How Many Milestones in Baby’s First Year? Minnesota Parents Face Emotional Rollercoaster!
A new survey uncovers the thrilling, emotional whirlwind parents face during their baby’s first year. 🌐 #News #StPaulMN #Minnesota #Parenting
ST. PAUL, MN — Raising a baby in the first year brings a whirlwind of unforgettable moments—about 50 of them, according to a surprising new study conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Horizon Organic. Here’s some of the milestones first-time Minnesota parents will see.
The Baby Milestone Marathon No One Warns You About
From the first wobbly steps to the first words, most parents anticipate some big moments. But the truth is, nearly 80% of surveyed parents say the most emotional milestones catch them completely off guard. While many eagerly await laughs (60%), birthday celebrations (53%), and the first time their baby says “mama” or “dada” (62%), others are left stunned by smaller, more personal moments.
The First Birthday: More Than Just Cake
That first birthday holds a deeper meaning for many. Not only do 53% of parents make a big deal out of it, but 70% see it as a celebration of every milestone their child has achieved so far. For 42%, it’s also a personal reflection point—a moment to pause and look back at how far they’ve come.
Captured Forever: A Photo for Every Feeling
Today’s parents are documenting every blink and burp. By the time their baby turns one, the average parent has racked up nearly 2,000 photos and videos—almost three memories snapped every single day.
Tears Over Tiny Shirts and First Hugs
The most emotional moments are often the quietest. Some parents are moved to tears by the simple act of sizing up their baby’s clothes. One parent admitted the transition to bigger outfits was a bittersweet signal that their last baby was growing up. Another said the first hug between siblings left them breathless.
Emotions Run High as Feeding Habits Shift
When it comes to nutrition, many parents feel uncertain. While 89% claim to feel somewhat prepared for their baby’s development, just 45% feel truly confident about their child’s changing dietary needs. The shift from breast milk or formula to dairy milk sparks intense anxiety for many.
What Really Stresses Parents Out
The reasons behind this stress are clear:
- 33% fear their baby will miss the comfort of breast milk or formula.
- Another 33% wonder if their child will even like dairy milk.
- And 31% are nervous about whether their little one is getting enough nutrients.
All of that adds up to sleepless nights for nearly half of parents—47% say worries about proper nutrition keep them up.
Pickiness Adds Another Layer
With taste preferences changing by the day—or the minute—56% of parents admit they’re constantly concerned about picky eating. But they’ve found a few safe bets. Bananas (70%), yogurt (63%), and dairy milk (60%) top the list of foods most kids will reliably eat.
The Weaning Wrecking Ball
For the 71% of parents who breastfed, weaning sparked a rollercoaster of emotions. Relief was common (40%), but so were sadness (38%) and even guilt (32%). This stage, timed often around the first birthday, brings more than just new foods—it brings a mix of memories and growing pains.
The Push for Organic and Fortified Foods
Parents are demanding more from their grocery lists. A huge 85% say it’s important that their child consumes foods fortified with key nutrients, while 62% insist on organic products. Erica Bardeau, Chief Marketing Officer at Horizon Organic, explained that today’s parents are overwhelmed by their toddler’s constantly shifting food preferences. That’s why they gravitate toward easy, nutrient-rich options.
What’s in the Bottle Matters
To meet these demands, Horizon Organic offers high-quality organic milk that includes added benefits like DHA Omega-3 and prebiotics—an all-in-one solution aimed at helping parents cover the nutritional bases while their babies keep growing, changing, and surprising them every day.
