24 months baby: 24-Month-Old (2-Year-Old) Development Milestones: Toddler Month by Month

Опубликовано: October 9, 2023 в 7:37 am

Автор:

Категории: Baby

24-Month-Old (2-Year-Old) Development Milestones: Toddler Month by Month

Your toddler is 2 years old. Happy birthday!

Your 24-month-old is likely playing pretend, sorting stuff into categories and is hip to simple abstract concepts (like “sooner” vs. “later”). Your toddler is also getting more verbal every day, is sometimes whiny and may be having some separation anxiety. They like to do things for themselves and, of course, can throw a doozy of a tantrum. The fun part: They’re probably big on showing other emotions too, like love and joy, and are absolutely smitten with you.

In this article:
24-month-old development
24-month-old health
24-month-old food
24-month-old sleep
Activities for a 24-month-old
24-month-old baby checklist and tips

2-Year-Old Development

As your 24-month-old baby continues to grow, you might find their confidence growing too. This can mean becoming braver about trying new things—and about testing your parental limits too.

2-year-old weight and height

Wondering how much should a 2-year-old weigh? Average weight for a 24-month-old is 26.5 pounds for girls and 27.5 pounds for boys, according to the World Health Organization.

How tall is the average 2-year-old? Average height for a 24-month-old baby is 33.5 inches for girls and 34.2 inches for boys.

At the two-year checkup, the pediatrician will weigh and measure your 24-month-old to make sure their growth is following a healthy upward curve on the growth chart.

2-year-old milestones

You’re probably starting to notice that your 24-month-old baby is less of a baby and more of a toddler these days as they check off more and more skills on the list of 24-month-old milestones. Here are some milestones your 24-month-old may have hit or may be working on:

  • Motor skills. Your 24-month-old can probably walk up the stairs one foot at a time, walk down the stairs and jump with both feet at once. You’ll notice your 24-month-old is running well and kicking a ball pretty accurately too. Help your child develop their 24-month-old milestones by playing outside with them and going for short walks.
  • Speech. Your toddler may be saying 50 words or as many as 100, and you can probably understand your kiddo at least half the time now, which should help cut down on tantrums. They may even be saying two-word phrases—but it’s not usually worrisome if they aren’t yet. They should be able to use a noun plus a verb, refer to themselves by name and verbally identify three pictures. The pediatrician will probably check for hearing problems if your child isn’t talking as much as expected.
  • Teething. A toddler’s upper second molars tend to poke through around the second birthday, causing some teething discomfort.
  • Potty training. The second birthday is a popular time to start ramping up potty-training efforts if your child is showing signs of readiness. This may include telling you they have to go, wanting their dirty or wet diaper changed, showing interest in the potty, being able to pull their pants up and down by themselves and/or staying dry for at least two hours in a row. Don’t rush your tot if they’re not there yet; experts say potty training is likely to go most smoothly when started around 30 months.

What should a 24-month-old be able to do?

Your 24-month-old baby is becoming more coordinated and better able to communicate. You might notice that they can now turn pages on their own, scribble on a piece of paper and jump up and down. Your 24-month-old may now be able to identify different body parts and understand most two-step directions. You might also notice them copying you frequently, so do your best to set good examples.

2-year-old behavior

Have you noticed that your 24-month-old baby is full of ever-changing opinions? This can cause joyful behavior that makes you giggle, or more frustrating behaviors that test your patience. Now that your child is officially 24 months old, here’s advice on how to deal with new toddler behaviors:

  • Tantrums. Welcome to the terrible twos. Seventy-five percent of kids have tantrums by the time they hit age 2, so your child is certainly not alone in this tough phase. It can be one of the more frustrating 24-month-old milestones, but it’s not always as, well, terrible as it sounds. In fact, you may start to learn what helps stop your child’s tantrums. Many kids calm with hugs, some respond to redirection and others may just have to vent their frustration.
  • Separation anxiety. It’s common for 2-year-olds to have a tough time separating from their parents. As hard as it is, gently but firmly show them that their tears aren’t going to change things. Keep goodbyes short and sweet, and reassure your 24-month-old that you’ll be back—and be specific with the details. For example, “I’ll be back after your nap.”
  • Emotions. A 2-year-old’s feelings are big. Don’t worry about constantly trying to cheer your tot up or convincing them not to be angry. In fact, teaching your 24-month-old that their feelings are valid is important, but they should also learn how to express them without tantruming. Teach your child how to use words to describe their feelings; helping to identify out loud when they’re mad, frustrated or sad can be useful. Acknowledgment is an important step toward learning to handle negative emotions.

