Toddler Development and Milestones: 19 through 23 months

Early Childhood Development

Early childhood development (ECD) is a complex theory that explains how a child learns and how the brain advances through stages of abilities from birth to 5 years of age. One part of this theory is Toddler Development. As your child’s parent, you are their most important teacher. As teachers, we support the children’s development as they advance their abilities. This blog focuses on the modern teaching approach in ECE, called the whole-child approach, where teaching encompasses the development of all aspects of the child’s learning: physical, cognitive, language, and social-emotional abilities.

Abilities & Preferences

Abilities are skills a child has or is developing, and preference means their likes or dislikes. Toddlers develop abilities and preferences at their own pace, also called developmental milestones or skills. Many abilities overlap with one another, making it difficult to separate them. It is important to remember that children develop a wide range of abilities at different rates. Any child could be above the typical age in one ability and below the typical age in another.

This blog focuses on how children engage and interact with toys and the abilities necessary for that interaction. We do not provide medical advice, medical conditions, child health suggestions, or disease control. 

Toddler Development: 19 through 23 months

Toddler development is an exhilarating time for both parents and children. From 19 through 23 months, toddlers undergo rapid physical, cognitive, and emotional changes, acquiring new skills and becoming increasingly independent. During this time, they establish their self-identity, enhance their communication abilities, and exhibit more complex behaviors. Let’s explore some of the key developmental milestones for toddlers in this age range.

Physical Development

Between 19 to 23 months of age, toddlers experience teeth eruption. Canine teeth appear: upper at 16-22 months and lower at 17-23 months.

Cognitive Development

Toddler development in this age group exhibits significant growth in their cognitive abilities and milestones. They begin to demonstrate an understanding of cause and effect by experimenting with objects and observing the outcomes of their actions. When drawing, they will scribble back and forth with the tip of the writing utensil and, after watching you, draw horizontal and vertical lines. If given a writing tool upside down, they will turn it correctly so it can be used properly.

Language Development

Language development also flourishes in the 19 to 23-month-old age range. Children start to use more words and expand their vocabulary. By the end of this period, most toddlers can comprehend simple verbal instructions and respond with appropriate actions. Although their speech may not be fully articulated, they can string together two-word sentences to convey their wants and needs. Parents and caregivers must engage in continuous language stimulation by talking, singing, and reading to the child, promoting further linguistic development.

Social-Emotional Development

Emotionally, toddlers undergo several important milestones during this phase. They begin to develop a sense of self, recognizing themselves in mirrors and identifying body parts by pointing or naming. Toddlers also start experiencing a wider range of emotions, including frustration, anger, happiness, and empathy. While tantrums are still relatively common, they tend to occur less frequently as toddlers better regulate their emotions.

Toy Safety

Toy safety is essential because small objects should not be around young infants and children. These first three months are great for first-time parents to create a dedicated, safe place and play area. In my next post, we will explore child development for toddlers 24 through 35 months of age. We will see a challenging year up ahead, but with your guidance and patience, the two-year-old will thrive!

Conclusion

In conclusion, the period between 19 and 23 months is a period of significant growth and development for toddlers. From refining their motor skills to expanding their vocabulary and enhancing their problem-solving abilities, these milestones pave the way for further cognitive, emotional, and physical growth. Parents, caregivers, and educators play a crucial role in stimulating and supporting toddlers as they progress through this transformative phase. Climbing may become a problem because toddlers do not understand the risk of falling. Supervise them closely!

Links For Your Reference:

• Essential Toy Safety for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers. 
• Whole Child Education: What is the Approach to Teaching?
• Developmentally Appropriate Toys: What and Why are They Important?
• American Academy of Pediatrics 

I value your input and comments tremendously. If there is anything else I should include in this blog post, please let me know!