Healthy living

Child development 1–2 years

You’ll see a lot of change in your child between 1 and 2 years. As a parent, you now have to think about safety and setting limits, as well as caring for your baby.

Your baby is on the move and discovering the world. They’re ‘talking’ and making recognisable sounds. They love you talking, looking at picture books together and pointing to objects they know. Your baby is putting sounds together by babbling, trying to copy or say first words, and saying ‘no’ with a shake of the head.

Your baby may be clingy and wary of strangers, but they're forming special relationships with you and other family members. Their personality is becoming clear to you.

Social and emotional
Developing understanding
Physical development
Speech and language
Activities
Your child is unique

What to watch out for

Talk with your doctor or child health nurse if your child:

  • is tripping over their feet a lot and this is not improving
  • cannot walk
  • cannot hold a spoon and get most of the food to their mouth
  • cannot pick up small objects
  • cannot build a tower of 3 to 4 bricks
  • only regularly uses 20 words or less
  • does not understand simple directions (this does not mean they will always do as you tell them)
  • often runs very far away (out of sight) or climbs extremely high without hesitation.

Safety

Safety is a big issue as toddlers are curious and very mobile, but still too young to understand danger.

  • Make sure all dangerous items, including medicines, are locked away up high.
  • Secure furniture, including bookshelves and TVs, to a wall.
  • Check that the hot water is set to 50 degrees or less.
  • Always supervise children around water.

More information

Local community, school or child health nurse

  • See inside your baby's purple All About Me book
  • Look in the service finder for child health centres
  • Visit your nearest child health centre

Local family doctor

Ngala Parenting Line 

  • 8.00am – 8.00pm 7 days a week
  • Phone: (08) 9368 9368
  • Outside metro area – Free call 1800 111 546 (free from land line only)
  • Visit the Ngala website (external site)

Raising Children Network


Last reviewed: 21-05-2019
Acknowledgements

Child and Adolescent Health Service – Community Health (CAHS CH)


This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

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