Once on the move your toddler explores their world with passion – they are extremely quick – so think ahead – are they safe?
At 12 months - usually
- most toddlers can stand alone
- some are actually toddling
- some may ‘cruise’ holding onto the furniture, not actually wanting to let go of their support just yet
- some are very happy crawling or shuffling
By 18 months: most toddlers are much more confident on their feet
- they may walk
- some may even run
- some may build a tower of three or four blocks
- they can be “helping” you clear up toys and copying you doing housework
- they may be able to feed themselves with a spoon and fork and drink from a cup. Provide healthy snacks / meals at reasonable times right from the start
By Two Years:
- most toddlers will run
- many can kick a ball
- some will be able to jump up and down on two feet
- many can undress themselves but usually need help dressing
- many can hold crayons, a paintbrush or a pencil
By Three Years:
- most can climb a climbing frame
- many can throw a ball
- some children can pedal a tricycle
Remember, all children develop at different ages and may take a little longer to reach these milestones. If you have any concerns see your health professional as soon as you are able.
You can encourage development by:
- letting them explore in a safe environment
- reading to them (rhyming and repetition are especially good) – getting them to fill in missing words - ‘Baa, baa black ….’
- singing and dancing together
- letting them scribble with big crayons
- playing with play dough
- letting them play with water at the kitchen bench while you work
- walking in the park and feeding the ducks
- let them tidy up their toys / put things away
- help appropriately with simple household jobs
They will imitate what you are doing. This is a time for lots of hugs and cuddles.
At this stage they cannot always remember clearly what is right and wrong. Let them make simple choices like which top or shoes to wear today. Say it is dinner time. Don’t ask if they are hungry. They also have no real idea of time so it is likely they won’t understand if you say you will do something later.
Their concentration span is short so they usually play with a toy briefly before discarding it and getting another one out.
Walking
All children develop at their own pace, and it is quite normal for toddlers to walk after 15 months old. They seem quite happy continuing to cruise or crawl and are probably concentrating on developing other skills like talking and thinking. Toddlers will walk when they’re ready. Try not to get drawn into ‘competitions’ with other mothers about whose child is doing what first. Enjoy these months at your child’s pace.
