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

 

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

• Set up a special time to read books with your toddler.
• Encourage your child to take part in pretend play.
• Help your child to explore things around them by taking them on a walk or wagon ride.
• Encourage your child to tell you their name and age.
• Teach your child simple songs like Itsy Bitsy Spider, or other cultural childhood rhymes.
• Give your child attention and praise when they follow instructions and show positive behavior and limit attention for defiant behavior like tantrums. Teach your child acceptable ways to show that they are upset.

Child safety first

As your child is moving around more, they 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:

• Encourage your toddler to sit when eating and to chew their food thoroughly to prevent choking.
• Check toys often for loose or broken parts.
• Encourage your toddler not to put pencils or crayons in their mouth when coloring or drawing.
• Do NOT hold hot drinks while your child is sitting on your lap. Sudden movements can cause a spill and might result in your child being burned.
• Make sure that your child sits in the back seat and is buckled up properly in a car seat with a harness.

Drowning is a leading cause of death for children.
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Do NOT leave your toddler near or around water (for example, bathtubs, pools, ponds, lakes, whirlpools, or the ocean) without someone watching them. Ensure backyard pools are fenced off.

Healthy bodies

Here are a few tips to help keep your growing toddler healthy:

• Talk with staff at your child care provider to see if they serve healthier foods and drinks, and if they limit television and other screen time.
• Your toddler might change what food they like from day to day. It's normal behavior, and it's best not to make an issue of it. Encourage them to try new foods by offering them small bites to taste.
• Encourage free play as much as possible. It helps your toddler stay active and strong and helps him develop motor skills.
• Make sure your child gets the recommended amount of sleep each night: 11–14 hours per 24 hours (including naps) for toddlers 2-3 years old.

Screen Time and Toddlers‎

Keep television sets out of your child's bedroom. Set limits for screen time for your child to no more than 1 hour per day of quality programming at home, school, or afterschool care and develop a media use plan for your family. Learn more: