General development in toddlers
During the second year your toddler's body grows in length, loses its rather plump, podgy appearance, becomes firmer, stronger and more muscular, and starts to take on adult proportions. His balance and co-ordination will have improved and fine movements are mastered.
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Size and weight vary a lot from one child to another, just as they do from adult to adult. Your child's weight gain will be proportional to your child's size, therefore small children gain less weight, less quickly, than large children.
Physical development milestones in toddlers
At 13 to 15 months
Your baby should be able to stand by himself and take one or two steps to reach a support. However, he won't be able to get up from the sitting to the standing position without support (from you or by holding on to furniture).
At 15 to 18 months
Your baby will be able to raise himself to the standing position unaided. He will probably begin to walk without any support in the early position of feet wide apart and elbows high. Practise more leg movements with your baby, using a large soft ball that he can try to kick to you. This also helps his balance
At 18 to 20 months
Walking will become steadier and his arms will drop down by his side. Your toddler will almost certainly want to walk upstairs.
At 21 to 24 months
Your toddler will be able to maintain his balance while he bends over to pick something up and will not fall over. Dance with him to help him practise a wide range of movements.
Manipulation development milestones in toddlers
At 12 months
Your baby will have mastered the adult grip, which is a fine movement achieved by bringing the finger and thumb together. If you ask your baby for something he will give it to you, and will be able to roll a ball across the floor.
At 13 to 15 months
Your baby will be able to hold two small objects in one hand; he will be able to put one block on top of another and may try to make marks with a pencil. When it is time to be undressed he may start taking off his shoes.
At 18 months
Your baby can build a tower of blocks, possibly three or four high. He will be quite skilled at manipulating food with a spoon. If you show him how, he will open a zip.
At two years
Your baby will have learned turning and screwing movements with his hands so he'll be able to open a door with the doorknob and may be able to unscrew a loose lid. He'll enjoy washing his hands.
New Babycare
Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley
Text copyright © 2009 Miriam Stoppard
Posted 03.11.2010
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