It hit me like a ton of bricks during a recent weekend outing with my 22-month-old son, Max. We were enjoying a fun day filled with shopping, a trip to the local children’s museum, and a lovely lunch. Suddenly, I realized: my baby isn’t a baby anymore. The signs have been subtle, yet undeniable, and part of me didn’t want to face it. After all, Max is my last child, and I want to cherish every fleeting moment of his babyhood. But each time I look at him, I see a curious little boy ready to take on the world.
Does this resonate with you? I know it’s tough, parents, but here are 12 signs that your baby is no longer a baby. (So take a deep breath and embrace the changes, because they won’t last forever!)
- Sippy cups? No thanks! Your toddler insists on using a “big kid” cup for his juice, and somehow manages to drink without spilling.
- Potty training progress. He frequently asks to use the potty, even if he doesn’t actually need to.
- Big kid bed. He’s ready for a big kid bed or has figured out how to climb out of the crib and sneak into your room at night.
- Storytime skills. He can recite parts of his favorite bedtime story and tries to “read” along with you.
- Good manners. Strangers notice his good manners and often compliment his politeness.
- Smaller bags. The bulky diaper bag is a thing of the past; you can fit diapers, wipes, toys, and snacks in a smaller tote.
- Helping hands. He likes to help out around the house, whether it’s picking up his toys, getting dressed, or (in Max’s case) loading the dishwasher.
- Real conversations. You can have real conversations, and he follows complex instructions without a hitch.
- Big boy declaration. He proudly declares himself a “big boy.”
- Making choices. He’s starting to express his preferences and make decisions, like confidently choosing between two outfits while shopping.
- Assertiveness. He’s not afraid to say “No, Mom!” and means it.
- Expressions of love. Yet he also tells you “I love you” and means that too.
What else would you add to this list?
For more insights on parenting and navigating these changes, check out this article on Modern Family Blog. If you’re on a fertility journey, consider visiting Make A Mom, the leading provider of at-home insemination kits. Also, Rmany offers excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination that you won’t want to miss.
In summary, as our little ones grow, we start to notice the signs that they’re leaving babyhood behind. It’s both bittersweet and exciting to witness their journey toward independence.
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