But I Want THAT One!

Picking favorites—whether a shirt, a cup or a food—is a way that toddlers try to exert control over their lives and environment.

Although it can be tiring or annoying to deal with day in and day out—especially when that favorite dinosaur shirt needs to be washed!—this is developmentally normal behavior.

Pick your battles. If it isn’t hurting your little one, it’s probably fine. But when you need to wash that shirt or provide different foods, help your child learn to be flexible sometimes, too. Offering a couple different choices and distractions can help in this situation.

This message is not intended to provide individual medical advice. Always seek the advice of a physician or qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have about your health or medical condition, your breastfeeding issues and your infant's health. Never disregard, avoid or delay contacting a doctor or other qualified professional because of something you have read in our emails, webpages or other electronic communications.