Parenting your Toddler from 1 to 3 Years

Parenting from 13-18 months

What to expect

Your child may not be outgrowing clothes every few weeks anymore, but between 13 and 18 months, your child’s brain and body are growing quickly.

Major brain growth leads to leaps in language, social development and motor skills in the time leading up to the 18-month mark. That’s why it’s the perfect time to do a detailed check of things that might affect a toddler’s ability to grow and develop, such as communication challenges and eating habits.

It’s also one of the reasons why watching screens (including TV, computers and electronic games) is not a good idea for kids under the age of 2. Developing brains need to see, touch and experience things in 3D and any amount of screen time interferes with that. Screen time can affect language, reading skills, and short-term memory.

Your checklist for 13 to 18 months

During this stage, try to:

✓ Book an appointment for your child’s 15-month chickenpox immunization

✓ Book your child’s enhanced 18-month well-baby visit with their doctor or nurse practitioner

✓ Update your child’s yellow immunization record and report immunizations to Public Health

✓ Complete the 18-month Looksee developmental checklist

✓ Use Nutri-eStep to quickly check if your child is a healthy eater

✓ Arrange a hearing assessment with an audiologist if your child has frequent ear infections, fluid in the ear or if you are concerned about their hearing. This service is not covered by OHIP.

✓ Continue daily oral health routines including:

• Checking your baby’s top 4 teeth for any changes (contact a dentist if you see signs of white lines or brown spots on the teeth)
• Brushing your baby’s gums and teeth with a soft brush and water twice a day for 2 minutes

✓ Explore our dental programs if the cost of dental care is a concern

Parenting from 19-24 months

What to expect

Between 19 and 24 months, many toddlers are learning through movement, play and everyday experiences. Using the five senses helps support brain development. Children this age often enjoy simple activities like finger painting, singing, dancing and exploring everyday objects like containers with lids, toilet paper tubes and cardboard boxes.

You may notice your child understands more words than they can say. Around age two, many toddlers begin putting two words together, such as “want cookie” or “car go.” Talking, reading and singing together throughout the day helps build language and communication skills.

Children at this age are curious but do not yet understand danger. They need close supervision and safe spaces to explore. Turning daily routines into games—like naming colours, counting steps or describing what you are doing—helps build brain connections while keeping learning fun and natural.

Your checklist for 19 to 24 months

During this stage, try to:

✓ Complete the two year Looksee developmental checklist

✓ Balance quiet brain-building activities like reading with plenty of active playtime

✓ Eat meals together as a family when possible

✓ Visit NutriSTEP to check if your child is a healthy eater

✓ Begin setting clear and consistent rules and limits (for example, brushing teeth before bed or holding hands when crossing the street)

✓ Check your child's teeth once a month for signs of tooth decay. Lift the lips and look for dull white spots, lines or dark areas on the teeth. Contact a dentist if you notice changes.

Parenting from ages 2-3 years old

What to expect

Between ages two and three, many toddlers are busy exploring, moving and learning independence. Mealtimes may feel less interesting than play, and it is common for children this age to have changing preferences around food and eating that can be challening. This is a normal part of development.

Another change your child may—or may not—be ready for is toilet learning. We use the term learning rather than training because readiness looks different for every child.

Signs a child may be ready for toilet learning include:

• Understanding what the toilet or potty is for
• Showing interest in using the toilet or potty
• Staying dry for longer periods during the day or after naps

Caregivers also need to feel ready. Choosing a stable time, like when routines well-established, can make the process easier. It’s best to avoid starting during other big changes, like transitioning to a toddler bed or when a new baby comes home.

If your child is not ready yet, that is okay! Most children begin using the toilet sometime between ages two and four. You can reassess readiness again in a few months.

Your checklist for 2 – 3 years

✓ Complete the 2½-year Looksee developmental checklist

• Use activities from the checklist to support emotional, fine motor, gross motor, social, self-help, communication, learning and thinking skills.

✓ Create healthy mealtime habits by:

• Involving your child in meal preparation
• Eating together at the table when possible
• Offering a variety of healthy foods without pressure

✓ Arrange a hearing assessment with an audiologist if your child has frequent ear infections, fluid in the ear or if you are concerned about their hearing. No referral needed but this service is not covered by OHIP.

✓ Limit screen time (including TV, tablets, phones and electronic games) to one hour per day

✓ Create predictable routines that help young children feel safe and supported