Sep 29 2008
The Toddler’s Physical Development
Starting to toddle marks the time when the child develops from an infant into a toddler, which is definitely the most obvious change, but there are also many other physical developments your toddler goes through between the ages of 12 and 36 months.
Outline of a Toddler’s Physical Development
Physical development is perhaps the area where most of the differences between the development of children occur. Though the periods of changes are really flexible and can be extended, it is very important to keep track of your toddler’s physical development and if you think that there is some cause for concern, you should definitely consult a doctor, as it is highly important to recognize any developmental problems as early as possible.
Between 12 and 15 months your toddler will generally be able to stand alone, turn some pages in a book, drink from a cup, though quite poorly, toddle, mostly with adult help and to play with a ball, rolling it for example. From 15 months, your toddler may already walk alone quite well, bend down and stand up, climb onto furniture and drink well.
By the time the toddler reaches the age of 2, he will generally be able to walk up and down steps alone, run, may start becoming independent in toileting, starts feeding himself with spoon and fork or turn pages in a book singly, tries to dress himself and kick balls. By the time the child is three, he will possess advanced mobility, climbing skills, more dexterity with smaller objects, he will be able to ride a tricycle, feed himself well, dress up, put on shoes and build a tower of as many as ten blocks.
How To Support Your Toddler’s Physical Development?
Toddlers go through a physically very active period around the age of two, and if you support them, encourage them to do more physical activity that they like, it will definitely help the toddler’s development. If your child for example shows a special inclination to drawing, get big sheets of thick paper, give him a crayon or just make him use his fingers, and he will thoroughly enjoy scribbling on those big sheets.
Moreover this will for example develop his fine motor skills. Most children love running and jumping, encourage this activity as well. Stack up big pillows and allow your child to jump from the sofa, and to run on the playground or in the park as much as he likes, if needed, combine this with some other activity as well. Get your child acquainted with water, learning to swim or play in the water at an early age helps the toddler’s development of coordination, though make sure that he is safe at all times.
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