Do 24-month-olds understand emotions?

A 24-month-old baby is capable of understanding the feelings of others around them, which can be one of the especially exciting 24-month-old milestones to see. You might notice your child comforting someone who is upset or crying when they see someone else cry. Encourage this empathy by talking about your own emotions with your 24-month-old and teaching them to use words to describe how they feel.

2-Year-Old Health

  • My 24-month-old has diarrhea. What should I do?
  • My 24-month-old is constipated. What should I do?
  • My 24-month-old is throwing up. What should I do?
  • My 24-month-old has a fever. What should I do?

2-Year-Old Sleep

Don’t be surprised if your 24-month-old’s afternoon nap gets a little bit shorter as they get older. But keep in mind that their total sleep per day should remain about the same, so you might consider putting them to bed a little earlier on days with shorter naps.

How much sleep does a 2-year-old need?

Most 24-month-olds need around 11 to 12 hours of nighttime sleep, plus a nap of about 1.5 to 3 hours, for a total of about 13 to 14 hours of sleep per day.

2-year-old sleep schedule

Every kid is different, but your child’s schedule may look something like this:

Image: Smart Up Visuals

2-year-old sleep regression

Tired because your 2-year-old is waking up at night? Regression can happen when a formerly good sleeper suddenly begins waking more, throwing you for a loop. A bout of teething or illness could be the cause, or maybe a trip or holiday where your child’s sleep routine changed. To get back to the usual snoozing routine, it’s important to know the root of the problem, so you can help your little one get through it. Stick with the usual bedtime routine and set limits that will help your 24-month-old get back on track.

2-Year-Old Food

There’s one big change to your child’s menu this month: Now that they’re 2 years old, talk to your pediatrician about switching them from whole milk to 1 percent or skim milk. Try to offer low-fat dairy products, such as yogurt and cheese, as well. Doctors recommend kids ages 1 to 3 get 700 mg of calcium and 600 IU of vitamin D per day, so drinking 16 oz of milk is a great source for your 24-month-old.

How much should my 24-month-old be eating?

Two-year-olds should continue to eat three meals per day, plus two snacks. Offer them a variety of foods in all food groups—vegetables, fruits, grains, protein and dairy—daily.

A serving of pasta the size of a Ping-Pong ball, protein as big as four marbles and chopped veggies or fruit around the size of four dominoes are all considered normal portions for a toddler this age.

What to feed my 24-month-old

Variety is still key. Most toddlers should eat about ¾ to 1 cup of fruits and veggies, ¼ cup grains and three tablespoons of protein per day.

Looking for some tasty and nutritious meal inspiration? Check out these food ideas for a 2-year-old:

2-year-old feeding schedule

Image: Smart Up Visuals

2-year-old not eating: What to do for a picky eater

Try not to worry too much if your child is turning down nutritious foods and choosing only white and brown foods. It’s normal for 24-month-olds to be picky eaters—consider it their way of exercising their newfound independence. The best you can do is keep offering nutritious food options, choosing and preparing food together and modeling healthy eating behaviors for your child. They’ll come around to eating other colors…eventually.

Activities for a 2-Year-Old

Your 2-year-old is probably interested in coloring, building and pretend play. You might find they’re spending more time playing independently than they used to. Keep your 24-month-old baby busy with activities that help them practice their motor skills and use their imagination.

Looking for things to do with a 2-year-old? Some fun activities, games and toys for a 2-year-old include:

  • Crayons. Two-year-olds will pretend to write if you give them crayons and paper. At two, they begin making horizontal and circular strokes with a crayon.
  • Building blocks. Duplos and other large Lego-type blocks are excellent toys to help build fine motor skills. At this age, they should be stacking five to six blocks.
  • Imaginative play. Playing with dolls, cars, trains and stuffed animals are all popular activities for 2-year-olds.

