Make sure lack of sleep doesn't affect how exciting it is to watch your
toddler’s development.
Here’s roughly what developments to expect
and when.
·
Walking
· Talking
· Talking
·
Social skills
Walking
The average age for first steps is around 12-13
months, but plenty of toddlers don’t walk until nearer 18 months – and
occasionally nearer two years old. As soon as they’re steady on their feet they
may start running, though will probably have difficulty changing direction at
the same time. Many adore climbing from 14-15 months and will turn every piece
of furniture into their version of Mount Everest. By 18-20 months most can usually kick
a ball but may struggle with jumping so hold off on Olympian Gymnast expectations!
Talking
Their first words can come any time between nine
and 18 month, some earlier. The average is 11-12 months. At 18 months they should have
around 10-20 words, rising to around 50 by their second birthday, when they
will also begin to put two words together (‘bye bye mummy’). If you’re
worried your toddler is falling behind, it’s worth talking to your doctor who will have advice for encouraging your toddler’s language.
Social skills
A 12-month-old may not really interact much with
other babies, but by 18 months will have probably progressed to playing
alongside them maybe not yet ‘with’ them. It’s too early to expect them to share
toys but using the words share and helping them gain an understanding of what share means and the behaviour behind can definitely be implemented daily. They will imitate others’ behaviour from around 20 months and can
also follow two-step instructions (‘bring me your hat and put it on’). They’re
getting more dextrous too: by 18-20 months they may be able to take off some
clothes, with help. By aged two they understand if they are a girl or boy.
Between 18 months and two years most will begin to show a couple of the signs
of readiness for potty training, such as hiding themselves away to do a poo.
Most start potty training at two to two and a half years.
Play
At 12 months toddlers have usually perfected the
pincer grip so they love practising it by fiddling with details, levers and
moving parts of toys. By 16 months they may be able to stack a few bricks;
taller towers come nearer 20-22 months. By 17 months most are enjoying pretend
games like tea-parties.
Teeth
Almost all toddlers have their first tooth by their
first birthday (though a few will still be waiting). By now many will have the
front four teeth on bottom and top, with the canines (pointy teeth) and molars
emerging at around 16-20 months. The second set of molars usually appears around
two years old. They will have all 20 baby teeth at two and a half to
three. I always say they teeth for what feels like a lifetime so don't let that be the excuse for poor sleep habits.
Feeding
By 12 months most toddlers are pretty adept at finger feeding, and may
be able to use a chunky spoon and fork by 15 months, with sometimes spectacular
effects. Food should get gradually lumpier until they’re eating normal family
food by 17-18 months. They should be happy drinking from a cup, not a bottle,
from 12 months. All toddlers are unique and develop at different paces – don’t
forget, they haven’t read the books! But if you’ve got concerns, do talk to
your doctor to put your mind at rest.
In terms of sleep THEY NEED IT for development and I have actually had numerous cases where we fixed the sleep and the development flowed thick and fast after. Don't underestimate what sleep is doing for your child. You cannot run a car with out fuel and oil changes - not long term any way. Sleep is crucial for your little ones development. Give it the value it deserves.
Happy parenting and sleeping of course!
Time To Sleep Consulting
Time To Sleep Consulting
Carly Wintle
778-877-6380
