Grab your camera, because your little one is showing off those adorable baby teeth! By this age, most toddlers have made significant progress in their physical, social, and cognitive development, and let’s face it, you’ll want to capture those moments. So, what should you look for in your 31 to 33-month-old? Here’s a guide to their growth milestones!
Growth and Development
Weight Expectations
Every child grows at their own pace, but for reference, a typical 31- to 33-month-old girl weighs between 29.1 and 29.7 pounds, while boys tend to weigh from 30.2 to 30.8 pounds, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.
Eating Habits
At this stage, toddlers can be quite picky eaters. One day they may devour toast, while the next could lead to a meltdown over the same item. Emphasizing a balanced diet over the week rather than daily meals is key. Aim for three meals and two snacks daily, featuring a variety of food groups, and keep those portions smaller—about a quarter to half of what an adult would eat. Remember, calcium intake is crucial; toddlers should get around 700 mg daily.
Sleep Patterns
Your little one still requires around 13 to 14 hours of sleep a day—this includes 11 to 12 hours at night and 1.5 to 3 hours of napping. You might find them testing the waters of independence by getting out of bed, but sticking to a routine is essential to ensure they’re well-rested.
Physical, Social, and Cognitive Milestones
Physical Activities
Your toddler is likely feeling quite spry these days! They can run, stop suddenly without tumbling, and navigate around obstacles with ease. In the near future, they may even be ready to try pedaling a tricycle!
Language Skills
While grammar might not be their strong suit just yet, you’ll notice a vocabulary explosion. By 33 months, many toddlers know approximately 450 words and can string together 3- to 4-word sentences. If your child seems to be lagging in speech, it’s a good idea to consult with their pediatrician for possible early intervention.
Behavioral Insights
Prepare for the “no” phase as your toddler asserts their independence by testing boundaries. You’ll likely encounter plenty of tantrums, but experts recommend ignoring this unwanted behavior, as it often seeks attention. Choose your battles wisely!
Potty Training
You may be in the thick of potty training. Most toddlers master this skill between 27 and 32 months, so don’t worry if your little one is still figuring it out. Every child has their own timeline.
Health Considerations
Checkups
Unless your toddler is behind on immunizations or feeling unwell, you may not need a trip to the doctor this month. However, it’s a good time to schedule a dental checkup if you haven’t already.
Immunizations
Consider having your toddler receive their annual flu vaccine during this period, if you haven’t done so already.
In summary, your 31-33 month-old is hitting important milestones in various areas of development. From their growing physical abilities to the emergence of complex language skills and the exploration of independence, every day brings new discoveries. For more information on home insemination and parenting tips, check out our home insemination kit article, and for further insights on fertility, Medical News Today is an excellent resource.
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