Navigating life with a toddler aged 19 to 21 months is a bit like riding the waves—take a deep breath, dive in, and try to stay afloat amidst the constant activity. Your little one is likely on the move, walking, climbing, jumping, and exploring their environment, making each day an adventure in parenthood. As their personality blossoms, every moment offers a new opportunity to connect with the remarkable little individual you created. Here’s what to expect during this exciting age range.
Physical Growth Expectations
Don’t worry if your toddler isn’t gaining weight at the same pace as they did in infancy. Growth tends to slow significantly at this stage. Typically, children will gain about 6 pounds and grow around 3 inches between their first and second birthdays. On average, a 19 to 21-month-old girl weighs between 23.9 and 24.9 pounds, while boys average between 24.6 and 25.5 pounds. Remember, each child is unique, so variations from these averages can be perfectly normal. If you have concerns, consult your pediatrician during their next check-up.
Nutritional Needs
Meal times can be a challenge as toddlers often become picky eaters. Aim for three meals and two snacks a day, providing a balanced diet that includes around 700mg of calcium daily. If they aren’t consuming enough dairy, consider offering about three 8-ounce cups of whole milk. A daily guideline suggests ¾ to 1 cup of fruits and vegetables, ¼ cup of grains, and three tablespoons of protein.
Sleep Patterns
While dealing with a fussy eater can be exhausting, there’s good news—most toddlers in this age group are sleeping well. They typically need around 11 to 12 hours of sleep at night and an additional 1.5 to 3 hours during the day, totaling about 13 to 14 hours. Night terrors might occasionally disrupt sleep, which can be alarming. If this occurs, comfort your child and help them return to a peaceful slumber.
Key Developmental Milestones
By now, your child should be walking confidently and exploring their physical capabilities, engaging in activities like jumping, squatting, and climbing. This newfound mobility means you’ll need to keep a vigilant eye on them, ensuring their environment is safe and child-proofed.
When it comes to language, many toddlers can articulate 10 to 20 words or even string together phrases. If your child isn’t verbalizing as much as expected, bring it up with your pediatrician, as it could indicate hearing issues rather than cognitive delays.
Behaviorally, your toddler may display curiosity and enthusiasm, but this can sometimes lead to challenging behaviors like biting or hitting as they test boundaries and express frustration. Remember, this is a normal part of their development, particularly if screen time is restricted. It’s recommended that children this age have less than an hour of screen time daily, with a focus on educational content.
Potty Training Readiness
Although most children are not fully ready for potty training until they are between 27 to 32 months old, some may show early signs of readiness. If your child indicates interest, consider starting the process while being mindful of potential setbacks. Reading potty-themed board books can help foster their curiosity about using the toilet.
Health Check-Ups
If your child has had their 18-month check-up and is generally healthy, you might not have any doctor’s visits scheduled during this time. However, keep an eye out for any needed immunizations, such as the annual flu shot or a Hepatitis A vaccine, which may be administered around this age.
In summary, the 19 to 21-month period is filled with significant growth, exploration, and development for your toddler. Be prepared for the challenges and joys that come with this stage, and remember that resources like this one can help guide you through pregnancy and home insemination. For more insights on engaging toys, visit here. If you’re considering home insemination, check out our home insemination kit for valuable information.