MumCentre Essentials

2 to 3 years | 3 to 4 years | 4 to 5 years | 5 to 6 years

2-2^1/2 | 2^1/2-3 Years

Keep an extra watchful eye because your toddler is now turning into an active, independent little person who will often want to do things his/ her way.

What your child might do:

Physically and mentally
• Brushes teeth (but still needs help)
• Feeds him/herself (but still needs help)
• Plays easily with smaller toys e.g. stacks small blocks more neatly
• Sorts toys into similar groups
• Walks, hops and runs proficiently
• Throws ball more confidently

Language and emotions
• Asks to do things him/ herself
• Names major body parts e.g. head, eyes, nose
• Constructs two-word sentences
• Prone to temper-tantrums and upsets as the world at large still seems a little strange
• Expresses discomfort with wet diaper
• Knows words for urine and bowel movements e.g. “wee-wee” or “poo-poo”

Feeding
Don’t forget hydration! Your child may not take to water easily but do be persistent. He/ she is probably still dependent on the bottle or sippy cup but you may now fill it with low-fat (2%) instead of whole milk.

Sleep
At this age, children sleep for about 12 to 14 hours a day, usually taking only one afternoon nap.

Ideal toys for this age
• Stacking and sorting toys
• Role-play toys e.g. toy kitchen, doll house, tool bench
• Plush toys
• Basic counting, alphabet and shape-matching toys

Useful tips
Your child is becoming increasingly mobile and independent. This is a perfect time to get your parents or in-laws to help while you have a well-deserved date with your partner!

Many children are fully toilet trained by this age. However, if your child is late or has frequent accidents, don’t worry. Provide lots of encouragement and positive reinforcement and he/ she will soon be free of the diaper for good.

What your child might do:

Physically and mentally
• Has an active imagination
• Dresses him/ herself (may still need help with buttons and zips)
• Has better hand-eye coordination, e.g. able to play with more intricate snap-together toys
• Descends stairs a step at a time
• Knows what is safe and what is not

Language and emotions
• Understands words like under, over, above
• Makes simple sentences
• Imitates favourite people
• Follows simple instructions
• Recalls what to do and when to do it
• Plays good-naturedly with other children (may still refuse to share)

Feeding
Your child will begin to lose most of his/ her baby fat at about this time. Take the cue from your child when he/ she is hungry and provide small but nutritious meals.

Ideal toys for this age
• Play dough
• Sporty toys, e.g. toy golf sets, toy basketball hoop and ball
• Jigsaw puzzles (8-piece or less)
• Simple remote-control toys

Useful tips
Make your child your little helper by giving him/ her small tasks like arranging his/ her own table setting, putting away toys etc. Doing this now will encourage good habits for a lifetime.