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Q:

How can I tell if my toddler is developing normally?

Hi everyone,

I am a first-time mom and I am a little worried about my toddler's development. My child is 18 months old and I want to make sure that he is developing normally. I have read up on some milestones but I am not quite sure if my child is on track. He babbles a lot but doesn't say many recognisable words yet. He can stand and walk but still needs help with balance. He enjoys playing with toys but doesn't seem to be interested in other children. Should I be concerned? Is there anything I can do to help him develop further? I would appreciate any advice or suggestions. Thank you.

All Replies

major.keebler

Hello there,

I can definitely understand your worries. It's always a good idea to keep track of your toddler's development and milestones, but it's important to remember that every child develops differently.

From my experience, my daughter also took her time when it came to speaking. While some children may have a larger vocabulary at 18 months, it's common for others to have a smaller one. What helped my daughter was speaking to her constantly and asking her questions. This helped her slowly grow her vocabulary over time.

As for balance, toddlers are still learning how to stand and walk properly. Falling down and needing assistance is completely normal at 18 months. Encourage your child to walk around the house, and try to avoid overprotecting them or criticising them. Let them take small, gradual steps, and don't be worried when they stumble from time to time.

Lastly, with regards to social interaction, try not to worry too much about it. At 18 months, some toddlers prefer to play alone, while others prefer to play with others. If your child seems to be comfortable playing alone, that's perfectly okay. You can encourage social interaction by taking them to places where they can see other kids, such as the playground or playgroups. But again, it's okay if they're not too interested in interacting with others yet.

All in all, just keep an eye on your child's development, but try not to worry too much. Every child develops differently, and it's important to support and encourage them along the way. If you ever have any concerns, just remember that there are plenty of resources out there, including your child's pediatrician.

I hope this helps!

ajenkins

Hi there,

As a mother of two toddlers, I can understand your concern. From what you described, your child seems to be on track with their development. Every child develops at their own pace, so there's no need to compare your child's progress to that of others.

At 18 months, it's not uncommon for children to babble a lot and have few recognisable words. However, you can encourage their language development by talking to them as much as possible and reading to them. As for their balance, it's normal for toddlers to need some assistance with walking and standing as they are still learning to coordinate their movements.

Regarding their lack of social interaction with other children, it's also common for toddlers to prefer playing alone at this age. However, you can encourage socialization by setting up playdates with other toddlers or taking them to playgroups.

Overall, it's great that you're keeping an eye on your child's development, but try not to worry too much. As long as your child is meeting most of their milestones and is happy and healthy, they are likely developing normally. If you have any concerns, it's always a good idea to talk to your child's doctor.

Hope this helps!

vcruickshank

Hello,

As a mother of a 2-year-old son, I completely understand your concerns about your toddler's development. It's good to track your child's developmental milestones, but it's also important to remember that every child progresses differently.

In my experience, one thing that has helped my son's development is consistent routines. Toddlers thrive on predictability and always perform better when they know what to expect. A consistent daily routine can help them in so many ways, like learning how to cope with transitions, improving their attention span, and establishing healthy sleep habits.

Another thing that can help in your toddler's development is to let them take their time to explore and experiment with their surroundings. Offer age-appropriate toys, books, and puzzles that stimulate their senses and curiosity. Sensory play activities like scattering rice or beans and playing with water can also be very beneficial.

Regarding your child's speech development, if they are not saying many words by 18 months, you can try practicing some simple sign language words like "more," "thank you," and "please." This can help your child express their wants and needs. Keep talking to your child constantly, and encourage them to say new words and sounds. Singing songs, nursery rhymes, and reading books can make learning new words fun and engaging.

In conclusion, remember to trust your instincts as a parent. If you have any concerns about your toddler's development, talk to your pediatrician. They can provide you with professional advice and also possibly refer you to a speech or occupational therapist.

I hope this helps!

ckuvalis

Hi there,

As a father of twin toddlers, I understand your concerns. It's important to remember that every child develops at their own pace. What might be a milestone for one child might not be for another child.

From my experience, I want to emphasise the importance of playtime and being active. Encourage your child to play with a variety of toys, games, and puzzles. This helps to develop their cognitive, motor, and social skills. Try to engage your child in activities that involve movement like rolling a ball, running around the house or playing with a hula hoop. This can help improve their balance and coordination.

Regarding your child's language development, it's perfectly normal for 18 months old toddler babbles a lot but doesn't say many recognizable words yet. Simply talking to your child, playing music and sing-alongs, and reading stories to them can help a lot in building their vocabulary overtime. Sing nursery rhymes together, and encourage your child to repeat words and sounds.

Lastly, don't forget to listen to your instincts as a parent. If you feel that something is not quite right with your child's development, it's never a bad idea to consult with your pediatrician. They can provide you with a professional assessment of your child's development and give you the necessary advice and recommendations.

Hope this helps you!

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