Toddlers (1-2 years of age)

Developmental Milestones

Skills such as taking a first step, smiling for the first time, and waving "bye-bye" are called developmental milestones. Developmental milestones are things most children can do by a certain age. Children reach milestones in how they play, learn, speak, behave, and move (like crawling, walking, or jumping).

During the second year, toddlers are moving around more, and are aware of themselves and their surroundings. Their desire to explore new objects and people also is increasing. During this stage, toddlers will show greater independence; begin to show defiant behavior; recognize themselves in pictures or a mirror; and imitate the behavior of others, especially adults and older children. Toddlers also should be able to recognize the names of familiar people and objects, form simple phrases and sentences, and follow simple instructions and directions.

 

Positive Parenting Tips

Following are some of the things you, as a parent, can do to help your toddler during this time:

• Read to your toddler daily.
  
  
• Ask her to find objects for you or name body parts and objects.
  
  
• Play matching games with your toddler, like shape sorting and simple puzzles.
  
  
• Encourage him to explore and try new things.
  
  
• Help to develop your toddler’s language by talking with her and adding to words she starts. For example, if your toddler says "baba", you can respond, "Yes, you are right―that is a bottle."
  
  
• Encourage your child's growing independence by letting him help with dressing himself and feeding himself.
  
  
• Respond to wanted behaviors more than you punish unwanted behaviors (use only very brief time outs). Always tell or show your child what she should do instead.
  
  
• Encourage your toddler’s curiosity and ability to recognize common objects by taking field trips together to the park or going on a bus ride.

Child Safety First

Because your child is moving around more, he will come across more dangers as well. Dangerous situations can happen quickly, so keep a close eye on your child. Here are a few tips to help keep your growing toddler safe:

• Do NOT leave your toddler near or around water (for example, bathtubs, pools, ponds, lakes, whirlpools, or the ocean) without someone watching her. Fence off backyard pools. Drowning is the leading cause of injury and death among this age group.
  
  
• Block off stairs with a small gate or fence. Lock doors to dangerous places such as the garage or basement.
  
  

• Ensure that your home is toddler proof by placing plug covers on all unused electrical outlets.
  
  
• Keep kitchen appliances, irons, and heaters out of reach of your toddler. Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.
  
  
• Keep sharp objects such as scissors, knives, and pens in a safe place.
  
  
• Lock up medicines, household cleaners, and poisons.
  
  
• Do NOT leave your toddler alone in any vehicle (that means a car, truck, or van) even for a few moments.
  
  
• Store any guns in a safe place out of his reach.
  
  
• Keep your child’s car seat rear-facing as long as possible. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration it’s the best way to keep her safe. Your child should remain in a rear-facing car seat until she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by the car seat’s manufacturer. Once your child outgrows the rear-facing car seat, she is ready to travel in a forward-facing car seat with a harness.

For More Information

CDC’s "Learn the Signs. Act Early." Campaign
For more details on developmental milestones, warning signs of possible developmental delays, and information on how to help your child’s development, visit the "Learn the Signs. Act Early." campaign website.

1 year
18 months
2 years

 

CDC’s Parent Information (Children 0–3 years)
This site has information to help you learn how to give your child a healthy start to life.

 

American Academy of Pediatrics―Developmental Stages
Visit the American Academy of Pediatrics for health topics by developmental stages.

 

Bright Futures
Bright Futures provides information on what to expect as your child grows, including parenting tips.

12 months
15 months
18 months
2 years

 

Just in Time Parenting (JITP)
Quality, research-based information to families at the time it can be most useful.

 

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
NHTSA has information on safety recalls and safety tips for children riding in motor vehicles, walking, biking, playing outside, waiting at school bus stops, and more.

 

Protect the Ones You Love
CDC’s Injury Center has information on how you can protect your child from drowning and other common causes of injury.