Developments in Toddlers from 12 - 24 months

The first three years of your child is the time of so many developments, growth and changes in your child's life. The second year of your child is very crucial for the development of speech, physical, brain and understanding skills. The second year of your baby's life offers more freedom for them. Let's check out what are the developments your toddler go through from 12 to 24 months of their age.

Physical growth:

1. Once your baby reaches his/her first birthday, s/he will be able to walk effortlessly without your assistance. However if they don't there is no need to worry about, development for every child varies. Over the next couple of weeks, the baby will catch up easily.
2. Your baby will also be able to run and walk up the stairs without extra effort. This is the time you need to be always around your kid to protect them once they fall.
3. Your child will grow about 3 in. to 5 in. and gain between 3 lb and 5 lb.

Language Development:

• By this time, your baby should be able to speak a few words, and will be able to link words to objects and concepts. Encourage your baby's language skills by showing him/her new objects and repeating the names of those objects. You also need to find ways to deviate your child's attention from undesirable areas or items.

Emotional and social development:

• Toddlers form strong emotional attachments and often feel uneasy when they are separated from their loved ones. They start to recognize their dear and near ones.

• Around the same time, toddlers typically want to do things on their own or according to their own wishes. This sets the stage for conflict, confusion, and occasional breakdowns.

Motor development:

• Motor skills develop as your child's muscles and nerves work together. Toddlers gain control and coordination and become steady walkers. Climbing, running, and jumping soon follow.

How can you help your child for proper development?

• Understand you toddler's need for independence and allow safe exploration.
• Be patient and provide unconditional love as it helps your child become confident in trying new skills.
• Recognize that your child can be easily overwhelmed by all the new things he or she is seeing, hearing, learning, and doing.
• Help your child to get plenty of rest and quiet time.
• Schedule well-child visits with a doctor to keep track of your child's growth, development, and overall well-being.

When should you see a Doctor?

• Schedule routine checkups, or well-child visits, with your doctor. Generally these visits happen when your child is 12, 15, 18, and 24 months of age. Talk to your doctor about when to make these appointments.
• Talk to your doctor if your child is not reaching normal growth and development milestones.
• See your doctor if your child has not bonded well with others, especially caregivers; makes repetitive motions or odd movements or seems not to hear or respond to others.
• Watch for signs of hearing problems, such as not reacting to loud noises.

Some Activities toddler love to do that helps in their development:

• Playing with puzzles, blocks, stacking and nesting toys, lacing materials, etc., to develop fine motor skills.
• Playing with musical instruments.
• Finger painting, using crayons, and large markers.
• Playing catch with a ball.
• Dump and fill activities.
• Riding cars and other toys with no pedals.

Your toddler needs you most at this age as they start developing emotions too. So always support them and appreciate their tasks. Let them do their work independently. And enjoy the beautiful childhood along with your kid.

(Sources: revolutionhealth.com, newbornbabyzone.com, fcs.uga.edu)