How to Give Your Toddler the Healthy Start They Need

According to First Things First, most of the significant development of the human brain happens before we reach the age of 5. Because of the rate of growth and development that humans experience up to that age, it is essential for parents to pay extra close attention to their babies and toddlers during this important stage of their life. Knowing what you can do to give your toddler a healthy start is a way for you to ensure your toddler is on the right track in terms of development.

Encourage Activity

Always encourage activity among your toddlers. You can lead by example to keep your toddlers interested in remaining active and engaged. Make the activity fun by taking them to fun places to play like outdoor parks or indoor parks if the weather is bad. According to Funlandia, indoor play parks can also be safer than outdoor parks because there is more foam to absorb falls. As such, those areas may be even better for toddlers to play safely. Activity is a necessary part of life, especially as we get older and begin to interact and socialize with those around us in everyday life. Encourage activities by showing your own interest and excitement when participating in activities, especially when you are in front of your toddler or attempting to draw them into an activity.

Feed Them Healthy Food

Giving your toddler a healthy start in life may be as simple as providing them with a nutritious diet at a young age. According to Kate’s Real Food, a nutritious diet can help your child develop properly and avoid chronic disease when they're older. When shopping for things to feed your toddler, seek out all-natural whole foods. Avoid feeding toddlers junk food or foods that are laden with chemicals and ingredients that are less than healthy. This is the optimal time to set a healthy foundation for your child.

Limit Screen Time

Limit screen time for your toddlers and any children in your home. Toddlers and children up to the age of 5 should have no more than one hour every day on a screened device, even if the content they are viewing is inspirational or informational. Avoid allowing your child to use only screened devices during downtime because according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, this can lead to disruptive moods, anxiety, and ADHD tendencies as your child grows into a tween or teenager.

Understanding the significance of giving your toddler a healthy start from the beginning of their lives is essential for the long-term health and wellness of your child. With the right preparation and an understanding of what is most important for toddlers, you can move forward with your parenting goals and reach milestones feeling comfortable with and confident in all of the decisions you make for your child.

For more tips on how to keep your family healthy, check out this article: 3 Tricks to Make Sure You Stay Healthy While Traveling