Toddler Growth & Development: 2 Years

	Offer 3 meals and 3 nutritious snacks each day to provide at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables. Offer nutritious snacks such as plain yogurt; soft, raw, peeled fruit; unsweetened cereals such as cheerios or Kix; crackers and cheese; hard cooked eggs. Serving size is about 1 tablespoon of each food per each year of life. Can serve low-fat or skim milk. Limit juice to ½ cup per day. Limit fats and sweets. Let toddler feed self, using spoon and cup. Toddlers are slow to try new foods and may need to touch, smell and taste new foods many times before eating. Do not use food as punishment or reward. Enjoy family meals together. Turn off the TV. Parent/caregiver decides what, when, and where child eats; child decides whether to eat and how much. (back to top)
	Stack 5-6 blocks Kick a ball Go up/down stairs one at a time; run Use two-word phrases Imitate adults Show interest in using toilet Like to say “no”, “mine, and “I do it” Play alongside others more than playing with them Act shy around strangers Become easily frustrated Please remember: All children grow and develop differently. Contact your health care provider if you have concerns about your child. (back to top)
	A well-child exam is due at 2 years of age. Schedule a dental exam. Know how to handle a temper tantrum: Do not yell at and NEVER hit or spank a child; remain calm; talk in a soothing tone; put your hand gently on child’s are if possible. Redirect attention when necessary or use time out (1 minute for each year of age). Sleep problems are common. Toddlers need quiet bedtime routines that include a favorite toy or story. Keep a regular bedtime. Supervise brushing teeth without toothpaste; parents need to repeat brushing using a small amount of fluoridated toothpaste, following directions on the label. Use accurate terminology for body parts. Do not give any medications or herbal remedies without health care provider's advice. Know CPR and first aid. (back to top)
	Properly secure car seat (front facing) in back seat. Never leave a child alone in a car — not even for a minute. Begin to teach water safety. All bicycle riders and passengers should wear helmets. Safety-proof home: Cover outlets; keep cords out of reach; and keep medicines, vitamins, cleaning products, bleaches, detergents and gasoline out of reach. Avoid guns in the home. If there are guns in the home, make sure they are unloaded and locked up and that ammunition is locked up in a place separate from the gun. Supervise all indoor and outdoor play. Do not give nuts, peanut butter, popcorn, hot dogs, celery or carrot sticks, whole grapes or raisins until age 3-4 years. Limit sun exposure. Use sun screen and broad-brimmed hat. Turn handles of pots and pans toward back of stove and remove front burner knobs. Put crib mattresses on lowest level so toddler cannot crawl out. Use safety gates at top/bottom of stairs. Be sure screens are secure on windows. Supervise toddler around moving machines, garage doors, and pets. (back to top)
	Books to identify people, things, and objects Talking, naming objects, describing what you and others are doing Puzzles, water-base felt tip pens, crayons Lots of exercise – running, jumping, climbing Playing with sand and water Doing things with family (zoo, park, walks, etc.) (back to top)
	Consider preschool or child care by age 3 to aid language stimulation, and physical and social development. If choosing child care, know and look for signs of high quality (www.qualistar.org). Visit toddler’s child care often and at different times of the day. Limit TV; select programs carefully and watch with child. Work together for consistency in discipline and setting limits. Try to spend individual time with each family member. Prepare toddler for another baby if mother is pregnant. Recognize that all family members need to have time and space of their own and remember to take time for yourself. Learn ways to express anger appropriately. Know when and where to ask for help. Remember that asking for help is a sign of strength. (back to top)
	NEVER shake a baby or young child. All family members should use seatbelts. Keep a smoke free environment; never smoke in the home. Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly; change batteries yearly. (back to top)