10 most common mistakes parents make with babies and toddlers

Parenting newborns and toddlers is one of the most rewarding yet challenging experiences one can ever have. However, with information overload from all quarters - be it parents, neighbours or strangers, it isn't easy to make parenting decisions. There are some common mistakes that all parents make. However, some can be harmful for your child. It is important to stay informed and learn to become better parents to your newborn or toddler. Here are 10 most common parenting mistakes and how you can avoid them.

It isn't easy to raise a toddler and this phase often leaves parents exhausted with the never-ending duties of feeding, putting them to sleep, keeping them engaged, handling meltdowns, and teaching them the right things for their age. While all parents try to do the best for their children, the lack of structure in the day can make toddlers insecure and prone to meltdowns and they may struggle with transitions. It's important to create a predictable routine for them to provide a sense of stability. Establishing regular nap times and bedtime rituals can help children feel secure and emotionally balanced.

It is important to serve your babies and toddlers the correct portion suitable for their age. Many parents may miscalculate the right amount of food their babies need and pester them to have more than their digestive system can handle. On the other hand, many parents may not be aware that they need to add all food groups to their child's plate and underfeed them which can affect their growth. It is important to stay informed about your child’s nutrition needs and be aware of their fullness cues. Pediatricians can guide you on portion sizes and feeding frequencies appropriate for each stage.

Babies grow quite fast and before you know, they would start crawling, walking, climbing, and reach their important milestones. You have to keep up with all these important stages and ensure your child's safety by baby-proofing your home. Many parents may forget to remove the extra furniture, sharp objects, and small objects that could get stuck in their baby's throat or suffocate them. It is important to make necessary changes in your house to ensure a safe environment for your little one.

Toddlers often throw tantrums and make unreasonable demands as they haven't achieved emotional control yet. While this is part of their learning process and they would eventually master emotional management, parents often react with frustration or give in to their demands, both of which can be harmful for your child. To guide them in a proper direction, it is important to deal with them kindly but firmly. It is important to stay calm during a tantrum. Parents should assure but at the same time set a clear limit to help children learn emotional regulation over time.

It's important to keep your child engaged constructively by making them do activities that soothe their mind and help in development. However, parents often confuse engagement with distraction. By providing them constant entertainment with noise, toys, or screens, one can overwhelm a child’s developing brain, making it harder for them to sleep or stay calm. Balancing stimulation with quiet, and calm activities can make sure your child is in the right frame of mind to rest and process their experiences.

Many toddlers are picky eaters but it may be because the parents introduced only a limited variety of foods to them in their early stages. It is natural for toddlers to prefer a selected few foods while rejecting the new foods introduced to them. However, offering them the same favourites and not giving them a balanced meal may lead to nutritional deficiencies which can be problematic for their development. It is advised to introduce a variety of flavors and textures to your little ones. Repeated exposure helps children become more open to new foods over time.

Parents tend to get anxious about the correct age to potty train their toddlers. However, every child is different and unless they are physically or emotionally ready for this transition, starting the potty training prematurely can lead to frustration for both the parent and the child. Some toddlers can start 1.5 years onwards while others may still not be ready at 2.5 years. Look for signs of readiness, such as staying dry for longer periods or showing interest in the potty, and be patient throughout the process.

In modern times digital parenting is gaining prominence, a trend which can greatly affect your child's brain. While screens can be a convenient distraction, overexposure may affect a cognitive development. This may turn into addiction for the young ones before they realise it and reduce opportunities for social interaction and active play. Parents should limit screen time of their children and follow age-appropriate guidelines. Engaging them in activities like reading and outdoor play could sharpen their brain.

When the child is small, one must not just go by the rule book but also follow their intuition. If you feel your child is hungry, you shouldn't hesitate on feeling on demand, especially in the early months. When the needs of the baby are not met, it could lead to unnecessary crying or discomfort. Follow your baby’s hunger cues and feed on demand, especially in the early months, to foster healthy growth and bonding.

Switching between breastfeeding and formula without proper planning can disrupt a baby’s feeding routine, leading to supply issues or digestive discomfort. Mixing formula with breastfeeding can make the latter challenging as it can interfere with keeping up a good supply of breastmilk. Consult with a pediatrician or lactation consultant to create a balanced approach. This ensures both you and your baby adjust smoothly to mixed feeding.