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TODDLER GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT
Description
Toddlers growth and development refers to the change or growth that occurs during the period of time from 12 months to 24 months of age. The one to two year old is called a toddler because it is during this period of development that a child learns to walk. He/she starts off by toddling walking unsteadily.
Statistical studies
show the following:
Growth charts and curves are universally standard but each toddler has a unique rate of growth and developments. Studies have shown that poor nutrition has ill effects on the growth and development of the toddler so places in the world that have pervasive malnutrition have poor grown and developed toddlers.
Signs
Studies show that breastfeeding benefits the
infant in the following ways:
There are standard growth parameters of the toddler. It is important to
remember that each toddler will differ
however, great variations should be
investigated
Physical growth slows down at around 12 months of age, after a first year
of unequalled growth.
Typically a toddler will grow about 3 in. (7.6 cm) to 5 in. (12.7 cm) and
gain between 3 lb (1.4 kg) and 5 lb (2.3
kg). Molar teeth grow in often causing pain.
Physical Development
Toddlers are able to independently put on clothing with support with the
more complex tasks like buttoning, They
learn to brush their teeth with help,
Improve motor skills allow the toddler the ability to stack 4-6 blocks, ,
walk up steps, kick a ball, jump up, throw a
ball overhead
Emotional Development
The toddler develops strong attachments to his caregiver and therefore
often experiences separation anxiety. It is
also the first time in a childs life that
he starts developing a sense of independence
wanting to do things on their own.
Cognitive Development
Verbal abilities greatly improve as the toddler is able to combine words,
know over 50 words, use pronouns (I, me,
you, mine), and his speech is normally about
half way understood. He is also able follow
two step commands
At the age of 18 months most toddlers will begin to make connections
between events. For example a toddler would
know that when they throw a ball it will
bounce. Memory also starts developing and
recall of recent events is possible.
Toddlers can also recognize and name their
body parts.
Questions to ask the
expert
How many years do you have experience dealing with toddlers
Certificates and
Licenses
References
General Tips
Watch your child
interacting with others, and seek medical
attention if the child has not bonded well
with others especially caregivers.
The child should also
be evaluated if he makes repetitive motions
or exhibits odd movements
Have the child for
hearing acuity especially if you suspect
hearing problems such as the child does not
react to loud noises
Help your child to get
plenty of rest and quiet time
To promote his
emotional and social development spend
quality time with him, reading and playing
with the child. Toddlers do not benefit from
play dates as at this age they dont play
with others.
Safety is of outmost
importance at this age of exploration.
It is important to keep regular medical as well as
dental checkups
Offer your toddler nutritious food at set meal and
snack time but allow him to gauge how much
he wants to eat. Toddlers have an internal
system that can accurately signal your child
when he has had enough food to sustain his
normal growth.
List of Products &
Services
BOOKS &
Publications
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