Toddler Care - babyblues.co.uk

Toddler Care

As your child gets older and reaches the toddler stage the way that you care for him or her will change quite a lot. Toddlers gain a little more independence but, because they are also more active (and can disappear to get up to mischief in an instant!), you need to watch what they are doing more.

The big issue here is safety. Toddlers are naturally curious and they all want to go where they shouldn't, put their fingers where they shouldn't and basically do things that they shouldn't! So, you'll need to safety proof your home. Look at stair gates, plug covers, safety drawer/cupboard latches, cooker guards, video covers and keep all medicines and kitchen products out of reach. You may also want to fit a gate at the kitchen door to keep them out of the kitchen when you are cooking and easily distracted.

Toddlers develop more skills than the ability to walk at this age. They also develop minds of their own - they don't call this age the 'terrible twos' for nothing! You will need to adapt your behaviour to try and help your toddler negotiate their way through this age. Be firm but fair and reward good behaviour. Consistency is the key to dealing with tantrums here (and there will generally be some!) - when the child realises that throwing a tantrum won't help then they are less likely to do so.

Many toddlers will also try and assert their independence here by starting to get fussy about food. It is important to keep patience with a balanced and healthy diet and not to teach your toddler that sugary snacks, sweets and unhealthy foods are anything other than an occasional treat (if they are given at all). Giving them finger foods and making their meals fun can help here. As your child will be more active at this stage they will need to drink more water so do make sure they drink regularly.

The chances are you'll also have to start to deal with toilet training at this stage. Do go with the flow here and let your child dictate the pace - it's much easier to toilet train a child when they are comfortable with losing their nappy. Pull up pants can be useful here as they give the comfort of a nappy but allow the toddler to 'go' like a big boy/girl. And, some toddlers will appreciate a toilet step and/or seat. Remember the toilet is a big and scary thing for most toddlers!