A checklist of everything a parent of a 6-12 month old needs.

By JACQUI PORTER

Congratulations, you’ve made it through the fog that is a newborn and found yourself with an actual baby, a toddler even. One that babbles and isn’t an immobile little bug anymore.

One thing that I have found with my children, is that with each new stage of development, comes a whole new set of requirements. However, it doesn’t have to cost the earth.

Here are a list of things that your baby may (they all do things at different times) be doing now they have hit the 6-12 month stage and the things you will need to get you through.

Just as an FYI, you should know that this post is sponsored by Big W. But all opinions expressed by the author are 100% authentic and written in their own words.

1. Nappies.

Yes, I am well aware that you have used nappies before, however you might want to stock up on some good ones because about this time, some babies, start sleeping through the night. Ha! I hear you say. I know, I know. Sleep is something you forgot about a long time ago but I’m told that between 6-12 months of age a lot of babies do actually make a night of it (I say this because neither of mine did, but I listened in jealousy as friends praised their eight hours of kip).

If you do happen to be one of these lucky parents with a baby that sleeps through the night, you’ll want to make the best of your sleep time too. So, get some nappies that have a high absorbency so you don’t need to wake in the night to change your bub. Buying in bulk is always the way to go.

2. Books.

The sounds of baby making their first noises and words are amazing and it’s such a special time. (I waited for ages for my now three year old to start talking, and now I just wait for him to stop).

One of the best ways to encourage bub chatting away is to read to them. Have a good selection of age appropriate books on hand and make the time to sit down and read together. We incorporated book time into the nightly routine. Once the kids are fed and bathed, we all snuggle down and read a story before they go to bed.

Their attention span might be pretty short at this age, but babies love hearing the inflections in your voice, so choose short stories with lots of colours and visuals.

3. Baby Gates, Playpens and Locks.

It’s a fantastic stage when baby becomes mobile, but it means that you’ll need to step up your baby proofing.

Invest in some good baby gates to keep junior away from the stairs, and make sure you have closures on the drawers and cupboards. These will give you piece of mind that baby is safe if you are so bold as to *gasp* run to the bathroom for three seconds leaving them unattended. Baby play pens are also an awesome idea. Chuck in a bunch of toys and relax knowing that your baby isn’t eating the dog food while you answer the call of nature.

4. Lunch boxes/snack containers/drink bottles.

Around this age, baby is probably starting on solids which means a whole new ball game in terms of packing the bag to go out. No more bottle or boob, you’re going to need snacks and drink bottles.

Get a selection of leak proof containers for small items like grapes and cut up strawberries and something that can be easily cleaned (read: dishwasher safe). It’s also a good idea to get a few pouches or jars of pre made baby food (there is heaps of options out there including veggies only, organic, fruits, cereal based) just in case you get stuck out-and-about with no food pre-prepared. Also, it’s a great time to start training baby on sippy cups. The best thing to do is to hit the shop and see the range. There are fantastic trainer cups with leak proof lids, handles, straws…and the list goes on.

5. Pram and bag toys.

If you’ve got a baby around this age, you’ll know that you no longer have a buddy who sleeps the day away. Babies crave interaction and stimulation, so stock up on some small toys to keep in your bag or attached to the pram for when you need to keep them occupied (doctors waiting rooms anyone) or awake in the car.

6. High chair.

On the topic of foods, since baby is starting on food you’re probably also going to need a high chair. You can choose from padded ones, recliners, ones with trays or portable ones. Just get one that wipes clean easily.

7. Socks.

As baby grows, they will find out all the amazing things they can do – one of them is pulling their socks off in the pram. What a hilarious game this is. Unless you’re the one funding the entertainment.

My best advice here is to go and get a bulk packet of socks, all the same colour. That way, if you lose a sock along the way, you won’t have to throw the other one out.

8. Bibs.

Another great thing that babies love to get involved with is trying to feed themselves. This is both hilarious and seriously messy. Get a bulk pack of bibs to protect their clothes from stains, and a bucket to chuck them all in for a soak.

What would you add to the list? As a mum, what can you not live without?

Your toddler and baby will cry. To prepare you for that, here is a gallery of what might set them off…

 

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