Characteristics

Toddlers like affection and attention. They enjoy being held, hugged, and carried. Give your toddler lots of attention. Often hold, hug, talk to, listen to, and give your toddler lots of attention.

Behavior of One Year Olds

One year olds like to explore and learn. They have a need to be independent, but can easily be distracted. They are learning a few words and will usually say "no" alot. They like to try new foods, play outdoors, walk, run, drop things, and throw things. They enjoy one on one games. Laughing and smiling come naturally at this age.

Toddler Perspective

Toddlers see the world different than adults. Children age four and under most often are only aware of their own perspective, ideas, needs, and wants. They need only simple explanations. They enjoy doing the same things over and over again. Games that are short with simple rules work best. Toddlers also have a limited attention span.

Diaper Rash

Diaper rash can best be prevented if the toddler´s bottom is washed with soap and water after every messy diaper. Diaper wipes don´t completely clean all the irritants from a toddler´s bottom. Give your toddler a quick bath after a messy diaper. If you don´t have time to give your toddler a quick bath, try adding a little soap and extra water to the last diaper wipe used to clean your toddler´s bottom.

Naps

Some toddlers don´t seem to need as much sleep as others. Toddlers with early bedtimes often skip naps during the day. Afternoon naps are often better than late evening naps, because the toddler may not be tired enough to go to bed at bedtime.

Growth

Toddlers usually grow between 4 and 5 inches and gain 4 to 6 pounds from age one to age two. From age two to age three they usually grow about 2 to 3 inches and gain 3 to 6 pounds.

Toddler Bed

Move the toddler out of the crib and into a new bed about two months before a new baby arrives. This will give the toddler time to adjust to the new baby and will make it easier for the toddler to give the crib to the baby.

Biting Out of Frustration

Toddlers often bite because they are frustrated and cannot communicate very well. Avoid situations where the toddler is likely to become upset. Don´t expect toddlers to share their toys. Schedule play dates and outings when the toddler is not tired.

Biting to Get Attention

Toddlers need lots of attention. If they are feeling left out, bored, ignored, or upset; they may bite just to get your attention. Tell the toddler: No, biting hurts. Remove the toddler from area for a few minutes. Take extra time to spend with your toddler. Provide activities to keep the toddler busy.

Remind Often to go Potty

Toddlers usually need to be reminded often to go to the bathroom. They often become busy and preoccupied with the activity they are doing and don´t want to take time out to go potty.

Behavior of Two and a Half Year Olds

Two and a half year olds are becoming more independent. They often refuse to obey and demand everything be done their way. They don´t like to share and often have tantrums. They often refuse to take naps and want to stay up late at night. A lot of patience is required on the part of the parent.

Praise and Encouragement

Praise and encouragement is very effective in potty training. Toddlers like to please their parents and love the attention. Don´t be negative or scold when accidents happen. Give plenty of praise with each attempt to use the potty.

Disposable Training Pants

Disposable training pants work well when you are away from home. Toddlers may not want to use toilets that are unfamiliar to them. Disposable training pants can be used all the time to cut back on laundry and help the children avoid embarrassment of accidents.

Healthy Snacks

Keep on hand plenty of healthy snacks. Toddlers snack a lot. Avoid having sweets and junk food available.

Baby Teeth

A full set of baby teeth is 20 teeth. Most toddlers will have a full set of teeth by age two or three although their is quite a variation in the age at which teeth appear.

Eat Meals Together

Toddlers learn manners and eating habits from examples. Eat together as a family. Show the toddler how to use his fork and spoon. Remember to say "please" and "thank you."

Biting to Imitate Another Child

Toddlers learn from watching others. They often see another child bite someone and decide to try it themselves. Tell the toddler: No, biting hurts. Remove the toddler from area for a few minutes.

New Baby

Give your toddler extra attention when a new baby arrives. Toddlers need to know that they are still loved and appreciated. Tell the toddler that the new baby loves him/her very much. Give the toddler simple tasks to do to feel important and help. Give plenty of praise and encouragement to the toddler.

Selfishness

Toddlers often seem selfish. They don´t like to share. They often take or demand toys and things from other children. They disagree and become frustrated easily. Toddlers do not yet understand the needs of others and often are only aware of what they want at the moment. Make only a few rules and be consistent. Give simple explanations and tell them that others have feelings too.

Breastfeeding Tips

Find Breastfeeding tips on the related Lifetips web site: http://www.breastfeeding-tips.com