Category: Toddler milestones

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Toddler development milestones

Toddler development milestones Microsoft Word – Toddler development milestones.docx

Here’s a clear overview of developmental milestones for toddlers (ages 1–3 years), broken down into gross motor, fine motor, language, cognitive, and social-emotional areas.


12–18 Months Gross Motor

  • Walks independently or with minimal support

  • Can squat to pick up a toy and stand back up

  • Climbs onto low furniture

    Fine Motor

  • Uses pincer grasp (thumb + forefinger)

  • Scribbles with crayon

  • Points with one finger

    Language

  • Says 5–10 words besides “mama” and “dada”

  • Understands simple instructions (“Come here”)

  • Responds to own name

    Cognitive

  • Understands object permanence (knows things exist even when out of sight)

  • Tries to use objects correctly (phone to ear, brush to hair)

    Social-Emotional

  • Shows affection to familiar people

  • Has separation anxiety but also starts exploring more independently


    18–24 Months Gross Motor

  • Runs, though may be unsteady

  • Climbs on and off furniture

  • Begins kicking and throwing a ball

    Fine Motor

  • Builds a tower of 4–6 blocks

  • Turns pages of a book (may be several at a time)

  • Begins using a spoon with less spilling

    Language

  • Vocabulary jumps to 50+ words

  • Starts combining 2 words (“More milk”)

  • Can follow 2-step instructions (“Pick up the toy and give it to me”)

    Cognitive

  • Begins pretend play (feeding a doll, pretending to drive)

  • Recognizes self in the mirror

  • Sorts shapes or colors

    Social-Emotional

  • Shows strong attachment to caregivers

  • Begins parallel play (plays alongside, not yet with, other children)

  • May show defiance (“No!” phase)


    24–36 Months Gross Motor

  • Jumps with both feet off the ground

  • Pedals a tricycle (around 3 years)

  • Walks up stairs alternating feet

    Fine Motor

  • Draws simple shapes (circle by ~3 years)

  • Uses utensils more effectively

  • Can string beads or large pasta

    Language

  • Vocabulary expands to 200–1,000 words by age 3

  • Uses 3–4 word sentences

  • Asks questions (“What’s that?”)

  • Can name most common objects

    Cognitive

  • Completes simple puzzles

  • Matches objects to pictures

  • Understands concepts like “big/little,” “same/different”

    Social-Emotional

  • Begins cooperative play

  • Shows empathy (comforts crying friend)

  • Starts understanding turn-taking


Tip: Every child develops at their own pace — some master skills earlier or later than average. Delays in one area don’t always mean a problem, but if you notice no walking by 18 months, no words by 18 months, or loss of skills at any age, it’s worth discussing with a paediatrician.

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Toddler potty training

Toddler potty training Microsoft Word – Toddler potty training.docx

Here’s a practical, parent-tested guide to make potty training smoother and less stressful – for both you and your toddler.


  1. Know the signs they’re ready


    Potty training works best when your toddler shows readiness cues, such as:

    • Staying dry for 2+ hours at a time

    • Showing interest in the toilet or potty chair

    • Telling you (verbally or through gestures) when they’ve gone

    • Disliking dirty diapers

    • Being able to pull pants up/down


  2. Set up for success


    • Pick the right potty – some kids like a small floor potty, others prefer a seat insert for the regular toilet.

    • Dress for quick access – avoid overalls, belts, or complicated snaps.

    • Potty in sight – keep it in the bathroom (or nearby during early days).


  3. Use positive routines


    • Start with sitting practice – even fully clothed, to get comfortable.

    • Regular potty breaks – every 2 hours, and after meals, naps, or waking up.

    • Read potty-themed books or sing songs while sitting to keep it positive.


  4. Encourage, don’t pressure


    • Praise efforts, not just results (“You tried to go! Good job!”).

    • Avoid punishment or shame for accidents—they’re normal.

    • Use rewards wisely – stickers, a fun dance, or verbal high-fives can motivate some kids.

  5. Handle accidents gracefully


    • Have wipes and extra clothes handy.

    • Simply say, “Oops, accidents happen, let’s try again next time.”

    • Stay calm so your child doesn’t associate potty training with stress.


  6. Night-time Training Comes Later


  • Many children stay in pull-ups at night for months (or even years) after daytime training.

  • Wait for consistently dry mornings before going diaper-free overnight.


✅ Quick tip: Consistency is your best friend—switching back and forth between diapers and underwear during the day can confuse them.