Birth to 3 Years: Baby Development Guide and BabyJem Product Recommendations

Becoming a parent is an exciting journey that comes with new challenges at every stage of your baby’s growth. In this guide, we break down key developmental milestones from birth up to 3 years old and recommend BabyJem products (a trusted Turkish baby brand) that can help make parenting easier. Each age range has its own needs – from newborn essentials to toddler potty training – and we’ll highlight the suitable BabyJem gear for European families looking for comfort, safety, and practicality.

1 Year Old: Toddler Transitions and Independence

Eating Like a Big Kid

• Toddler Spoon & Fork Sets / Activity Bibs – build utensil skills, reduce stains. 

• Suction Divided Plate/Bowl (feeding category) – offers variety & helps self-feeding. 

• Reusable Silicone Straws (4-pack) – soft, BPA-free; practice straw drinking. 

Bath & Bed

• Anti-Slip Bath Support (seat) + Visor – safer splash sessions for confident sitters. 

• Bed Rail / Side Protector (from safety range) – for early crib-to-bed transitions. 

Safety & First Steps

• Angel-Wing Protector / Knee Pads – extra cushioning for wobbly walkers. 

• Home Safety Pack (locks, corner guards, outlet covers) – secure cabinets, drawers, sockets. 

On the Move

• Stroller Cup/Bottle Holder – snack-and-sip on city walks. 

• Foldable Organizer Caddy – quick grab-and-go for diapers/spare clothes. 

Happy first birthday! 🎉 Reaching the one-year mark is a big milestone for both baby and parents. Your little one is now officially a toddler – which often means more mobility, more curiosity, and more mess! The period from 12 to 24 months (often called “the second year”) is when toddlers practice walking, learn a few more words, and start asserting their independence. It’s also a time where you, as a parent, will be adjusting your routines – perhaps transitioning away from bottles, baby purees, and infant gear, and moving toward toddler foods, shoes for walking, and eventually early toilet training signs. Here’s what to expect and which BabyJem products can help during the 1-year-old stage:

By 12-18 months, most toddlers are learning to walk if they haven’t already. It starts with cruising (holding onto furniture to step side-to-side) and then those tentative first steps. Some children are steady walkers by 12 months, while others may take until 15-18 months – both are normal . Along with walking comes climbing; you’ll notice your toddler trying to clamber onto couches or go up stairs (with supervision). They also become better with their hands: placing objects into containers, stacking blocks, and self-feeding with fingers are common skills now. Language explodes between 1 and 2 years – from maybe saying 1-3 words at one year, up to ~50 words or more by age 2, and starting to put two words together (“more milk!”, “Daddy go?”) . It’s an age of rapid learning. However, attention spans are short and toddlers this age benefit from routines and close supervision as they explore.

 

• Walking Safety and Home Proofing: As your 1-year-old becomes a confident walker, you’ll need to stay on your toes! This is the time to ensure your home is fully toddler-proof. BabyJem has a variety of home safety items (like corner protectors, cabinet locks, etc., which are essential once kids can wander – check if these are available in the BabyJem product line). One standout safety product for new walkers is the previously mentioned Angel Wing Protect Pillow. If you haven’t used it already during crawling, it’s still useful now – it cushions toddlers from bumps when they take stumbles . You strap it on their back like a tiny backpack; it’s light and doesn’t restrict movement, and the plush wings will take the impact if they fall backward. Also, consider using non-slip socks or first walker shoes around the house, as newly walking toddlers can slip on smooth floors. BabyJem’s knee pads can continue to be handy if your child still crawls part-time or likes to crawl outdoors.

• Mealtime Upgrades: By age one, your child will likely be eating most of the same foods as the rest of the family (cut into tiny pieces to prevent choking, of course) and will insist on trying to feed themselves. Encourage this independence while containing the chaos. A good high chair or booster seat is important for safety – ensure they’re strapped in during meals. BabyJem’s feeding accessories for toddlers include things like the BabyJem Baby Spoon and Fork Set (12+ months), which are sized for little hands and have soft, rounded tips for safety . These allow your toddler to practice using utensils. Initially, they’ll make a mess, but over time you’ll see improvement in aim and coordination. Keep using suction plates/bowls as mentioned earlier, and perhaps introduce a toddler plate with divided sections (BabyJem makes a silicone divided plate that suctions to the table – great for offering different foods without them mixing). By this age, you can start training your child to drink from an open cup or a straw cup in addition to a sippy cup. Some BabyJem sets include trainer cups or you can remove the lid from a sippy for practice. They will spill initially – that’s normal. Keep a BabyJem waterproof bib or even a long-sleeve bib on hand to save outfits from serious stains. If you’re out at restaurants, something like the portable cutlery case helps you carry clean toddler utensils. And don’t forget a good cleaning setup: a toddler who self-feeds will drop food everywhere, but using a splat mat under the high chair and having a small handheld vacuum or broom can simplify post-meal cleanup.