2-Year-Old Baby Checklist and Tips

  • Take your toddler to their two-year (24-month) checkup. Ask any questions you might have about 24-month-old milestones and make sure you tell the pediatrician if you have any concerns. During this visit, your pediatrician may order a blood test to check for iron deficiency and lead poisoning.
  • Schedule your toddler’s 2 ½-year (30-month) checkup.
  • Instead of brushing teeth, let your toddler “paint” their teeth (with toothpaste, of course). This makes it way more fun.
  • Start practicing pulling pants up and down with your 24-month-old. This will make potty training significantly easier once it’s time, and will also help your 24-month-old baby become more independent.
  • Read to your 24-month-old every day and keep screen time to a minimum (ideally no more than one hour a day, per the American Academy of Pediatrics). If you do allow screen time, watch with your 24-year-old so you can monitor and discuss what they watch.
  • Thinking about baby no. 2? Try reading books together about bringing home a new sibling. Spend time around babies, so your toddler learns how to touch them gently. And, if they’ll be moving out of their crib or into a new room, make the change at least four weeks before you’re due so your child has time to adjust.

Time is flying with your 24-month-old. They’re doing something new and exciting every day. Enjoy this exhilarating—and exhausting—stage, and get rest when you can.

Medical content was reviewed by Alexis Phillips-Walker, DO, a pediatrician at Memorial Hermann Medical Group Pediatrics in Atascocita, Texas.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Toddler development at 18-24 months

Toddler development at 18-24 months: what’s happening

Feelings
At this age, toddlers start to experience new emotions like anger and frustration, guilt, shame, possessiveness and excitement. These ‘big’ emotions can be hard for your toddler to deal with, and you might see some tantrums as a result.

Although your toddler’s separation anxiety peaks at around 18 months, by 2 years it usually starts to settle down. But when your toddler plays, they might still want to be near you, a familiar adult or a sibling.

Your toddler is also beginning to think about how they feel and might link feelings with words. For example, your toddler might tell you they’re ‘sad’. They might show affection by giving you a kiss or hugging a doll, which is also part of developing empathy.

Everyday skills
Around this time, toddlers are keen to do more things independently. For example, your toddler is learning to feed themselves using a spoon and cup, and maybe even a fork – there might even be fewer spills than before!

Your toddler might try to help when getting dressed and undressed. At this age, it’s easier for your toddler to take off socks, shoes and clothes without buttons.

Generally, your toddler might show signs that they’re ready for toilet training from 2 years on. But some children start to show signs of being ready earlier, at around 18 months.

Playing and learning
Play is important because it’s how children learn.

At this age, your toddler will start imagining and creating through pretend play – for example, pretending to drink from a cup. As your toddler grows older, pretend play gets more complex, and you might find your toddler doing things like sweeping the floor with a tree branch. Your toddler will enjoy spending time with siblings and other children, even if they don’t play directly with others.

Talking
Toddlers enjoy talking at this age. Your toddler’s words might even have up-and-down tones, just like an adult’s. You’ll most likely hear a mix of ‘babble’ and real words.

At 18 months, your toddler is learning words all the time – usually 1-2 words a week, or maybe even a word a day. Your toddler might name and point at familiar objects, people and body parts – for example, ears, nose or toes. Your toddler might also make animal sounds like ‘moo’ or say the same sound or word over and over.

Your toddler knows their own name and the idea of ‘mine’. They’re getting better at understanding simple sentences and instructions like ‘Bring it to Mum’ or ‘Let’s go for a walk’. You’ll be able to understand more of what your toddler says to you.

By 2 years, your toddler might be able to say ‘I’, ‘you’ and ‘me’ and use sentences with 2-3 words – for example, ‘Mummy car’ or ‘me do it’.

Moving
Toddlers usually walk on their own by 18 months and begin to run. Your toddler will probably walk up and down stairs or climb furniture with your help. Throwing and kicking a ball, scribbling with pencils or crayons, and building small towers of blocks might be some of your toddler’s favourite things.

