The Second Year - 12-24 Months
By Stephanie Brown, About.com Guide to Toddlers
They grow so fast. Your baby is now a toddler who is becoming more independent each day. But rest assured that your toddler still needs your consistent love and guidance even as she tries to explore more of the world around her. Learn more about how to provide that balance and find solutions to everyday problems you may experience with your 12- to 24-month-old toddler below.
Feeding
Today's problems with obesity are reaching even into the toddler age. Learn how to help your child establish healthy eating habits early and find answers to your nutrition questions below.
- Does My Toddler Need Vitamins?
- How Much Juice Should My Toddler Have?
- Help for Picky Eaters
- How Much Should My Toddler Be Eating?
Sleep
Changes in sleep can often occur in the toddler years that will require your ongoing patience and guidance. Learn how to effectively manage your child's sleep problems with these resources.
Bathing and Hygiene
Bath time at this age is often a fun yet relaxing way to end the day. It's also a time of emerging independence as toddlers are learning to take care of some of their own hygiene needs.
Diapering and Getting Ready for Potty Training
Is it time for those diapers to come off, yet? It seems this is the question on every parent's mind in the toddler years. Start watching for those readiness signs and see if you and your child are ready to take the plunge into potty training. Even if your child isn't ready, there's plenty you can do to prepare.
- Preparing Children for Potty Training
- Signs of Potty Training Readiness
- Early Potty Training
- What Should My Child Wear During Potty Training?
- How Do I Start Potty Training?
- Is My Toddler Too Young for Potty Training?
- My Toddler Plays in His Diaper Constantly
Health and Safety
As your child grows and is taking more risks, you're bound to encounter more accidents and have safety concerns. Children this age are often involved in more social situations that can expose them to illnesses. Find out more about keeping your child healthy and safe in the toddler years.
- Preparing Your Toddler for a Visit to the Doctor
- What You Should Know Before You Call the Doctor
- Going to the Dentist
- Understanding Sunscreen and SPF
- Pets and Kids
Behavior and Discipline
Your toddler is growing more mobile and active than ever which can lead to issues with behavior that require your firm and loving discipline. There are many strategies you can employ, so it's best to keep a lot of tools at your disposal. Learn from some of the approaches below.
- Taming Toddler Aggression
- 9 Tips for Maintaining Your Sanity in the Toddler Years
- Appropriate Discipline for Toddlers
- How to Deal with Your Toddler's Biting
Play and Learning
Play is the way your child will grow, develop and learn. Make sure you provide plenty of time for both free and structured play in your toddler's life to encourage balanced learning.
