physical development: toddler (1-3 years)

When babies grow into toddlers, they become more independent, wanting to do things by themselves, in their own way and when they want to. Toddlers often seem to have lots of energy and make a lot of mess as they play, moving quickly from one thing to another.

Compared to the infant period, a toddlers growth is dramatically slower.

By the time a child is two their vision is well developed. They can see very small items on the floor as well as objects clearly at a distance.
A toddler's hearing is as developed as an adults and by this stage it can be expected that a child will listen when people talk, like music, use their voice in a variety of ways to make different sounds and follow simple instructions.

Many toddlers continue with a datime sleep until they are 3 or 4 years old Others have outgrown it by 18 months.

Toddlers are typicaly highly energetic, inquisitive, persistant and active in their exploration of their world.
They have mastered the skills of walking and are now building on the skill to become proficient in the gross motor skills such as running, climbing, jumping, kicking, etc.
it is important that they are supervised.
At this stage one of the most common injuries requiring medical treatment are those caused by falls!

By about 16 to 18 months of age most toddlers have the fine motor ability to scribble with a crayon and feed themselves with a spoon. By two years of age the toddler shows a preference for one hand; however hand dominance can occur much later, at around four years of age.
By the end of their second year most can draw simple vertical and horizontal figures.

By now a toddler is eating more family foods.

By one year of age most children have between eight and twelve teeth, however it is not uncommon for some toddlers to still be toothless.

Children are ready to learn to toilet train at different ages, usually some time between 18 months and 4 years. A good indicator of readiness is their ability to know when they want to pass urine and the ability to hold on long enough to make it to the toilet. Daytime control usually happens before night-time control.