It’s a good idea to look at how you can make your home safe for your active toddler to move around in.

At this age, your toddler might also:

  • ask for ‘more’ and say ‘no’ when asked to do something
  • copy you – for example, they might help you sweep the floor
  • sit themselves in a small chair
  • walk around carrying larger objects
  • use one hand more than the other by 2 years.

When your toddler learns a new skill, celebrate the achievement with plenty of praise and positive attention. It’s also a good idea to help and encourage your toddler to keep doing the things they’ve learned, even if those things are difficult.

Helping toddler development at 18-24 months

Here are simple things you can do to help your toddler’s development at this age:

  • Be there for your toddler: if you’re nearby while your toddler plays and explores, it gives your toddler confidence to try new things on their own. This can help your toddler to be independent and self-confident later on.
  • Give your toddler the chance to play with others: play is a great way for your toddler to learn how to be with other children, make friends and develop social skills like sharing and taking turns.
  • Spend time playing outdoors: being out and about with you lets your toddler explore the world and test out their growing physical skills. When you’re outside, remember to be safe in the sun.
  • Encourage your toddler to practise everyday skills like feeding themselves, drinking from a cup and getting dressed. These skills involve both small and big muscle movements, as well as your toddler’s ability to think about what they’re doing.
  • Talk with your toddler: naming and talking about everyday things – body parts, toys and household items like spoons or chairs – develops language skills. At this age, you can teach your toddler that a ‘chair’ can be a ‘big chair’, ‘red chair’ or even a ‘big red chair’.
  • Give meaning to your toddler’s talking by listening and talking back. If your toddler says ‘Mama milk’, you might reply by saying ‘You want Mum to get you some milk?’ This encourages conversation and builds your toddler’s communication skills. It also makes your toddler feel valued and loved.
  • Read with your toddler: you can encourage your toddler’s talking and imagination by reading together, telling stories, singing songs and reciting nursery rhymes. These activities also help your toddler learn to read as they get older.

Parenting toddlers at 18-24 months

As a parent, you’re always learning. It’s OK to feel confident about what you know. And it’s also OK to admit you don’t know something and ask questions or get help.

It’s also important to look after yourself. Looking after yourself physically, mentally and emotionally is good for you, and it’s good for your toddler. When you’re well, you can give your toddler the loving attention they need to grow and thrive. You can also guide your toddler’s behaviour in positive ways, even when you find their behaviour challenging.

And remember that part of looking after yourself is asking for help, especially if you’re feeling stressed, anxious or angry. There are many people who can support you and your toddler, including your partner, friends, relatives, child and family health nurse and GP.

Never shake, hit or verbally abuse a toddler. You risk harming your child, even if you don’t mean to. If you feel like you can’t cope, it’s OK to take some time out until you feel calmer. Gently put your toddler in a safe place like a cot. Go to another room to breathe deeply, or call your state or territory parenting helpline.

When to be concerned about toddler development at 18 months

You know your toddler best. So it’s a good idea to see your child and family health nurse or GP if you have any concerns or notice that your 18-month-old toddler has any of the following issues.

Seeing, hearing and communicating
Your toddler:

  • has trouble seeing or hearing things
  • doesn’t say any single words
  • can’t put 2 words together – for example, ‘More drink’
  • doesn’t point, wave or use other gestures
  • doesn’t follow simple instructions – for example, ‘Please give me the ball’.

Behaviour and play
Your toddler doesn’t enjoy eye contact or cuddles with you or isn’t showing their feelings.

Movement and motor skills
Your toddler:

  • isn’t walking on their own
  • uses one hand a lot more than the other (usually children don’t use one hand more than the other until closer to 2 years).

When to be concerned about toddler development at 2 years

It’s a good idea to see your child and family health nurse or GP if you notice your 2-year-old has any of the following issues.

Seeing, hearing and communicating
Your toddler:

  • has trouble seeing or hearing things
  • isn’t putting 2 or more words together – for example, ‘Red car’ or ‘Me go too’
  • can’t follow simple instructions – for example, ‘Get your shoes, please’.

