your baby’s life. 

You can introduce cow’s milk around the 18-month mark and see if they enjoy it. Your baby will eat solids during this time, and cow’s milk is perfectly safe. It can help with bone development and encourage them to eat freely (without being fussy). 

Dealing with a fussy eater

If your baby does become a fussy eater for a short period, it might start to happen around the 18-month mark. Although you might already understand what foods they dislike when you feed them solids (which can occur around six months), they might start to push their lips shut at the sight of certain foods. 

If your baby becomes a fussy eater, you can still give them the foods by blending them into smoothies or creating other dishes. For example, it is common for babies to reject green vegetables. If so, add these to smoothies or hide them in dishes like shepherd’s pie. 

Consider a babysitter

During the first 18 months of your baby’s life, you might stay with them most of the time and seek help from family and friends when you need help. However, a babysitter is something you might want to consider around the 18-month mark, as your baby is safe in other (well-trained) hands. 

You might want to consider how much to pay a babysitter, how long it is okay to leave your baby, etc. Hiring a babysitter will reduce the need for your baby to rely on you and give you a small break when you need to get things done or relax.

More social interaction

Babies can change a lot when they become toddlers, and one transition you might experience around the 18-month mark is the need for more interaction. They will speak more and desire more social interaction with plenty of people. 

Making your baby social is excellent for their development. It will encourage increased brain development and make them less shy as they grow up. Introducing them to baby groups is a great idea, as they can interact with other babies. 

Communication development

Speaking of their need for interaction, it is also a time when their communication will develop. Many toddlers go through a rapid phase of language development around 18 months. At this point, toddlers might start creating small sentences, using more words, and comprehending more of your words. 

Your baby might be trying to express themselves more clearly with words, gestures, or both. Even if your baby isn’t speaking in complete words, talk to them frequently to help with this transition. They can improve their language abilities by recounting everyday activities, singing songs, and reading books aloud together. They will continue to improve their speech and language skills if you actively listen to them and acknowledge their attempts at communication.

Changing their bed

A noteworthy alteration at 18 months is the possible switch from a cot to a toddler bed. While not all kids are prepared for this transition at precisely 18 months, if your toddler is attempting to climb out of the cot, now is an excellent time to start thinking about it. 

A toddler bed can help your child feel more independent and free, but you must also establish clear boundaries to keep them safe. To help your child feel secure in their new sleeping environment, stick to a regular bedtime routine and use bed rails or a bed that is low to the ground to prevent falls.

Increased attitude 

Your toddler’s sense of freedom develops along with them. When your child is 18 months old, you may notice that they seek to do more independently, like dressing themselves, selecting toys, and doing light housework. Although this increasing independence is a regular aspect of growing up, it can also result in more extreme outbursts of annoyance or tantrums when things don’t go their way. 

It’s crucial to balance establishing firm and consistent boundaries and allowing your toddler the opportunity to explore and make decisions. Give them options whenever you can to help them feel in charge and be understanding while they learn to deal with these unfamiliar feelings.

At eighteen months, your child undergoes several natural growth and development transitions. Every transition offers fresh chances to bond and learn with your baby. You can assist your child in smoothly and confidently navigating this exciting stage by being aware of these shifts and providing assistance during them.

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