18 to 24 months
Seeing your baby go from mushy food to walking and even talking is an incredible phase of development in such a short time. Find support for teething problems at every little leap towards being a toddler.
Language milestones depend on your toddler’s genetic abilities and the environment in which they are exposed to. Some toddlers are happy to babble away even if they know they don’t sound the same as you. Others wait and wait until they have mastered the words in their head and then feel confident enough to speak them.
When your toddler has a fever it is always a concern but don’t worry, it is not always a cause for panic. Fever is a symptom that occurs when the body is fighting an unwanted intruder such as bacteria or virus. Fever in toddlers can lead to adverse reactions so keep an eye on your toddler if they have a temperature and don’t hesitate to see your doctor if you are concerned.
There is a lot to consider when putting together a healthy meal plan for your toddler. The following suggestions include most of what your toddler will need every day and will make the planning process easier. This is simply a guide - individual toddler needs will vary depending on their activity levels and age.
As your toddler matures, their social skills grow. They begin to recognise, exhibit and feel emotions. So far, for the most part, the only form of expression for all their feelings has been crying, but as a toddler they are now able to point or use words for what they want. As they begin to mingle with others their own age they may develop possessiveness of their loved ones and special toys. They are becoming more and more emotional and can swing from excited to frightened and often need you close for reassurance.
The process of toilet training takes time and is gradual. More so than for your baby, it’s a task on your part to remain patient and stick with it. These general tips may help you in your toilet training journey. However, since every child is different, you may discover other simple ways to get the job done, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Good luck! It’ll all pay off in the long run.
The body’s immune system becomes stronger over time - a toddler’s is still developing. Exposure to some foreign bacteria and viruses from birth plays an important role in strengthening your toddler’s immune system to fight future invaders. On average your toddler fights five to eight colds a year, mainly during the winter months, and this number may increase when they are exposed to other children at day care or school.
As your baby grows and becomes a toddler at around 12 months of age, they are much more active. They may find it difficult to switch off and unwind. It is important to create a regular sleeping pattern. Some tips to help improve sleeps include creating a regular bedtime routine and sticking to it.
As your baby grows into a toddler, there will be times when you are concerned about their health and whether they need medical attention for a fever or allergy. These times are concerning for a parent. This chapter will provide you with some information on some of the more common health concerns toddlers experience. This should not however replace any medical or other health care professional advice you have sought and if you are ever in doubt about your toddler’s health, it’s a trip to the doctor that is needed to allay any concerns.