Behaviour and play
Your toddler:

  • isn’t showing their feelings
  • doesn’t come to you for affection or comfort
  • doesn’t copy actions or words – for example, when singing ‘Heads, shoulders, knees and toes’
  • doesn’t pretend during play – for example, doesn’t pretend to talk on the phone.

Movement and motor skills
Your toddler:

  • can’t walk up and down stairs, even if holding on to you or a rail
  • can’t run
  • finds it hard to handle small objects – for example, a pencil or crayon
  • isn’t scribbling.

See a child health professional if you notice your toddler is losing skills they had before.

It’s also a good idea to see your child and family health nurse or GP if you or your partner experiences the signs of postnatal depression in birthing mothers or postnatal depression in non-birthing parents. Signs of postnatal depression include feeling sad and crying for no obvious reason, feeling irritable, having difficulty coping and feeling very anxious.

Development usually happens in the same order in most children, but skills might develop at different ages or times. If you’re wondering whether your toddler’s development is on track, or if you feel that something isn’t quite right, it’s best to get help early. See your child and family health nurse or GP.

18-24 months / Baby Development Calendar

Newborn 1 month 2 months 3 months 4 months 5 months 6 months
7-9 months 10-12 months 12-15 months 15-18 months 18-24 months

18-24 months

900 02 About 18 months old motor, speech and intellectual abilities of the child begin to develop rapidly. Now he runs faster, speaks more clearly and thinks better. Before doing something, the kid can imagine it in his mind. By the end of the second year, the child understands almost any phrases related to everyday affairs and can even help his mother around the house.

Boys at 24 months

low
below average
average
above average
high

Height, cm
76.9
79.6
82.3
85.0
87.7

Weight, kg
8.8
9.8
10.9
12.2
13.7

Head circumference, cm 0012

low
below average
average
above average
tall

Height, cm
74. 9
77.8
80.7
83.6
86.5

Weight, kg
8.1
9.1
10.2
11.6
13.2

Head circumference, cm
43.5
44.9
46.2
47.6
49.0

Physical development

  • Runs, plays catch-up.
  • Jumps in place, jumps off steps.
  • Jumping for joy.
  • Kicks the ball without missing.
  • Climbing stairs without the help of an adult; descending may be difficult.

By the age of two, the baby can ride a tricycle, get out of the crib on his own, climb onto a chair, open and close doors. Keep dangerous objects away and do not put the cup on the table closer than 30 cm from the edge!

Main skills

The main skill of the end of the second year is the constantly improving mental abilities of the baby. Thanks to them, the child begins to communicate better, speak, movements become more coordinated. Clumsy walking gives way to a fast and fast run, as if someone gave him a jet engine and new wheels. And of course, the kid wants to use them to the fullest!

Speech development

  • Vocabulary increases to 20-50 clear legible words. Every day a child learns at least one new word.
  • Can form three-word sentences “I want more.”
  • Purrs under his breath and sings.
  • By 24 months, the favorite phrase becomes the question “What is this?”
  • Loves and tries to pronounce difficult words: “dinosaur”, “helicopter”, distorting them in his own way.
  • Can give his first and last name.
  • Understands and remembers two-step requests: “Go to the kitchen and bring an apple to mom.”

Some children still do not speak by the age of two, but are more silent. Do not worry if at the same time they understand well the speech addressed to them, fulfill requests, and show logical thinking. They just have that kind of character. A little time will pass and the child will begin to speak no worse than his peers.

It is necessary to visit a doctor if by the age of two the child cannot understand the speech addressed to him, does not meaningfully use the words “mom” and “dad”, does not repeat the words after adults.

Behavior

The baby spends most of the time in motion. Running, jumping, playing – these are his favorite activities, and you should not deprive him of this opportunity. Skills and abilities are improving, he can already:

  • Build a tower of 6 cubes.
  • To sit down independently at the table.
  • Throw the ball over the head.
  • Tumble, likes to do gymnastics.
  • “Read” picture books by turning one page at a time. Some children who are prone to mental activity already like to make simple puzzles.
  • Many children at this age can learn how to use the potty.

