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Baby with Learner straw Baby with Learner straw

18+ MONTHS

GROWING INDEPENDENTLY, THRIVING BEAUTIFUL

This is a wonderful stage of increasing independence, bursting with exciting toddler development and remarkable 18-month-old milestones. As they eagerly explore their world, delighting in doing so much on their own, they might sometimes still need that gentle comfort or a helping hand. We're here to offer valuable parenting tips and supporting their natural toddler growth and early years learnings. As they conquer milestones like independent eating, caring for those precious milk teeth, and embracing potty training, NUK supports you and them every step of the way.

NURTURING NATURAL

INDEPENDENCE

NUK Perfect Match Learner Cup
As low as €8.99
NUK Perfect Match Learner Straw Cup
As low as €8.99
NUK Perfect Match Replacement Straws 2-Pack
Price
€5.99
NUK Perfect Match Air Soother 0-36m
€7.49
NUK Perfect Match Replacement Teat 2-Pack
Price
€5.99

incl. VAT plus shipping costs

Baby with Learner straw Introducing healthy eating habits

It’s now the right time to gradually welcome your baby to family mealtimes. You will be able to broaden their taste buds, encourage healthy and varied eating habits that will form a strong foundation for life. Focus on appealing meals rich in vegetables, with modest portions of meat and healthy fats. Never force them to eat or clear their plate; your child knows when they’ve had enough. If a new taste isn't an instant hit, simply try again another day with a smile.

Babys smile Caring for those milk teeth

Those first milk teeth are more than just cute, they're vital placeholders for their future permanent teeth! Proper dental care, even before they’re all in, is important. The same goes for soothers; choosing a NUK orthodontic soother over thumb-sucking can make a big difference for oral health. Introduce daily brushing as soon as that first tooth peeks through, always with your guidance. Avoid sugary drinks and snacks.

Mother with Baby The potty training journey

The exciting journey towards becoming clean and dry is all about timing and patience! Most children are ready between 18 months and 2 years, when they start to show unique signs of discomfort with wet nappies. Your child will let you know in their own way when they’re ready for the potty, don't force it. Your role is to offer praise, act as a loving role model, and let them take the initiative. There’s no need for special training; simply celebrate every victory and trust that all else will follow in time.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BABIES OF 18+ MONTHS

From 18 months and beyond, your little one is truly blossoming into a confident, curious individual! This is a wonderful stage of increasing independence, where they delight in doing so much on their own, from happy sips and big bites to mastering new skills.

NUK Perfect Match Learner bottle Mastering movements

Get ready to chase! At this wonderful age, your child's motor skills are truly taking off. They're mastering running, jumping, climbing, throwing, and catching. It's a huge step from crawling to confidently moving through their world.

 

Encourage freely: provide a safe space for them to explore, run, and climb. Celebrate every wobbly step and triumphant leap!

 

Play together: join in with ball games or simple obstacle courses. Your joyful participation nurtures their confidence.

 

Trust their pace: remember, every child develops at their own rhythm. Avoid baby walkers and let their natural desire to move guide them.

 

Baby with Learner straw Nurturing speech & language

Their world of words is expanding rapidly! Your little one is now beginning to understand so much more of what you say, knowing many words for people, things, and situations around them. Soon, those single words blossom into sentences like "ball gone" or "more juice, please!"

 

Keep talking: describe what you're doing, point out objects, and name things constantly.

 

Read aloud daily: share books together, encouraging them to point and name familiar items.

 

Listen actively: engage in "baby talk" back and forth, showing you value their attempts to communicate. Every word is a little bridge of connection!

 

Mother with Baby and Learner bottle Social play & emotional understanding

They're beginning to understand themselves and others as unique individuals, showing early signs of empathy, and expressing their needs with growingclarity. This is the age of first "best friends" and exploring different roles through play, preparing them for bigger social adventures.

 

Facilitate playdates: Arrange interactions with other children to help them practice sharing and empathy.

 

Encourage imaginative play: engage in pretend play, building towers, or filling and emptying containers. These activities build their understanding of cause and effect and social roles.

 

Acknowledge feelings: help them put words to their emotions, guiding them gently through big feelings and budding friendships.

 

REVIEWS FROM THOSE

WHO TRUST US

Parenting is an adventure, and we're all in this together. At NUK, we value your feedback and believe in the power of shared experiences. See what other parents have to say about our products.

Baby with Learner straw

We really like the straw bottle; it is of very good quality and well made.

It is suitable for both toddlers and slightly older children, and it allows for easy and even drinking.

After trying more than 4 other pacifier brands/models, `these were finally the ones my daughter took to immediately!​

Babys smile

These soothers are ideal for my breastfed little girl! What's more, their curved design keeps them from touching her skin, preventing irritation around her mouth.

REVIEWS FROM THOSE

WHO TRUST US

Parenting is an adventure, and we're all in this together. At NUK, we value your feedback and believe in the power of shared experiences. See what other parents have to say about our products.

Baby with Learner straw

We really like the straw bottle; it is of very good quality and well made.

It is suitable for both toddlers and slightly older children, and it allows for easy and even drinking.

After trying more than 4 other pacifier brands/models, `these were finally the ones my daughter took to immediately!​

Babys smile

These soothers are ideal for my breastfed little girl! What's more, their curved design keeps them from touching her skin, preventing irritation around her mouth.

THE QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE

  • This is a wonderful time to broaden their horizons and taste buds. Gradually introduce them to family meals, offering a balanced selection of dishes. Remember, never force them to eat. Your little one still knows best when they've had enough! Make mealtimes fun and varied, focusing on vegetables, modest portions of meat, and healthy fats. Always ensure they have plenty to drink, like water or unsugared baby tea.

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  • Those milk teeth are important: they're little placeholders for their adult successors! Proper care begins now. Encourage regular tooth brushing as soon as they appear (at least once a day until two, then morning and evening), always with your guidance. The shape of their bottle teat and soother also plays a big role; our NUK teats and soothers are thoughtfully designed to support natural jaw development, much like breastfeeding, making them a better choice than thumb-sucking.

  • Potty training can't be rushed, your child will let you know when they are truly ready, often between 12-18 months or a little later. Look for their unique signals: maybe they screw up their face or tell you they're no longer comfortable in a nappy. Your role is to offer lots of praise, be a positive role model, and let them take the initiative. It's about celebrating their journey to becoming clean and dry, never forcing it.

  • Around this age, your child begins to develop a strong sense of "me" and "you." They'll start interacting with other children, making their first "best friends," and trying on different social roles. Encourage their burgeoning independence, offer plenty of praise for their efforts, and continue to provide a loving, safe space for them to explore. These are precious steps towards their unique personality blooming!

18+ months