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Toddler Development
Toddler Development

During the second year, your toddler will continue to learn new skills every day. Here’s how to keep up with her new achievements and keep her safe.


Health checks
You may be asked to bring your toddler in for a general check up with your health visitor. In some areas all children have routine checks, while in others selected children will have them. Even if you’re sure your child is fine, it’s a good idea to go along. The checks may uncover a problem while it’s still in its early stages, which is the best time to put it right. If you’re worried about any aspect of your child’s development, it’s a good opportunity to talk about it, too. But if you have a real concern, perhaps about your child’s sight or hearing, don’t wait for the check-up – see your doctor or health visitor straight away.

Toddler twins
Children develop at different rates… and that applies to twins, too! One twin may talk early, the other much later. One may walk earlier than the other. Don’t compare them unfavourably to each other, just enjoy their differences.

Talking
Your toddler will go through many stages from babbling to talking. Encourage your child by talking to her as much as possible and reading books together.
At around 12 months most babies:
  • say one or two words, often ‘mama’ or ‘dada’
  • can shout to attract attention
  • may squeal with delight
  • will know the meaning of several words, especially the word ‘No!’
  • can understand simple instructions, like ‘Give the cup to mummy’.
During the second year most toddlers:
  • learn many more words
  • join some of them into simple sentences like ‘Drink gone’
  • learn, and can use their name
  • enjoy, and remember simple songs and nursery rhymes.
On the move
Once on the move, your toddler can explore her world.

At 12 months:
  • most toddlers can stand alone
  • some are actually toddling!
  • many will ‘cruise’ holding onto the furniture, not actually wanting to let go of their support just yet
  • some are still happy crawling or shuffling.
By 18 months:
  • most children walk
  • some can even run.
By two:
  • most toddlers will run
  • many can kick a ball
  • some will be able to jump up and down on two feet.
By three:
  • most can climb a climbing frame
  • many can throw a ball
  • some can pedal a tricycle.
Remember, if your child has special needs, she may take a little longer to reach these milestones.

For the next Your Toddler Guide Chapter, Home Safety, Click here arrow

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