Normal behavior: tantrums, whining, biting, squealing. Helps around the house. Maybe standing on a stool, helping mom wash the dishes.

Early development

Children’s centers

Zaitsev cubes

What to read? Every child wants to know where the pheasant is sitting

Balance games

Drawing

Drawing with ear sticks

Imagination in children

DIY educational toys

Baby’s health

Influenza and SARS

Feeding a sick child

Tempering a child

How to brush a child’s teeth

Prevention of colds in children

Dental problems in children

Atopic dermatitis

Attention age

Rickets

Chicken pox

Immunization schedule

20 months
Second revaccination against polio.

Possible problems

Speech disorders

Child does not speak

Bad habits

Childhood fears

Crisis of two years

Frequent urination

9001 1 Food and feeding

Closer to the age of two, parents often face a problem: the child refuses food. You should not worry too much about this and force your child to stuff the entire contents of the plate into himself at all costs. Such a decrease in appetite has a completely scientific justification.

A child’s growth slows down significantly by the age of one and a half. If in the first year of life his body weight increases by about three times, then from one to two years he grows by only 30 percent. Therefore, the baby needs less food. In addition, the growth of the baby in height is much greater than in width, and as energy reserves, the child spends fat accumulated in infancy. That is why children of this age begin to visually “lose weight”.

A baby’s diet at this age should include approximately 1000-1300 calories per day. Protein requirement: 2 grams per kilogram of body weight per day. Ideally balanced diet: 50-55% carbohydrates, 35-40% fats, 10-15% proteins. Frequent feedings are helpful. Sweet foods and sweets should be avoided.

It can be very difficult to fully balance the daily meals, because a child may eat more today and almost nothing tomorrow. Therefore, it would be reasonable to strive not for a balanced day, but for a “balanced week”.

Top 10 most nutritious foods: avocado, beans, cheese, eggs, fish (salmon, tuna, cod), nut butter, bran pasta, brown rice, tofu (bean curd), turkey.

How to get your child to eat

  • Give up pressure on the child. The more you push, the worse it will eat. Force feeding can permanently instill a negative attitude towards food intake in the baby.
  • Do not try at all costs to seat the child at the table. While he is mastering new interesting activities to the fullest, he has no time to waste time on food. If he “grazes”, receiving small and frequent feedings, this will be a completely healthy and acceptable diet for him.
  • Put the supplement in small portions. Do not startle your child with a full plate at once. Let him eat a little at first, and then, as he wants more, add a new portion.
  • Prepare the sauce. Children from one to two years old are very fond of dipping food in sauces. In this way, you can disguise even unloved foods so that the baby eats them. What sauces can be used: yogurt sauce, cheese sauce, fruit puree, nutritious salad dressing, guacamole (avocado sauce), and others. Do not give your child ketchup, mayonnaise and any sauces with vinegar, a lot of salt and spices.
  • Prepare a liquid lunch. If your baby is more inclined to drink than eat, let him not chew, but drink his portion. All kinds of “cocktails” made of yogurt mixed with fresh fruit are perfect. A straw can be inserted into it so that the child leaves less dirt.
  • Prepare a “treat tray”: take a plastic candy mold. Put into cells cut into small pieces (so that it is convenient to take with your hands) bright, tasty and nutritious foods that the child likes: cheese cubes, banana wheels, avocado boats, broccoli trees, small rings (breakfasts), sticks (boiled carrots or wheat bread with bran), shells, logs (pasta of various shapes) and so on – show your imagination. Such a tray perfectly matches the eating style of most children of this age: ran up, swallowed something and ran away. Please note that the tray must be on the table, and do not let the child run around with a full mouth so that he does not choke. If he cannot do this, he overturns the tray, then he is still very small, let him grow up.

Encyclopedia

Psychological problems in children

If something frightens or alarms you in a child’s behavior, you should not wait until it “goes by itself”.

Early development

All early development methods are based on the idea that during the first year of life, the baby’s brain develops by 60%, by three years – by 80%.

Children’s room

While the child is small, it is important for him to be closer to his parents, and when he grows up, depending on the area of ​​​​the apartment, you can move him either to a separate room, or allocate a “children’s” territory in one of the rooms.

