Baby Steps | 12 μηνών+

What toddlers can do
• Most toddlers learn to walk at this stage, by approx. 15 months.
• By 18 months the majority of toddlers are confident walkers and starting to run. At the end of this stage toddlers will be confident explorers and keen to learn (when in the mood!).
• Temper tantrums may be emerging at this stage and the toddler certainly shows signs of frustration and quick temper, especially if tired or hungry. Experiences are felt deeply hence the often emotional reaction!
• Really enjoys pop-up and posting toys.
• Puts objects in and out of box or cup if shown.
• Lifts cups to search for toy underneath and quickly finds toys just hidden from view. Gives toy to adult upon request.
• Enjoys joint play with adults and immediately responds to own name.
• Sit and ride-on toys – enjoys pushing off and using legs, good for developing muscles.
• Keen to do things for themselves!
• Interested in other children.
• Holds crayons and may begin to make marks; this is called emergent writing.
• Recognises familiar tunes and tries to join in.
• Listens to sound-making toys with pleasure. Enjoys repeating the activity over and over again!
• Makes speech-like sounds and uses between 6 and 20 recognisable words.
• Understands ’come for dinner’ or ‘please give me a ball’. Imitates everyday activities such as feeding doll, cleaning or washing and treats dolls and teddies as babies – by hugging and feeding. This is known as representation.
• Walks up and downstairs with adult’s help.

Routine and parenting
A toddler can be at times quite demanding for parents. The child starts to want his or her own way and behaves in a new way from the easy-going baby of previous months. All babies and young children are naturally egotistical and don’t yet understand that the world is not focused singularly around them. Starts to understand the word ‘no’. Starts to take part in mealtimes by holding a spoon and will attempt to try to self-feed. Also drinks well from a cup/beaker. Mealtimes are still quite messy. No longer needs a feeding bottle;  should be using a beaker or cup (bottles can lead to increased tooth decay). When dressing, †he toddler puts an arm out for dressing and can take off some easy clothes and shoes etc.

What items may be required at this stage? 
Clothing – for walking and more outdoor activity e.g. shoes, Wellington boots etc. Clothes should provide plenty of freedom of movement for the physical activities undertaken by toddlers at this stage.
Toys – wider range of toys to play with including some which are more difficult e.g. early jigsaw puzzles. Keen to have a cuddly toy for security and comfort. Chubby crayons, finger paints and large sheets of paper. Simple books with paper pages and a short story.
Starts to enjoy using ride-on toys, walkers, etc. 

Products – forward facing car seat now required and some parents may start potty training at 18 months (although most wait until their child is around 2 years old). A harness and reins can be essential for toddler safety at this stage e.g. when at the park or mum 
pregnant with second child (it’s very hard to run after a toddler in late pregnancy) and also for twins. Pushchairs that face both ways (towards or away from the parent) are helpful for continuing to support the bonding process and encourage communication between baby and the carer.