Your Baby’s Progress - Month 24
What’s Going on This Month?
Your Toddler
- Your toddler is still working on doing things for herself and wants very much to please adults.
- Your toddler may point to body parts on herself or a doll; talk in two- and three-word sentences; help to dress and undress herself; point to and name pictures of familiar objects; kick a ball forward; throw a ball overhand; and walk up and down stairs alone.
- Because toddlers love to imitate, you can let her help around the house with simple household tasks, such as wiping up spills.
Caring for Your Child
- Remember to take your toddler to her well-child visit.
- Make sure your baby’s shots are up to date.
- Schedule an appointment for your child with a dentist.
- Your child may be ready to start toilet training.
- Help your child wash her hands before eating and after going to the potty.
Nutrition
At mealtime have your child taste each food. Never force her to eat everything on her plate. A rule of thumb to remember for serving sizes is “one tablespoon of food for each year of life.” So if your child is 2 years old, a serving is two tablespoons.
Growth and Development Activities
- Watch quality TV shows with your child and talk about them.
- Give your child directions to follow.
- Give your child simple puzzles to put together.
- Play with clay with your child.
- Teach your child to jump and stand on one foot.
- Play music for your child to dance to, and dance with your child.
- Teach your child to button, zipper and snap.
- Let your child try to dress herself.
- Read to your child.
- Help your child name feelings when they happen. When your child is worried, you can help her understand the feeling by telling her, “You look worried. Can you tell me about it?”
Your extra support and patience will make life easier for both of you, especially if there’s a new baby at home.
This page last updated on 3/10/08.