Child health

Everything you need to know about immunity, hardening and childhood diseases in order to properly take care of your baby’s health.

How to potty train?

There are two methods of potty training. Supporters of “natural parenting” recommend planting a baby from birth. Pediatricians are advised to forget about potty training up to 1.5 years.

Separation from a child

Leave the baby for an hour, for a weekend, for a couple of weeks… At what stage of his development can this be done without fear?

Share

Tweet

Classroom

Share

We are in social networks

Turning points in development from the 12th to the 24th month of life – Mom’s Club.

All About Pregnancy, Baby & Toddler Development

Babies aged 12 to 24 months are developing in the most exciting, exciting and amazing ways! Physically, socially, emotionally and verbally, they become more independent and able to express their nascent personality. A healthy, balanced diet supports this development and provides babies with the nutrients they need to learn and grow.

Your baby’s physical development from 12 to 24 months

The period between your baby’s first and second birthdays is a time of incredible and exciting mental and physical development. Improved motor skills and strengthened muscles allow the baby to become more mobile every day – walking with help from the side and walking independently become more confident. Improves the coordination needed for running and jumping. The bones of baby also develop rapidly, and the constant process of bone regeneration helps each of them to strengthen and grow.

Your baby is getting bigger and taller every day, he is starting to look more and more mature. The baby’s eye-hand coordination and are constantly improving, helping him to manage his spoon and fork independently, although he will spill food for a while. This new skill also helps your little one build big towers and scribble – great things you can do together!

First steps

Most mothers can’t wait for their baby or infant to take their first steps. The moment this happens is really exciting. Watch for signs like bear-crawling (with legs straight and butt up) and baby moving around the room while holding on to furniture.

Although some babies start learning to walk as early as 9 months old, many of them are still not quite stable on their feet until 14-15 months old, and some cannot learn to walk until 18 months old or later. If your baby later mastered other milestones of physical development (such as rolling or crawling), chances are that learning to walk will take a little longer. Every toddler is different, and research shows that late walkers always catch up – there is no link between early walking and intelligence. Whenever a baby takes the first hesitant steps, it is a great joy to watch and your baby will probably get enough encouragement to keep practicing. It is recommended that babies exercise for about 3 hours every day, so when your child is able to stand well, you can let him walk beside you holding your hand or the stroller. Getting somewhere will not be possible so quickly, but this is a great way to use up some of the boundless energy of the baby.

Some babies are naturally adventurous and want to run as soon as they start to get up on their own. Others are more cautious and may need a little encouragement to agree to try something new. Once the baby is holding onto your hand and making sure everything is okay, he will soon try to do something more difficult, like climbing stairs or climbing onto a couch. While toddlers are concentrating on walking, other skills, such as the ability to talk, may take a backseat. Don’t worry – once the baby has mastered the “step by step” skill, it’s time to focus on the ability to pronounce “word by word”.

Your Baby’s Brain Development from 12 to 24 Months

Some babies begin to combine sounds into onomatopoeic words (such as “woof-woof” for a dog) and shortly after their first birthday, real words are within easy reach! By 18 months, most babies can speak about 50 words and understand as many as 500 words, so while babies may not respond, they do listen!

When it comes to thinking, babies become little thinkers. At 12 months, you may notice that they combine 2 ideas to make a plan (for example, when babies are hungry, they may go to the kitchen where they know they can get food). They also become small decision makers who have clear ideas about what and how they want to do. Their behavior becomes more organized, allowing them to switch from playing blocks to eating a sandwich and getting back to their business quite easily. By 18 months, your baby will be able to understand more about what is happening around him. He will know that things lie in certain places and certain activities occur at the same time. So if you change your baby’s routine or move his favorite toy somewhere else, he’ll probably notice! At this stage hide-and-seek becomes fun as your child learns what to expect and what not to expect.

All this development also has a practical effect – your little one will soon want to dress himself and serve himself at dinner. Toddlers are great imitators and enthusiasts, so you can easily start teaching them how to do it, although they will need your help for a while. It is amazing and joyful to see how they become more independent, how their little personality develops.