• Continued Teething: The molars usually start coming in during the second year, which can be uncomfortable. Keep those teethers around (a chilled teether or a cold washcloth to chew on can soothe sore gums). Also, by 1 year it’s time to begin brushing teeth. BabyJem has baby-friendly oral care items – for example, a finger toothbrush or baby toothbrush set could be part of their catalog (and a silicone gum massager for teething). Make brushing a routine twice a day as soon as that first tooth is out.

• Bath Time and Potty Prep: One-year-olds often love bath time because it’s like playtime in water. Continue using bath toys and start teaching names of body parts while washing (“here’s your tummy, here’s your toes!”). The BabyJem Bath Toys Organizer remains useful to store the increasing menagerie of bath toys in a tidy way . Also, as your toddler moves past infancy, you might transition out of the infant bath seat (once they can sit and stand well, they might prefer freedom in the tub). Always use a rubber bath mat or non-slip mat in the tub to prevent slipping. BabyJem offers an Anti-Slip Shower Mat which could be used in a bathtub or shower floor to add grip (this was listed under safety tools). Now, regarding potty training – 1 year old is typically early for true training (most kids are not physiologically ready to control bladder and bowels until at least 18-24 months). However, some parents introduce a potty chair around this age just to get the child familiar with it, in a no-pressure way. BabyJem has several potty training products, including a standalone potty chair that looks like a mini toilet with fun features. One popular item is the BabyJem Potty with Flush Sound. It’s a potty chair that mimics a real toilet flush sound to encourage and reward toddlers during training . While you might not begin serious training at 12 months, having a potty in the bathroom for your toddler to sit on (even just for play or to imitate you) can set the stage for later. Some toddlers do signal bathroom needs earlier – if yours is showing interest (like copying you, or staying dry for short periods), you can let them try sitting on the potty at routine times (like before bath). The flush-sound potty makes it like a game, which can create positive associations with potty time.

Potty training can become easier and more engaging with toddler-friendly potty chairs. Some designs even include handles and make a fun “flush” sound to positively reinforce learning .

 

• On the Move (Outings): At 1 year, your child may be walking, but you’ll still use the stroller or a baby carrier for longer trips. Ensure the stroller is outfitted for toddler curiosity – a snack tray or cup holder can now be useful to hold a sippy cup of water and a small snack when you’re on the go. The BabyJem Stroller Insect Net remains handy for park visits in summer. Another helpful accessory: a stroller organizer or diaper bag attachment to keep snacks, wipes, and toys accessible. (BabyJem had an organizer product as well, designed to keep all baby essentials tidy and reachable on the stroller handle.) Since toddlers are messy eaters, having a packet of BabyJem’s cotton hankies or soft wipes in your bag is essential for clean-ups on the go.

• Play and Learning: Your one-year-old is getting more playful and may have a short attention span, bouncing from one activity to the next. Simple toys that encourage movement and problem-solving are great at this age: stacking cups, push toys, soft balls, and shape sorters. One product mentioned in the BabyJem lineup is a Baby Play Mat with Balls & Toys (0-6 months) – which is more for younger babies. By 12+ months, you might upgrade to play items like a push walker or ride-on toy (BabyJem’s focus is more on care items than toys, but they do have things like the play mat or possibly soft toys). A neat idea from BabyJem is the Sand Flower Baby Bean Bag we discussed earlier – beyond infancy, it can double as a cozy toddler seat for reading or relaxing. Also, now’s a good time to introduce a toddler pillow or blanket in the crib if you haven’t already (many pediatricians say after 12 months a thin pillow and light blanket are okay, as the risk of SIDS significantly drops). BabyJem’s Flat Head Pillow (0-6m) would be outgrown by now, but they have other pillows for older babies. Ensure any pillow or bedding is breathable and appropriate for a toddler bed or crib.

Life with a one-year-old is a fun mix of exploration and routine. Your toddler craves independence (expect to hear “me do it!” often) yet still needs your guidance and reassurance. This is the age of budding personality – they may show preferences for certain toys or foods and will definitely keep you on your toes. By using toddler-appropriate products like child-safe feeding sets, safety guards, and engaging training tools, you can channel that independence in positive ways. Remember to be patient; one-year-olds can’t control their impulses much and might throw tantrums when frustrated (welcome to toddlerhood!). Keep offering love, boundaries, and opportunities to learn. BabyJem’s toddler range, from spill-proof bowls to fun potty chairs, is all about making this transition from baby to toddler as smooth as possible for both of you.

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