{"id":41647,"date":"2018-10-06T11:40:29","date_gmt":"2018-10-06T11:40:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.babyhealthandcare.com\/your-toddler-16-months-old\/"},"modified":"2018-10-06T11:40:29","modified_gmt":"2018-10-06T11:40:29","slug":"your-toddler-16-months-old","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.babyhealthandcare.com\/de\/your-toddler-16-months-old\/","title":{"rendered":"Your toddler: 16 months old"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"EBIKES\"<\/a><\/div>
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\n Photography by Nicole Duplantis\/Clothing provided by babyGap and Joe Fresh <\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Toddlers totally have a mind of their own, which is probably something you\u2019ve figured out by now. You may also notice that they understand everything you say, even if they\u2019re still speaking their own gibberish language. And while they\u2019re more than happy to, say, come to you for a snack or play a game, they\u2019ll likely run the other way when you say it\u2019s bedtime. (Expect that to last for the next six or seven years.)<\/p>\n

16-month-old development & milestones<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Sharing is caring<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Egocentric little toddlers don\u2019t usually like to share. Shocking, right? But it\u2019s a good idea to start teaching these important skills<\/strong> as early as you can before their \u201cmine\u201d attitude<\/strong> gets out of hand. You can start the conversation by being a role model (practise sharing and taking turns with them), using descriptive praise when they share (\u201cDid you see Amber\u2019s smile when you shared your doll with her?\u201d) and\u2014hot tip\u2014using the timer on your phone (when it rings, have them pass the toy they\u2019re playing with to their little buddy).<\/p>

\"USA<\/a><\/div>
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Baby babble<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Who\u2019s guilty of sounding like an itty-bitty baby when talking to their toddler? It turns out that \u201cparentese,\u201d which means talking to wee ones using both adult language and baby talk<\/strong>, isn\u2019t doing your kid any favours. They\u2019re at the stage where they\u2019re learning how to build a vocabulary. Words like \u201cnum-num\u201d may sound adorable to you, but remember, itty-bitty ears are listening.<\/p>\n

Mealtime misery<\/strong><\/h3>\n

We\u2019re going to be honest: Dinnertime (and breakfast and lunch) can be a real pain in the rear when you\u2019ve got a fussy eater on your hands. Toddlers are very temperamental when it comes to meals, and their eating habits can change at the drop of a hat (seriously, anything from getting sick to changing their routine to trying to assert their independence can squash their appetites). If your kid starts a hunger strike by refusing to eat or not showing interest in food, don\u2019t worry too much\u2014this behaviour normally lasts a few days. Read on to find out how to handle it<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The young and the rigid<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Child
\nThe surprising upside to your kid\u2019s brutal temper tantrums<\/span>
\nToddlers like stability\u2014hard stop. They are all about predictable schedules and require plenty of warning before transitions and changes to routines. It\u2019s helpful if you can keep their naps and mealtimes the same, but that doesn\u2019t mean you should always be tied to their timetables. Don\u2019t worry if they get upset, cry or have tantrums<\/strong> when you\u2019ve modified their day\u2014there are ways to deal with that.<\/p>\n

Your life after baby
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Do you ever regret being a parent?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Most parents have had those moments when they wish they were still young and free without the worries of parenthood and adulthood\u2014times when they didn\u2019t have mortgages, had disposable incomes and didn\u2019t have anyone to worry about other than themselves. Don\u2019t feel guilty\u2014managing life with a little one and getting used to being someone\u2019s parent takes time. This mom talks about her experience<\/strong>\u2014you might just find you have a few things in common.<\/p>\n

Surviving in-laws<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you adore your in-laws, consider yourself lucky. Not everyone has such a great relationship with their partner\u2019s family<\/strong>. If they live far away (yay!) and come to stay with you (ugh), there are ways you can handle the situation without causing more friction. One biggie? Get over them feeding your kid cake for breakfast\u2014a weekend of junk food isn\u2019t the end of the world.<\/p>\n

Stuff no one tells you<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Escape artists<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Got a kid who\u2019s climbing out of their crib? Tots this age risk hurting themselves when they get out of bed by slipping, falling or banging their heads. Experts suggest using a properly sized sleep sack, which can make it harder for kids to climb out<\/strong>, and putting a rug, pillows or a soft mat beside the crib in case they fall. Of course, the mattress should also be at its lowest setting (from the time your baby can stand). If the bedrooms are on the second floor of your home, it\u2019s a good time to put a gate at the top of your stairs, if you haven\u2019t already. You might also start thinking about moving them into a big-kid bed, but don\u2019t feel like you have to switch the minute they get a leg up there. Most toddlers are between two and three when it makes the most sense to move them.<\/p>\n

Take to the skies<\/strong><\/h3>\n

That first vacation with your child takes planning and patience and, hey, some expert tips never hurt anyone. If you\u2019re about to embark on a plane ride with your toddler<\/strong>, we can help. Here are five must-dos before you travel.<\/p>\n

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  1. For long flights, book the red-eye or take-off post-bedtime so there\u2019s a better chance they\u2019ll pass out.<\/li>\n
  2. Put an extra shirt and wipes in your carry-on in case things get messy when you\u2019re changing diapers in that tiny bathroom<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
  3. Stock up on lots of activities (the dollar store is a great place for cheap colouring books, games and paper and crayons).<\/li>\n
  4. Consider breaking your no-screen-time rules for this worthy exception by bringing a tablet or DVD player with age-appropriate shows.<\/li>\n
  5. After the flight attendants have finished with drink and food service, let your kid stretch their legs and walk up and down the aisle.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Just for fun<\/strong>
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    Conquer cabin fever
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    Rainy days and crappy weather call for creative ways to make the most of indoor play. We got you. Find six ridiculously easy things you can do<\/strong> right this second with littles. (Sock toss, anyone?)<\/p>\n

    Playground parents<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Take a load off and have a giggle on us with our \u201cThis is my life\u201d comic<\/strong>. Our favourite playground parents? Oblivious phone dad, caught-in-the-slide dad and annoyingly hot mom.<\/p>\n

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    Read more:
    Your toddler: 17 months old
    Toddler sleep: All your questions answered<\/strong><\/p>\n

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