If you’re parenting a little one aged 19 to 21 months, life can feel like an exhilarating ride—like bodysurfing in a wave! You take a deep breath, dive in, and constantly strive to stay afloat in this whirlwind of activity. Your toddler is likely on the move, exploring their world by walking, climbing, running, and jumping while adding their own flair with dancing and throwing things around. It’s a delightful adventure as you witness their vibrant personality emerge!
As your tiny human continues to grow, here’s what to expect in terms of physical, social, and cognitive milestones during this exciting stage.
Growth and Development: What to Expect
Weight and Growth
Don’t be too alarmed if your toddler isn’t gaining weight as consistently as they did in infancy. Growth tends to slow down significantly during this period. Typically, children this age gain about 6 pounds and grow around 3 inches between their first and second birthdays. On average, a 19- to 21-month-old girl weighs between 23.9 to 24.9 pounds, while boys weigh around 24.6 to 25.5 pounds. Remember, every child is unique, and variations from these averages can be completely normal. If you have concerns, consult your pediatrician during your next visit.
Dietary Needs
The mealtime battle against picky eaters often continues at this age. If you have a toddler who enjoys food, savor that moment! However, many at this age may become resistant to what’s served. Aim for three meals and two snacks daily, including around 700mg of calcium. If they’re not getting enough from food, consider offering about three 8-ounce cups of whole milk. Ideally, aim for ¾ to 1 cup of fruits and veggies, ¼ cup of grains, and three tablespoons of protein every day.
Sleep Patterns
Your toddler is likely enjoying a decent amount of sleep, needing around 11 to 12 hours at night along with 1.5 to 3 hours during the day, totaling about 13 to 14 hours. Occasionally, they might experience night terrors, which can be distressing. During these episodes, comfort them and ensure their safety until they calm down and drift back to sleep.
Physical, Social, and Cognitive Development
Mobility Milestones
By now, your toddler should be confidently walking and exploring their physical capabilities, which may include jumping, climbing, and bending. With all this newfound energy, keeping a watchful eye is crucial—toddlers love to pick things up and may put anything they find into their mouths. Ensure your home is child-proofed for their active exploration.
Language Development
Your little one may have become quite the chatterbox, able to say between 10 to 20 words, and some may even know over 50! They might start stringing two words together into simple phrases. If you’re concerned about your child’s speech or if they’re not vocalizing as much as you expect, it’s worth discussing with your pediatrician, as it could indicate hearing issues rather than cognitive delays.
Behavioral Challenges
While your toddler is blossoming with curiosity and sociability, be prepared for some challenging behaviors. This age is characterized by experimentation, which can manifest as hitting, biting, or other forms of acting out. Remember, this is often just their way of asserting independence, so don’t take it personally. If you’ve recently limited their screen time, that might also lead to some pushback, as experts recommend no more than an hour of screen exposure daily, preferably educational.
Potty Training Readiness
While most children aren’t fully ready for potty training until 27 to 32 months, your toddler may display early signs of readiness. If they do, you can start introducing them to the potty, but be prepared for possible regressions. Engaging with board books about potty training can pique their interest and knowledge during this phase.
Health Considerations
Checkups and Vaccinations
If your little one had their 18-month checkup and is in good health, you might not need another visit at this age unless they are due for immunizations. Be mindful that your child may need their annual flu shot or possibly a Hepatitis A vaccine if they haven’t received it yet.
For more insights on parenting during this stage, you can explore resources like Make A Mom for helpful articles on home insemination and parenting. For further information, check out Rmany, which is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, parenting a toddler aged 19 to 21 months is filled with rapid growth and exciting new milestones. While you navigate their physical, social, and cognitive development, remember to cherish these fleeting moments of wonder and discovery.
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