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Infant & Toddler Topics

Infants and toddles experience a variety of physical and emotional changes. As the young children develop, they experience several common things that parents should be aware of. Learning these topics allow parents to be prepared for when their child experiences benchmark events.

  1. Preschool Education

    • Preschool education is the first start of formal education for a young toddler. Adjusting from daycare or home to a preschool may be tough for anyone. Instead of being with family, a toddler will be exposed to dozen of children their age at the same time. Additionally, instead of the parent, the teacher will become the authoritative figure that the child must listen to. Baby Center recommends that parents practice listening and reading skills, give the child a good-bye ritual and plan social activities prior to beginning preschool.

    Ear Infections

    • According to WebMD, about two thirds of children have had an ear infection before their first birthday. Young infants are more exposed to the infection because their immune systems are still developing. Additionally, infants have an underdeveloped eustachian tube (connects the middle ear to the throat and nose) that can get clogged with fluid easily. Fever, ear pain, trouble hearing and vomiting are among the common symptoms associated with ear infections.

    Terrible Twos

    • The "Terrible Twos" are regarded as a tough time for parents of toddlers. During this phase of development, children as young as 18 months and as late as 30 months begin to express their emotions, both happy and sad. Unfortunately because the toddler hasn't fully developed their emotions, they will often throw temper tantrums and test the limits of their parents. Baby Center suggests that parents let the child know that occasionally being unhappy is fine. Additionally, parents should teach toddlers the appropriate ways to vent their emotions.

    Potty Training

    • Toddlers experience potty training in order to learn how to use the toilet on their own. The success of potty training depends on the physical and emotional readiness of the individual child. Although some toddlers may be interested in potty training as early as 18 months, some may not be ready until they're 30 months or older. Even after successfully learning to potty, the child may still have bed wetting accidents. According to WebMD, 22 percent of children wet the bed at night at age 3 and 10 percent continue to do so at age 7.

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