Early Toddlerhood (13-18 Months Adjusted Age)

Get ready for a whirlwind of activity and discovery! Your early toddler is now a mini explorer, full of curiosity and boundless energy. They might be walking (or running) everywhere, climbing on furniture, and exploring every nook and cranny. This period is all about developing independence and new skills.

Fine Motor Skills

Self-Feeding: Toddlers will become more adept at feeding themselves with utensils, though they might still be messy. Encourage their efforts by providing child-sized utensils and easy-to-eat foods.
Building and Stacking: They will enjoy building towers with blocks and knocking them down, which helps with hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.
Drawing and Scribbling: Provide crayons and paper for toddlers to practice drawing and scribbling! This activity enhances their fine motor skills and encourages creativity.

Motor Development

Mobility

Independent Walking: Many toddlers will start walking independently during this period. Provide plenty of opportunities for them to practice walking on different surfaces and in various environments.
Toe Walking: Keep an eye on whether your little one is walking on their toes. While occasional toe walking is common, consistent toe walking should be discussed with a pediatrician to rule out any underlying issues.
Climbing and Exploring: Toddlers will also start climbing and exploring their surroundings more actively. Ensure their environment is safe and provide supervised opportunities for them to climb and explore.

Communication

Language Development

Expanding Vocabulary: Toddlers will rapidly expand their vocabulary during this period. Encourage language development by naming objects, describing actions, and engaging in conversations with them.

Hearing Development

Continue to monitor their response to sounds and speech. If you notice any signs of hearing difficulties, such as not responding to their name or not recognizing familiar sounds, consult a healthcare provider.

Benefits of Signing

Teaching your toddler simple signs like “more,” “eat,” or “all done” can help reduce frustration. Signing allows toddlers to communicate their needs before they can speak clearly, which can lessen tantrums and enhance their ability to express themselves.

Early Conversations

Asking Questions: Toddlers will begin to ask simple questions, often using one or two words, such as “What’s that?” or “Where go?” Respond to their questions with clear, simple answers.
Following Directions: They will also start to follow simple directions, such as “Come here” or “Give me the ball.”

Play

Exploration

Imaginative Play: Encourage creative play by providing toys like dolls, stuffed animals, and play kitchens. This type of play helps toddlers develop social skills and creativity.
Outdoor Play: Spend time outside with your toddler. Activities like running, jumping, and playing with sand or water help develop gross motor skills and provide sensory stimulation.

Social Interaction

Parallel Play: Toddlers often engage in parallel play, playing alongside other children but not directly with them, which is an essential step in social development.
Social Playdates: Arrange playdates with other toddlers to help your child develop social skills and learn to interact with peers. These interactions can include activities like group storytelling, singing, and simple games.
Learning to Share: Encourage sharing and taking turns, though it’s normal for toddlers to be possessive of their toys. Model sharing behavior and praise them when they share or take turns.

Emotional Development

Understanding Emotions: Toddlers start to recognize and express a wider range of emotions. Encourage them to name their feelings and respond with empathy.
Managing Tantrums: It’s normal for toddlers to have tantrums as they learn to manage their emotions. Stay calm, provide comfort, and gently guide them through these moments.
Attachment and Bonding: Continue to strengthen your bond with your toddler through consistent caregiving, cuddling, and playing together.
Head Banging: It’s common for toddlers to engage in head banging, and rest assured, they rarely hurt themselves. Some toddlers may do it before sleep to soothe themselves or out of frustration. It’s generally recommended to ignore the behavior (unless safety is a concern) and provide alternative ways for them to manage frustration.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Some children may show early signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) during this stage, though diagnosis typically occurs later. ASD affects a child’s social skills, communication abilities, and behavior patterns. Early signs may include limited eye contact, delayed speech, repetitive behaviors, or difficulty with social interactions. If you have concerns about your child’s development, discuss them with your pediatrician

Sleep Apnea: What is it and What Does it Mean? Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. It can disrupt sleep quality and lead to daytime drowsiness and other health issues if left untreated. It’s important to consult a healthcare provider if sleep apnea is suspected.
Sleep and Attention: Maintaining healthy sleep hygiene and a regular sleep rhythm is crucial for toddlers’ cognitive development. Poor sleep habits can impact their ability to regulate attention, affecting learning and behavior.

Sleep

Sleep Patterns: Toddlers typically need 11-14 hours of sleep per day, including one or two naps. Establish a consistent sleep schedule and bedtime routine.
Overnight Sleep: Some toddlers may experience sleep regressions or nighttime waking. Maintain a calm and reassuring bedtime routine to help them settle
Sleep “Onion” and Sleep Begets Sleep: The concept of a sleep onion emphasizes that good sleep habits build upon each other, layer by layer. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine and sleep schedule helps toddlers get the rest they need for healthy development.

Sleep

Nutrition

Balanced Diet: Provide a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and grains. Offer small, frequent meals and snacks to meet their nutritional needs.
Introducing New Foods: Continue to introduce new foods and textures. Encourage your toddler to try different foods, but don’t force them to eat. Be patient with picky eating!
Hydration: After the first six months, water is commonly introduced to toddlers to promote hydration. However, if your toddler is facing challenges with growth, it’s advisable to limit water intake as it can fill them up without providing essential calories. Ensure that your toddler receives adequate hydration through breast milk, formula, or milk, which provide necessary nutrients along with hydration. Water should be introduced gradually and in moderation to support healthy growth and development. Tap water is also a great source of fluoride for teeth; people with well water should discuss fluoride with their pediatrician or pediatric dentist. Also, limit sugary drinks and avoid caffeinated beverages.

Physical Activity

Active Play: Encourage plenty of physical activity to promote gross motor skills and overall health. Activities can include running, climbing, dancing, and playing with balls.
Structured Activities: Enroll in toddler-friendly classes like swimming, gymnastics, or music to provide structured physical activities and socialization opportunities.