Toddler

A toddler is a child 12 to 36 months old. The toddler years are a time of great cognitive, emotional and social development. The word is derived from 'to toddle', which means to walk unsteadily, like a child of this age. Toddler development can be broken down into a number of interrelated areas. There is reasonable consensus about what these areas may include: Although it is useful to chart defined periods of development, it is also necessary to recognize that development exists on a continuum, with considerable individual differences between children. There is a wide range of what may be considered 'normal' development. However, according to experts, there are specific milestones that should be achieved by certain ages and stages in life in order to properly grow and develop. At one year of age, the typical toddler will be able to display the following skills: