Look how far we’ve come!
How to survive & thrive with a 12-month-old baby.
This article was sponsored by Target. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Motherly and mamas.
It’s official: You have a 1-year-old. Cue all the happy tears! As you think back over the past 12 months, there were undoubtedly highs and lows. Your baby’s transformation from sleepy newborn to active toddler is major. But your own transformation shouldn’t be underestimated either, mama. Just think of how much you’ve learned and grown in just one year!
Throughout this past year, you came into your own as a mother, bonded with your baby and made memories you will cherish for a lifetime.
After one year on the job, you probably have your day-to-day routine down pat and feel confident saying “yes” to more opportunities again—whether it’s new work opportunities or a skill you want to learn during those rare moments of downtime.
As you look ahead, here are a few of our favorite items for the next stage: Life with a 1-year-old:
For educational play: Fisher-Price Little People farm set
Little People toys from Fisher-Price are classics for good reason: They feel nostalgic and promote imaginative play. This is one collection that will get use for years and years to come.
For those precious little feet: Surprize sneakers
As your baby starts to take their first steps, you’ll want to get them used to wearing shoes. Podiatrists recommend looking for shoes that have a stiff heel, flexible toe box and rigid middle.
For introducing close-ended play: Melissa & Doug jumbo knob puzzles
Puzzles are fun, but they also help teach persistence, sorting skills and more. This kind of close-ended play, where your child can get to the satisfying conclusion of a completed picture, can help with building attention.
For open-ended play: Fat Brain toy suction cups
On the other side of the coin, open-ended play asks for more creativity and social interaction. When there isn’t a “right” or “wrong” way to play, your little one will feel encouraged to use their imagination and free-thinking skills.
For bath time splashes: Skip Hop pour and stack bath buckets
Bath time doesn’t have to be all about washing and cleaning. It can also be a great opportunity for sensory play, especially with some fun bath toys in the mix.
For showing your skin some love: Honest Beauty deep hydration face cream
You’ve probably streamlined your beauty routine in the past year due to time limitations, but one thing you shouldn’t skimp on? A moment of self-care. A good face cream can improve the quality of your skin and help enhance your natural glow.
For your busy schedule: Ubrands dry erase calendar
More time in the home means more dishes, dust and dirt to clean up. Rather than nightly debates about whose turn it is to unload the dishwasher, get everyone in the family on the same page with a visible chores calendar.
For easy style: A New Day t-shirt dress
When you’re a mama, getting dressed is all about ease and comfort. This dress is stylish, yet relaxed enough to wear around the house when you are ready to change out of yoga pants. Add a nice jacket or some fun earrings for a virtual-meeting-ready look!
For those birthday pictures: Project 62 matted frame
Baby’s first birthday is a great occasion to take lots of pictures. These will definitely be frame-worthy, so display them in style with this beautiful piece.
For some well-deserved rest: Threshold weighted blanket
There’s no way to really catch up on the sleep you lost during the past year, but you can start having sweeter dreams now with help from a weighted blanket. Seriously, people rave about these for good reason!
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