The average parent will experience nearly 50 milestones with their children within the first year. According to new research.
A survey of 2,000 parents of babies (9 to 24 months) found that while many of these were expected, 78% agreed that important developmental and emotional milestones would come out of the blue.
The survey found that parents were waiting for the baby’s first step (66%) and words (62%), waiting to hear them laugh or celebrate their first birthday (53%).
Parents are also excited that the baby will blow that single candle or slap the cake just like the child. 42% of parents said they were a chance to look back at how far they have come, and 70% said they believe birthday parties are a way to celebrate every milestone their children have achieved.
Parents document large and small milestones in the same way
Whether or not a milestone is expected, this study was conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Horizon Organicfound that parents made photos of their children large and small.
The average parent has nearly 2,000 photos and videos of small children in their camera rolls. This is about 1,000 photos each year, or nearly three every day.
When asked about the most surprising milestone that tugs her heart, one respondent said, “The first time he hugged her sister with her arms wrapped around her.”
Another said, “I expect this to be my last baby, so it’s bittersweet to watch my baby grow up.”
As it grows, the emotional effects of leaving the newborn’s clothing behind (16%) or fewer parents are ready to wean from breast milk or formula, resulting in the complex emotions that come with that growth.
The study also examined parents being prepared to navigate their child’s growth and development. Results show that 89% of parents feel somewhat prepared, while only 45% feel “very knowledgeable” about changing children’s nutritional needs.
In fact, 46% agree that the transition to breast milk and formula introduction is one of the most stressful stages of parent-child relationships they have ever experienced.
The main reasons for this stress include not having concerns about whether the child will miss breast milk or formula (33%), whether he likes dairy products (33%), and whether he has acquired sufficient nutrients (31%).
In fact, almost half of parents (47%) acknowledge that their concerns about whether their children are getting the right nutrition will keep them at night.
Parents want enhanced organic food options
“It’s clear that parents want to make sure their children have the nutrients they need to grow and thrive, but it’s not always easy for their toddler food preferences to change daily. “85% of parental respondents say it’s important for their children to consume fortified foods, while 62% say it’s important for their children to consume organic foods.”
Although three in five (56%) parents are concerned that their children are noisy people, despite concerns, these parents have some nutritious options to satisfy their children.
70% of parents know that their children consume bananas regularly. It is followed by yogurt (63%) and dairy products (60%).
Outside of nutritional concerns, transitions from breast milk and formula can cause a variety of emotions. Of the 71% who breastfed their children, many were almost equally equal and equal to saying they felt a sense of security (40%) because they felt sadness (38%) or guilt towards weaning (32%).
“Your first birthday – and the changes that come with it can be both great and emotional. While navigating the changing diet and taste, it can feel difficult to ensure that your children have everything they need to reach developmental milestones,” Bardot said. “As the first organic dairy brand for sale across the United States, we are committed to helping parents introduce dairy products to their children’s diets.
Research method:
The Talker survey looked at 2,000 parents of babies between 9 and 24 months of age. The investigation was commissioned by Horizon Organic Managed and implemented online by Talker Research March 18th to March 26th, 2025.