Similarly, your baby’s memory improves between 12 and 24 months of age, and it’s amazing how great it is! At about 12 months old, babies will recognize rhymes and know how to play games, be able to show you which book their favorite picture is in, and know which toys are theirs. They will also become aware of the concepts of “I” and “me” and may become more possessive of what belongs to them. “Mine” can become a commonly used word. Don’t worry, they’ll be happy to share soon! By 18 months, your baby will be able to remember a lot of nursery rhymes from his favorite book.

Optimal nutrition for your baby’s development

Although your baby looks more and more like a “little adult” every day, he still has to grow and grow and his nutritional needs are different from yours. Incredibly, between the ages of 12 and 24 months, your baby needs almost 3 times the energy of an adult, based on size. When you consider that his tummy is about three times smaller, it’s easy to see why every bite is so important. A healthy, balanced diet is essential to ensure your baby has the right balance of nutrients needed for optimal development. Two vital substances for this developmental stage need attention: iron and vitamin D .

Iron plays an important role in many bodily functions and is an essential nutrient for healthy brain development . Good sources of iron are meat, oily fish, and eggs, as well as plant sources such as beans and green leafy vegetables. Meat and fish contain heme iron, which is easier to use and absorb than the non-heme iron found in plant foods. Including even small amounts of meat and fish in your baby’s diet will increase the absorption of iron from other sources. Please note that due to temperament, food vagaries, and poor appetite, many babies may not be getting enough iron from their diet. The situation worsens if babies eat foods low in iron. Offer your child iron-rich foods daily in combination with vegetables or vitamin C-rich fruits to help your child absorb iron more efficiently. In addition, Aptamil 3 and 4 milk drinks are fortified with iron to support your baby’s healthy development as they grow and develop.

Vitamin D is another important nutrient during this period. It helps develop your baby’s bones and help the body absorb calcium and phosphorus. The main natural source of vitamin D is sunlight on your child’s skin. However, sunlight is not a reliable source in our geographic area. Fatty fish and eggs are a great way to meet their vitamin D needs, but it can be difficult for toddlers to eat enough of these foods to get the vitamin they need. In addition to daily vitamin supplements containing vitamins A, C and D, Aptamil 3 and 4 milk drinks are a good way to help your baby get the nutrition he needs at this stage of development. Some varieties fortified with vitamin D will help supplement your baby’s diet!

Look for recipes that include the following nutrient-rich foods to support your baby’s development at this stage:

  • Fatty fish: salmon, sardines or mackerel.

  • Meats rich in iron: beef, pork, lamb, venison, chicken.

  • Sweet potato (yam).

  • Broccoli, kale and other green leafy vegetables.

  • Strawberry or blueberry.

  • Fortified milk or cereals.

Baby’s Amazing Developmental Stages:

The information below will show you what you can expect at each stage of your baby’s development. Remember that all babies are different! They grow and learn at different rates, so don’t expect your little one to follow a schedule exactly – this is just a rough guideline.

At 1 year old your baby can:

  • Stand with your help or hold on to furniture, then sit back on the floor.

  • Say a few favorite sounds and words.

  • Pick up toys and see what happens when he drops them.

  • Understand some requests such as “raise your hands” while getting dressed.

  • Can start eating with fingers.

  • Likes empty jars and boxes, imitates such simple actions as waving his hand.

At 18 months your baby can:

  • Walk independently and loves to jump up and down.

  • Climbing up and down stairs holding onto the railing.

  • Build with children’s play blocks, throw small balls and take toys apart.

  • Say a lot of words and experiment with word order.

  • Can use both hands to eat or drink from a cup.

  • He may enjoy looking at picture books.

Turning points – baby starts crawling, walking and talking

The crawling phase is a big achievement for your baby as it is the first way to move effectively on his own…

DETAILS

Educational toys and activities for toddlers

Play is an essential part of a baby’s life. Our experts have compiled recommendations for children’s games that will help…

DETAILS

Brain development is a complex process

Sensory, visual and motor abilities are already observed in the prenatal period…

DETAILS

Development of a child aged 1-3 years

In the first three years of life, the example, attention and presence of parents are the most important aspects in the development of the child .