ParentVibes

Toddler

Discover which new milestones are around the corner and how to support your toddler's ongoing learning and development โ€” and yours! Every child moves at their own pace.

Toddler during potty training

What to expect in the toddler years

The toddler years, roughly one to three, are a remarkable burst of development. In a short space of time most children move from first steps to running, from single words to short sentences, and from being fed to feeding themselves. Alongside all that growth comes a growing sense of independence โ€” and the big feelings, and occasional tantrums, that go with it. This is normal, and it is how toddlers learn to understand the world and their place in it.

How to support your toddler

Toddlers learn best through play, routine, and connection. Everyday moments matter most: talking and reading together builds language, predictable mealtimes and bedtimes create security, and plenty of safe space to explore builds confidence. Tantrums are easier to ride out when a toddler is rested, fed, and given simple choices. Remember that every child moves at their own pace โ€” milestones are a guide, not a race. Explore stage-by-stage detail in our month-by-month guides, find ideas in the Kids Zone, or browse practical tips in our articles. If you ever have concerns about your child's development, your paediatrician is the best person to ask.