Changes in the baby to toddler transition period

During the first year of life, babies are developing both mentally and physically at a high rate of speed. The changes during this period cover everything from mobility to language to the number of hours of sleep your baby requires. Once completely dependant on you to help them get around, your baby will start crawling and using furniture to steady him or her while moving along its edges, also known as “cruising”. The baby to toddler transition also means a change in the way your child gets nutrition.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies are breastfed for the first six months. Additionally, somewhere between four and six months of age, you can begin to introduce solid foods. And, not too long after that, toddlers begin self-feeding, though often more food lands on their high chair and the floor than in their mouths. Another bridge to cross is when your baby starts talking and can express what he does and doesn’t want to eat.

Eating habits

Weaning a child off of formula or breastmilk and onto cow’s milk is an important step in the baby to toddler transition. Getting them to try new foods is another. Although they may look small and helpless, toddlers have a mind of their own and often become quite opinionated regarding their eating habits. It takes time and patience to help them get used to the foods that you know are good for them like vegetables. Starting with sweeter tasting things such as yams and peas encourages the development of your baby’s palate.

All human beings are naturally attracted to sweet tasting foods, and babies are no exception. It’s not uncommon for toddlers to begin asking for fruit juice almost exclusively. In moderation, juice can be part of a healthy diet, but if your baby drinks too much, he can develop persistent diarrhea. Diarrhea in toddlers can be the result of an unbalanced diet. In this case, it’s wise to cut back on the amount of juice your toddler drinks and encourage him or her to eat foods with a higher concentration of protein and fat.

Keeping your toddler healthy

Of course, the other side of that coin is constipation. Because of their pickiness, toddlers often do not get enough fiber. As a parent, you’re concerned about toddler health, but getting your little one to eat a varied diet can be very challenging. Liquid fiber supplements for toddlers can help you strike that delicate balance.

Yummy Fiber made by Vibrant Nutraceuticals is mildly fruit-flavored which appeals to most babies and contains a whopping seven grams of fiber in a single tablespoon. One dose mixed with their favorite juice can help your little one get the proper amount of fiber that will help keep their digestive system running smoothly.

Read more about this all-natural supplement on the Vibrant Nutraceuticals site, and see why many parents are turning to Yummy Fiber to help keep their toddlers balanced and happy.