'My 6 tricks for navigating life with a fussy toddler.'

Thanks to our brand partner, Bubs

Before I had a toddler, I thought I was a fairly patient person. 

I mean, I once waited in line for three hours at a sample sale. 

But nothing quite compares to the whirlwind of parenting a tiny human who can go from giggling at bubbles to bursting into tears because their banana broke in half.

Welcome to toddlerhood — a season of big feelings, strong opinions and more snack negotiations than you ever thought possible.

So, if you're reading this with cold coffee in one hand, a toddler climbing you like a jungle gym and the Peppa Pig theme song looping in your head — I see you. You're not alone.

Here are a few tricks that helped me feel a little more calm and a lot more capable during the wonderfully wild fussy phase.

1. Nutrition matters (but keep it simple).

If there's one thing that could derail an otherwise smooth day in our house, it's mealtime.

Some days, my toddler would happily eat three servings of broccoli like a champion. Other days? Well, she'd act like I'd personally offended her by putting a carrot on her plate.

That's when I quickly learned that when it comes to toddler food, simplicity and flexibility are key. 

On the days when dinner is met with dramatic refusals, it can be a relief to have a reliable, nourishing alternative option on hand — like Bubs Organic Grass Fed Toddler Milk or Bubs Easy-Digest Goat Milk Toddler Drink.

Bubs believes the best start in life begins with pure, high-quality nutrition, setting kids up for a lifetime of healthy eating habits. Their formulas are Clean Label Project Certified, and each one is formulated with the essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients little ones need to support healthy development — even during the fussy phases.

And while Bubs' packaging has recently had a fresh new look, parents can rest easy knowing that the trusted formula inside remains exactly the same.

2. The power of predictability.

Toddlers thrive on routine, and once I accepted that my child needed to know exactly what was happening next (and when), life got easier for both of us.

We created a loose daily schedule — nothing rigid, but consistent enough that she felt secure.

Morning play, lunchtime, wind-down, nap (if the stars aligned), afternoon walk, dinner, bath, books, bed. 

Even small cues like the same lullaby before naps helped her know what to expect. I found that when everything felt chaotic, a little routine went a long way.

3. Let them help (even if it slows you down).

Toddlers love feeling in control. So, instead of battling my daughter's need for independence, I started giving her "jobs".

Stirring pancake batter. Wiping her table. Packing the dishwasher.

Yes, it took longer. Yes, there was flour on the ceiling once. But giving her small responsibilities helped ease a lot of the tantrums rooted in frustration.

And instead of constantly saying "no", I started offering choices too:

"Do you want the blue bowl or the red one?"

"Would you like to wear your dinosaur pyjamas or the bunny ones?"

Kids want to feel like they matter. And letting them help is a simple way of saying, "you do".

Image: Supplied.

4. Take your own time out.

Let's be real: toddler parenting is a full-contact sport. And while we love these little people fiercely, you deserve breaks too.

Whether it's a walk around the block while your partner handles bath time, a solo grocery trip or hiding in the bathroom for three minutes with a chocolate — do it. 

Taking care of yourself isn't selfish, it's necessary.

We can't pour from an empty cup — and taking a break actually helped me show up better as a mum.

5. A screen-free quiet space.

Yes, we watch Bluey. A lot. But having a little "calm corner" in our lounge room changed the game.

Think: soft pillows, board books, a cuddly toy or two — nothing grand, just a spot where we could press pause.

Sometimes she'd only last five minutes. Other times, she'd happily chill while I got dinner sorted.

The calm corner became our little reset space, and it helped both of us wind down without relying on screens.

Image: Supplied.

6. Remember: this phase isn't forever.

One of the best pieces of advice I got during a particularly rough week was: "You're not doing it wrong. It's just hard."

Toddlers are complicated little beings. They're learning so much, feeling big feelings (with tiny vocabularies) and testing boundaries because that's literally how their brains grow. 

It's beautiful. It's maddening. It's all temporary.

But one day, they'll say "thank you" without prompting. One day, you'll sit through a whole dinner without someone flinging spaghetti at the wall. One day, you'll miss these wild, wonderful years.

But today? It's okay to just survive it.

Shop Bubs' toddler milk online or in-store at your nearest retailer.

Suitable for children 12 months and older. Always read the label and follow directions for use.

Feature Image: Supplied.

Parenting is an adventure A whirlwind of nappies and naps. Tantrums and cuddles. It's also the most rewarding job in the world. But beyond that bundle of joy in your arms can be a sea of uncertainty. Just know you've got this, even if you don't know what 'this' is just yet. How do we know? Because like you, we've experienced it all. Bubs was borne through a parent's intuition – a vision of the importance of setting little ones up for a lifetime of health and nutrition. It's about feeding only the cleanest, contemporary Australian nutrition to their bub.