CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Toddlers (12–24 months) Physical * Weight is now approximately 3 times the child's birth weight. * Respiration rate varies with emotional state and activity. * Rate of growth slows * Head size increases slowly; grows approximately 1.3 cm every six months; anterior fontanelle is nearly closed at eighteen months as bones of the skull thicken. * Chest circumference is larger than head circumference. * Legs may still appear bowed. * Toddler will begin to lose the "Baby Fat" once he/she begins walking. * Body shape changes; takes on more adult-like appearance; still appears top-heavy; abdomen protrudes, back is swayed.
Motor development * Crawls skillfully and quickly. * Stands alone with feet spread apart, legs stiffened, and arms extended for support. * Gets to feet unaided. * Most children walk unassisted near the end of this period; falls often; not always able to maneuver around obstacles, such as furniture or toys. * Uses furniture to lower self to floor; collapses backwards into a sitting position or falls forward on hands and then sits. * Enjoys pushing or pulling toys while walking. * Repeatedly picks up objects and throws them; direction becomes more deliberate. * Attempts to run; has difficulty stopping and usually just drops to the floor. * Crawls up stairs on all fours; goes down stairs in same position. * Sits in a small chair. * Carries toys from place to place. * Enjoys crayons and markers for scribbling; uses whole-arm movement. * Helps feed self; enjoys holding spoon (often upside down) and drinking from a glass or cup; not always accurate in getting utensils into mouth; frequent spills should be expected. * Helps turn pages in book. * Stacks two to six objects per day. Cognitive development * Enjoys object-hiding activities *