What age is considered a toddler?
The toddler age group begins at one year old, and although the end of the toddler age range is less certain, it is typically assumed to conclude when a kid reaches three. There are no strict upper limits, but we consider toddlers one to three and preschoolers three to five, explains Dr Rani Koppula, General Surgeon, Gleneagles Hospital, Hyderabad.Toddler age range: 1– 2 years old:
During his or her first year of toddlerhood, your child grows at a rapid pace. While most parents excitedly anticipate their child's first steps and words, there are several minor but equally important milestones to look forward to between one and two years old.- Walk and even start to run
- Stand on tiptoes to readily see concealed items
- Bend down to pick things up
- Point to certain items when they're mentioned (such as a bodily component or photographs)
- Stack three or four bricks
- Speak using two-word phrases
- Attempts to utter three or more words other than "mama" and "dada" by 18 months
- Begin sorting shapes and colours
- Follow the two-step instructions
Toddler Age Range: 2-3 years old:
Now that your kid is nearing the end of the toddler age range, you may notice an increase in independence and the commencement of the "terrible twos," a period in which toddlers display difficult behaviours as they push boundaries and establish a growing feeling of autonomy.- Walk up and down the steps
- Stack 6 or more blocks
- Draw a line on paper and say over 200 words
- Use two or three sentences in discussion
- State their first name and age
- Engage in more advanced play: They will play in a sequence now. For example, they could feed their doll, then rock them and put them to bed.
- Play with peers
- Demonstrate problem-solving abilities
Parenting tips for toddlers aged 2-3:
Toddlerhood is a critical stage in your child's development. While the terrible twos (which may turn into threes) might be annoying and difficult at times, it's critical to stay cool and teach your child how to recognise and deal with strong emotions. The following are some top ideas that experts feel are most crucial for various toddler years.- Encourage their growing interest: Parents may stimulate their child's curiosity by taking them to zoos, child-friendly museums, parks, reading books together, and playing games. Point things out, ask questions, and allow your child time to react.
- Enable them to accomplish things on their own: Encourage your toddler's independence by allowing them to make basic decisions and participate actively in age-appropriate activities like feeding and dressing themselves.
- Validate their sentiments: Toddlers need to feel protected, both physically and emotionally, according to Peters, since they are encountering so many new things for the first time. They should not be embarrassed of their sentiments or behaviour. Instead, affirming your child's emotions shows them that you understand them and fosters an emotional bond.
- Have patience with them: As difficult as it might be at times, experts encourage parents to remember that their child's behaviour is not personal—it is just them observing the world and attempting to make sense of it.
- Language and cognitive development: Toddlers at this age start learning item names and recognising letters and numbers, indicating language and cognitive development. They begin to extend their vocabulary by mimicking words and phrases they hear from parents and carers, which improves their cognitive abilities and comprehension of the world around them.
- Social and emotional development: Toddlers develop social and emotional skills, including recognising and expressing their own emotions and understanding those of others. This development of empathy is critical as they participate in more social interactions and play with their classmates.
- Sleep patterns and changes: Toddlers' sleep patterns might change as they develop. They may miss one of their daily naps, and having a regular nighttime routine will help them adjust to these changes and receive enough rest.
- Nutritional needs and eating Habits: Toddlers' nutritional needs and eating habits evolve with time, so it's crucial to offer a diverse range of nutritious meals. To manage picky eating, consider offering different foods on a regular basis and encouraging involvement in meal preparation.
- Potty training: Potty training readiness may range from 18 to 24 months, but some toddlers may not be ready until they reach the age of three. It is critical to look for signals of preparedness rather than relying entirely on age.
- Balancing screen time is important: Parents should restrict passive screen exposure and prioritise instructional material, making sure that screen time does not interfere with physical play or interpersonal connections.
- Monitoring speech delays and developmental concerns is important: If parents are concerned about delays, they should see a paediatrician for an early examination and possible intervention. Early intervention may significantly impact a child's development.
FAQs on Age Range for Toddlers: When Does Toddlerhood Begin and End?
- What age does a child stop being a toddler?The toddler age group begins at one year old, and although the end of the toddler age range is less certain, it is typically assumed to conclude when a kid reaches three.
- What age is appropriate for toilet training?Success with potty training depends more on behavioural, developmental, and physical benchmarks than on age. When it comes to potty training, a lot of kids exhibit signs of readiness between the ages of 18 and 24 months. Others may not be prepared until they reach the age of three. There's no hurry.