Healthy Habits to Start During Their First Two Years

Taking care of a newborn, especially for the first time, brings about a lot of questions! “Am I doing this right?” or “How do I know when…” are common refrains we hear among parents. While there is no perfect way to be a parent, there are some things you can do to set your child up for success! 

The first two years of a baby’s life are very important for laying the foundation for good health and wellness. Here are some tips and strategies you can employ to set them up for success.

Sleep

Babies and children thrive on routine, so setting up a consistent bedtime routine helps them establish consistent sleep patterns. Getting enough sleep helps maintain a good weight and mental and emotional health! Your newborn will sleep much more right after birth than they will in years one and two, when that amount drops to 11-14 hours a day. Every child is different!

Eating

Healthy eating habits start early! When breastfeeding or bottle feeding, make sure to watch for your baby’s hunger and fullness cues to establish a responsive feeding routine that lays the groundwork for healthy routines.

It’s also important to expose your baby to a variety of tastes and textures! Most children establish their taste preferences by the time they are 9 months old, so being adventurous while they’re little can help set them up to avoid picky eating! 

Healthy Parent, Healthy Child

One of the most important factors in the health of a child is that of their parents. By setting a positive example in how you take care of yourself by eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep, you can help show your child that giving their body what it needs is an important practice.

If you have specific questions about how your child is progressing towards their growth milestones, make sure to ask your pediatrician at their next appointment. We’re here to help!    

For questions or any other concerns, Augusta Pediatrics can be reached at (706) 868-0389. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only.