Department of Health
Health Information
Child Health Woman Health
Health Information >> Classified by Topics >> Child Health
* Classified by Topics

  One to Two Years Download

After the first birthday, your child enters the toddler stage. Being able to walk and talk a little, he becomes more independent and beings to try out his own self-control. You will find him testing your limits and discovering his own. Clashes between his walls and yours can be expected to occur. He is not intentionally trying to be mischievous, but simply trying to explore what he can do given his developmental capabilities. Remember that he counts on you to show him what is allowed and what is not, and will look to you frequently for reassurance and security. During this time, he will also show increasing signs of possessiveness with belongings and people close to him. By the end of this period, your baby will be able to: Movement * Use walking as the usual means of mobility by around 18 months, although she may look unsteady on her legs * Walk alone well by 2 years * Squat down to pick up object from the floor without falling * Walk with quick steps or even run * Carry or pull along toys while walking * Climb up and down furniture without assistance * Walk up and down stairs holding onto support * Try to kick ball
Hand and finger skills * Build towers of four or more bricks/blocks * Turn several pages of book at a time * Turn knobs and unscrew bottle cap * Put pegs into holes * Scribble with crayon * Show tendency to use one hand Language development * Point to body parts in response to naming * Recognize names of familiar people and objects * Follow simple instructions like 'give me the ball' without gestured cues * Say single words, first mainly nouns and then verbs * Start combining words eg. 'Mummy eat', 'want cookies'
Cognitive Development * Being to sort objects by shapes and sizes * Enjoy pretend play, initially involving only himself (eg. feeding herself with a spoon), then gradually involving others (eg. feeding Mummy or a doll) * Start learning to solve problems with trial and error
Social and emotional development * Being self-centred * Enjoy watching and being around other children, usually older ones * Show possessiveness and compete for toys * Use gestures (e.g. pointing) or speech to show his needs and to direct your attention to his interest * Learn to play with others in an interactive way (toward the latter half of this period) * Imitate behaviours and activities of others, especially adults and older kids Self Care Skills * Try feeding self with spoon and drinking from cup * Take off shoes * Start indicating toilet needs
Stimulating young child's development Toddlers at this age need supervision and a safe environment to explore in. Spend time with your child to encourage and guide her, and show her affection. Try to develop a consistent routine. Establish safety 'rules' in simple terms that your child can understand. Encourage independent play by providing a wide variety of toys. As toddlers are great imitators, set a good example in your speech and behaviour for your child to learn from. What you can be: * Let her explore and practice different motor skills eg. by bringing her to the park with outdoor utilities like slides, swing etc. * Take every opportunity to talk to each other * Read baby picture books and simple story book together * Sing and listen to nursery rhythms together
Toys that you can choose: * Balls of various sizes for kicking and throwing * Push and pull along toys * Building blocks * Crayons and paper for scribbling * Simple shape sorters and pegboard * Toys that encourage play. Toys like dolls, toy animals, toy phone, kitchen sets and plastic household utensils are good for both boys and girls. * Musical instruments eg. toy piano and drum etc. The above information only gives you a general idea of the changes expected as your child grows. Each child is unique and wide variations in the pace of development are often normal. Don't be alarmed if your child's development takes a slightly different timing or your child fails to attain certain abilities at some stage. It may signal a need for special attention.
Discuss with doctors or nurses if By the end 18-month, your child * Cannot walk alone * Does not play meaningfully but still engage in throwing and mouthing of objects By the end of 24-month, your child * Still being unsteady (after walking for 6 months or so) * Unable to identify common household objects and body parts * Does not follow simple instructions * Does not speak single words * Does not use gestures or speech to direct your attention to his interest * Does not show any pretend play * Does not show interest or understanding to what you have taught * Appears not hear or see well If you have any concerns or queries, discuss with nurses and doctors in any MCHC. We have a series of childcare and parenting workshops and leaflets for expectant parents, parents of infants and preschool children. Please contact our healthcare personnel for information. Family Health Service Department of Health

 
  Back Back to Top  
 
 

Last revision date: 01 September 2006