Toddlers

This Page pertains to the ages one year to three years. You will find information concerning: feeding, sleep, growth, and development.

Please note: This should only be used as a guide, for all children are different.

The Second Year

~Movement~

By the end of this stage your child should be able to:

• Walk alone

• Pull toys while walking

• Run

• Stand on tiptoe

• Kick a ball

• Climb onto and off of furniture unassisted

~Language~

By the end of this stage your child should be able to:

• Point to objects when you name them

• Say several single words

• Follow simple instructions

• Use simple phrases

~Feeding~

This is the time when you will notice a drop in how much your child eats. With all the distractions, you may have some difficulty in getting your child to come to the table.

Formula should be discontinued at this time and replaced with cow's milk. If you are concerned with how much your child is eating, you can discuss with your pediatrician the possibilities of a vitamin, or a dietary supplement.

~Sleeping~

You may have more difficulty then before getting your child to lay down at night. He/she will want to continue playing. Also this is the age children go through seperation anxiety. They do not want to be away from you. The best thing to do is be reassuring, comforting, and calm during these episodes.

~Toilet Training~

Ways to tell if your child is ready:

Bowel movements occur on a fairly predictable schedule

Diaper is dry through the night
Can and will follow instructions
Imitates other family members in the bathroom

~Safety Alert~

Now that your child is bigger it is important to keep the crib mattrss at its lowest setting. Keeping the crib away from all drapery and electric cords is also important.

Never leave your toddler even for a second around any body of water unsupervised. (bathtubs, hot tub, swimming pools, ect.)

Make sure you have ahold of your child when around traffic.

On Into The Third Year

~Movements~

Your child should be able to:

• Climb well
• walk up and down stairs alternating feet
• Pedal a tricycle
• Bend over easily without falling

~Language~

Your child should be able to:

• Recognize and identify almost all common obects
• Understand physical relationships ("on," "in," "under")
• Strangers can understand most words

~Feeding~

Your child should be eating three meals and two snacks. You will notice more coordiation with a spoon. He/she should be able to successfully eat with one hand, and drink from a sippy cup.

~Sleeping~

Your child is probably now down to one nap a day. Your toddler will probably still resist going to sleep, and possibility of nightmares is a factor. Since your child is still very young, he/she has trouble determining imagination and reality. So, they can sometimes think their nightmare is true. This is where the "monsters in the closet" come in. Just try to comfort him/her, and filtering out scary images on television helps alot too.

~Preparing for school~

Although kindergarden is considered the start of school, many parent chose to have their toddler in pre-school, or daycare. When considering this it is important that your child understands sharing, and listening to the teacher.

Make sure when looking for for the right school you factor in your morals and what kind of enviroment is right for your child. It is good to find a program realitively small in size. Teachers should be trained in early childhood development. Always go with your gut feeling about the school.

~Safety Alert~

Keep doors locked that you don't want your child in.

All toxins should be kept well out of the childs reach.

Install stairway gates and window guards.

Always supervise your child.

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