The average parent experiences nearly 50 milestones with their children within the first year, according to new research.
A survey of 2,000 parents of babies (9 months to 24 months) found that while many of these were expected, 78% agreed that important developmental and emotional milestones can come completely out of the blue.
The survey found that parents impatiently waited for their baby’s first steps (66%) and words (62%), to hear them laugh (60%) or celebrate their first birthday (53%).
Parents are also clearly just as excited for their baby to blow out that single candle or smash that cake as their child is. Forty-two percent of parents said it’s a chance for them to reflect on how far they’ve come and 70% believe that a birthday party is a way to celebrate all of the milestones their child has achieved.
Whether milestones are expected or not, the survey, which was conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Horizon Organic, found that parents are snapping photos of their kiddo doing things big and small.
The average parent has nearly 2,000 photos and videos of their little ones in their camera roll. That’s around 1,000 photos for every year of life, or almost three every single day.
When asked the most surprising milestone that pulled on their heartstrings, one respondent said, “When he wrapped his arms around and hugged his older sister for the first time.”
Another said, “I wasn’t expecting to be so emotional over transitioning to larger size clothing. It has been bittersweet watching my baby grow because I expect this to be my last baby.”
With that growth also comes mixed feelings as fewer parents were ready for the emotional impact of leaving newborn clothes behind (16%) or weaning them off breast milk or formula (just 11%).
The survey also explored how prepared parents were to navigate their child’s growth and development. According to the results, 89% of parents feel some level of preparedness, though only 45% feel “very knowledgeable” about their child’s changing nutritional needs.
In fact, 46% agree that the transition away from breast milk and formula to the introduction of dairy milk was one of the most stressful stages of parenthood they’ve experienced thus far.
Top reasons for this stress include not knowing if their child would miss breast milk or formula (33%), worries over whether they’d like dairy milk (33%) and concerns about whether they’re getting enough nutrients (31%).
In fact, nearly half of parents (47%) admit that their concerns over whether or not their child is getting the right nutrition keep them up at night.
“It’s clear parents want to make sure their child is getting the nutrients needed to grow and thrive, but it’s not always easy with toddler food preferences changing by the day – sometimes the minute,” said Erica Bardeau, Chief Marketing Officer at Horizon Organic. “With 85% of parent respondents saying it’s important that their child consumes fortified foods and 62% saying it is important that their child consumes organic foods, options like high-quality, organic milk with added key nutrients such as DHA Omega-3 and prebiotics can be a great way to get added benefits in a single serving.”
Almost three in five (56%) parents are concerned about their child being a picky eater, but, despite their concerns, these parents have several nutrient-rich options that will satisfy their child.
Seventy percent of parents know their child will regularly consume bananas, followed by yogurt (63%) and dairy milk (60%).
Outside of concerns about nutrition, the transition away from breast milk or formula can cause a variety of emotions. Of the 71% who breastfed their child, many were almost equally likely to say they felt relief (40%) as they did sadness (38%) or even guilt (32%) about weaning.
“The first birthday — and the changes that come with it — can be both wonderful and emotional. Between navigating changing diets and taste buds, it can feel harder to ensure children are getting everything they need to reach developmental milestones,” said Bardeau. “As the first organic dairy brand sold across the U.S., we are committed to supporting parents as they introduce dairy into their children’s diets so they can feel confident while their kids do what they do best: grow.”
Survey methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 parents of babies 9 to 24 months; the survey was commissioned by Horizon Organic and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between March 18 to March 26, 2025.
