Are you the mother of a toddler? I was, twice, and both times I remember wishing that there was a toddler cheat sheet that would tell me all I needed to know about that stage. Babies and teenagers are challenging but the toddler phase is the most frustrating by far. Here is my toddler cheat sheet:
1. When to take your toddler to the doctor - See a doctor as soon as you can if your toddler gets an object lodged in his nose, ear, or mouth. Never try to remove objects yourself; if your toddler gets a burn larger than a 50p piece, particularly if the skin is blistering (this includes a sunburn); has a fever that lasts for five days or longer, or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as a rash or crying. Most toddlers recover quickly from fever, but if his symptoms worsen, call the doctor again, as it may be a sign of a serious illness or infection; See your doctor if your toddler has to flare his nostrils to breathe, cries persistently, or if his cry sounds abnormal and high-pitched; is not drinking, and/or you are concerned that he is dehydrated. Also schedule a visit if your toddler has blood-streaked vomit or bowel movements.
2. When should you start potty training your toddler? There's no standard age at which a child is ready to start using the potty. But most children gain the skills they need to start training when they are between 18 months and three years old. Girls tend to be ready a few months earlier than boys. This checklist will help you to keep track of your toddler's progress toward readiness. You don't have to wait until your child's achieved everything before you start training. It's more about spotting a general trend toward independence and an understanding of what it means to go to the toilet like a grown-up.
What are the physical signs of readiness? Has regular, soft, formed bms at relatively predictable times, and doesn't go during the night. Has dry periods of at least one or two hours, or wakes up with a dry diaper after a nap. This shows that her bladder muscles are developed enough to hold the urine in and store it. If your toddler can pull her pants up and down with only a little help, she is ready or if she shows an interest when you go to the bathroom, it is time to start potty training.
3. How much sleep does my toddler need? Your baby is officially a toddler - but she still needs as much sleep as she did when she was younger. Until her second birthday, your child should get between 13 hours and 14 hours of sleep a day, 11 of those hours at night.
She'll probably still need two naps at 12 months, but by the time she's 18 months old, she may be ready for a single hour-and-a-half to two-hour nap in the afternoon. This is a pattern she may follow until she's three years or four years old. The transition from two naps to one can be difficult. You could try alternating one-nap and two-nap days, depending on how much sleep your toddler got the night before. You can also try putting your child to bed a little earlier on one-nap days.
Good luck with your toddler!
For more tools to help with your child, check out the Potty Training in 3 Days Review or the Talking to Toddlers Review
