Toddler development can be a source of much concern for a new mom. She wants to know if her toddler is reaching the assessed milestones. Toddler milestones should never be a measuring stick for the health of your toddler. There are so many other factors to consider so that you can assess the whole child and determine whether there is a lack in an area. See these age brackets and milestones as an indication of your toddler development.

This time of your toddler's life sees many moms saying “She/he is no longer a baby”. While this is true your toddler is still totally reliant on you for all her physical, emotional and social needs.

Potty Training

Still in nappies/diapers

Feeding

Enjoys finger foods May try to use a spoon

Sleeping

2 naps a day
10 hours a night

Physical Development

Sits and twists to reach things
May be walking or cruising furniture
Stands alone

Intellectual

Easy one syllable words
Enjoys clear board books

Social

May be interested in other babies and young children
Loves siblings
Stranger shy

Playing

If your toddler is mobile its the “into everything” stage
Loves water play (always supervised)
Enjoys simple toys and still “mouths” articles.

Training

Should be able to identify “no” for safety
Distract your little one to avoid tantrums

>>>See activities for 12 – 15 month old toddlers

If your little one is walking by now you will find that they enjoy their independence and may stretch their comfort circle a little. Toddlers are generally more sociable at this age but their main source of comfort, friendship and physical needs are from mom and dad.

Potty Training

Still in nappies/diapers
May show sign of nappy discomfort

Feeding

Will try to use a spoon to self feed
Finger foods are important

Sleeping

1 - 2 naps a day
10 hours a night

Physical Development

Should be walking sometime during these months
Older walkers may try to toddle-run

Intellectual

Stringing of two words together “Mommy come!”... “Dog bark!”
Enjoys imitating animals sounds
Enjoys clear board books

Social

Will not be able to share toys yet
Loves siblings
Stranger shy
May show signs of separation anxiety
Probably take time to warm up to new situations

Playing

If your toddler is mobile it’s the “into everything” stage
Loves water play (always supervised)
Sand play is a favourite
Pushing toys like trolleys can encourage late walkers
Enjoys simple toys and still “mouths” articles.

Training

Should be able to identify “no” for safety
Distract your little one to avoid tantrums

>>>See activities for 15 – 18 month old toddlers

Your toddler will begin to show their own personality, possibly try to defy your instructions, but as ever need to be reassured of your love and commitment to them. Mom needs to ensure that good habits are learnt now with regards to cleaning up after themselves, being polite and obedience.

Potty Training

Time to introduce potty training

Feeding

Can feed themselves with a degree of success

Sleeping

1 nap per day
10 hours per night

Physical Development

Starts to run and is able to turn corners without falling over
Will try to jump, possibly only lifting one foot off the ground

Intellectual

Stringing of two or three words together “Kitty says meow!”... “Where Peter car?”
Enjoys imitating animals sounds
Enjoys stories about other smaller children and animals
Can turn the pages of a book

Social

Will not be able to share toys yet
Loves siblings
Stranger shy
May show signs of separation anxiety
Probably take time to warm up to new situations

Playing

Should play on their own for a period of time “checking in” with mom every now and again
Enjoys chunky construction toys
Likes fitting things together

Training

Mom needs to gently train her little one to obey using reward for obedience especially for coming when called
Teaching kindness, gentleness and sharing
Mom and Dad need to exhibit the behaviours they want their child to have

>>>See activities for 18 – 24 month old toddlers

What a wonderful age this is when conversation starts to take place and you take on the role of educator of your precious child as well as being mom. Conversation plays a large part in the 2 – 3 year old child. Training in first time obedience continues as well as training in good habits. Mom needs to consistently exhibit the correct behaviour for her child to copy.

Potty Training

Should have some degree of success with getting to the toilet on time
Still in night nappies

Feeding

Can feed themselves with a degree of success
Should be eating from the family table

Sleeping

1 nap per day
10 hours per night

Physical Development

Able to jump, lifting both feet off the ground
Balance and co-ordination should be improving

Intellectual

Will be showing signs of preference of left and right
Longer sentences and questions are apparent
Can begin to think abstractly
Memory skills are improving

Social

Should be encouraged to share toys with friends and siblings
Most secure children are confident and friendly
Some may have real or imagined fears

Playing

Should play on their own for a period of time “checking in” with mom every now and again
Enjoys chunky construction toys
Likes fitting things together
Make believe become a large part of play

Training

Predominant focus of training a toddler in this age group is for them to obey your instructions

>>>See activities for 24 – 36 month old toddlers

Be sure to read to your toddler everyday!
Read Aloud Magic Learn how to accelerate your child's literacy development and academic success in only 10-minutes a day. Read Aloud is the Gift of knowledge and it lasts a lifetime. Meet Susan Frankenberg, Read Aloud Coach and author of Read Aloud Magic.

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