Mental Development
By 18 months most toddlers can say between 6 and 20 recognisable words, but understand many more.
Once your child has learned about 100 words, usually by about 24 months, they can put two or more words together and point to parts of their body.
Visual Development
Eye examinations are available free of charge for all children under 16 years of age and your child does not need to be able to read to have an eye test.
Growth
Your toddler’s growth will be monitored and will usually be weighed at the same time as their immunisations.
After the age of 2, your child’s height will give an indication of their adult height. Use the adult height predictor in your red book.
Motor Development
From about 12 months of age toddlers can feed themselves messily with a spoon- Walking – if your child is not walking by 18 months talk to your healthcare professional
- Between 18 and 24 months – your child can learn to kick and throw a ball
From 18 months – your toddler may enjoy scribbling with a crayon- By the age of two some toddlers may be dry in the day, but this is still quite early
Social and Emotional Development
Start to use language in play, such as feeding a teddy or talking on a toy phone.
It’s normal for toddlers to have tantrums, especially when they cannot do something they want to do.
Feeding Development
Toddlers should be having three meals, two or three snacks and a minimum of 350 mls of milk each day- Too many drinks can fill your toddler up and stop them eating enough food
- Toddlers should be allowed to feed themselves and to stop when they have had enough
- By now your toddler will be drinking from a cup
