Location: Outdoors

Promotes: Cognitive and motor skill development

When you think about toddler play locations, your local park probably comes to mind. And it should! It’s a great place to head to for fun and games, but did you know it’s also a smart spot for encouraging motor development and helping your child reach other milestones? Swing by the park’s playground to play this fun game -- while helping your tot burn off some energy.

What to play

Use the playground’s landscape as a setting for an outdoor game of follow the leader. Children this age love to mirror the people around them, so your child should jump at the opportunity to be your copycat.

Step 1: Tell your toddler to follow you around the playground and copy everything you do.

Step 2: Start moving! You could run under the monkey bars, crawl around the slide, or climb over steps. Whatever you do, be sure to call out directions as you do it (“Now let’s hop like a bunny to the swing set!"). If your child is too young to follow your directions, you can hold her hand while you move around instead of having her follow after you.

Step 3: Once you’ve navigated the entire playground, give her a big hug and congratulate her on doing such a good job.

Tricks and tips

To ensure safety, stay close to your tot, and keep an eye on the other happenings in the playground. You don’t want your little one running by the slide as another child is coming down. To keep your toddler motivated, be enthusiastic. Cheer, clap -- even play some music using your phone’s speakers!

Learning and growing

At this age, kids are pushing their physical limits and discovering new ways their bodies can move, so climbing, crawling, jumping, and hopping around the playground will help encourage your child’s motor development. Following instructions while being active may also help your child learn new concepts such as up, down, over, and around.

What you’ll need

Just your local playground -- and a solid pair of sneakers.

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After your little one’s first birthday, you may witness a transition from needy newborn to take-charge toddler. If you’re wondering if your tot’s ready to reach such toddler milestones as using a spoon and brushing her teeth, here are some telltale signs that she is up for the challenge.

Toddler milestone: Self-feeding with utensils

Is she ready? Your little one has probably mastered the pincer grasp, a child development skill that allows her to pick up small objects between the thumb and forefingers, and is enjoying her first finger foods. By 15 months, she may show interest in using a spoon and try to grab it from you when you feed her; by 18 months, she may be able to handle the spoon pretty well (and get most of the food into her mouth). Keep plenty of paper towels handy -- things are going to get messy!

How you can help: It’s important to support your child on her journey toward this toddler milestone by letting her attempt to feed herself, even if the majority of her peas and pasta miss her mouth. Make the process safer by investing in rubber-tipped spoons so your child can learn to self-feed without hurting her gums. Use unbreakable dishware that can survive multiple tumbles from the high chair to the floor. Designs that suction to your child’s high-chair tray instead of sliding around can make mealtimes easier for both of you.

Toddler milestone: First steps

Is she ready? Many toddlers take their first steps after their first birthday. Signs your child is ready include rolling around, scooting, and climbing stairs using hands.

How you can help: Make sure your baby gets plenty of tummy time from early on. Strong back muscles, which your baby develops when she lies on her tummy and lifts up her head, are required for walking. To help her develop them, place her favorite toy just out of reach during tummy time and watch her try to get it. Or move the toy from left to right to encourage her to lean in different directions. When your child does eventually put one foot in front of the other all by herself, be prepared for a whole new level of parental watchfulness!

Toddler milestone: Teeth brushing

Is she ready? Your child won’t have the coordination to take over the toothbrush task completely until age 6 or 7, but if she shows interest before then, you can let her practice polishing her baby teeth.

How you can help: Most dentists encourage parents of young children to first let their child brush her teeth independently, and then to do a thorough follow-up cleaning afterward. If your toddler is reluctant to brush, encourage her by letting her pick the color of her toothbrush and also a fun cup to rinse out her mouth with when she is done.

Watching your child become more independent can be exciting for both of you, but don’t rush the process. It’s okay if your child is reaching milestones at different times than other kids her age.

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From the moment you bring your baby home, you’re spending almost every precious moment with her. And even though it seems as if all she does is eat, sleep, and poop, changes are happening.

Here are some major motor development milestones -- movements that use large muscle groups -- and ways you can support your baby on her way to her next breakthrough.

Reaching
One of the earlier motor development milestones is reaching. Your little one will begin working on this between 4 and 7 months of age. In this time frame, you may see her reach for things with one hand and learn how to pass things between hands.

How you can help: Blow bubbles in your baby’s direction and encourage her to reach for them. Place favorite toys slightly out of reach.

Sitting
Many babies are able to sit with support at around 6 months of age, and may soon move on to sitting without support. (Some babies take longer -- don’t be alarmed if your baby needs a little more time to master this.)

How you can help: Give your baby supervised floor time to play every day, and she will follow her own pace. Once she can sit for a few moments without toppling over, introduce simple games like clapping or rolling a ball. Keep sessions short -- just a few minutes at a time, and always stay close to her. A C-shaped pillow (such as a breastfeeding pillow) can offer some light support.

Crawling
Crawling often happens between 7 and 10 months. Your little cruiser may have a unique style -- a crab-style crawl, for instance.

How you can help: Start tummy time at birth, letting her spend some time on her tummy every single day. Those toys you put slightly out of her grasp to encourage reaching? Move them just a little bit farther away. As she starts to propel herself forward, and move on her own, make sure that the space she explores is safe and supervised. You can also try placing a thin, rolled-up receiving blanket under your baby and demonstrate rocking back and forth on your hands and knees. Rocking is the jump-starter to crawling; before you know it, you’ll be chasing her all through the house!

Standing
At around 9 to 11 months, your baby may pull herself up to stand. At first, she'll only stay on her feet for a few seconds, holding onto something for support, before plopping down on her bottom. Gradually, she'll improve her muscle strength, balance, and coordination until she's able to stand unsupported.

How you can help: Be sure to give your baby unrestrained playtime on the floor every day. Limit time in seating devices, such as baby seats and bouncers. You can also demonstrate a push toy and let her watch other babies who can stand.

Reaching milestones is an important part of a baby’s life. It’s in these months that your baby develops the crucial skills and motions needed to master the later, complex skills of walking, running, jumping and everything else. Encourage and help your baby throughout by challenging her to do a little bit more each day – she’ll be walking and running before you know it!

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Once your baby turns 1, it’s full steam ahead into the spirited, adventure-packed toddler years of baby development. Now the real fun begins!

No longer is your little one so helpless, fussy, and needy. Now she may seem downright fearless at times, but it’s all part of the toddler stage, a very exciting part of baby development. Check out some of the pros and cons of the initial stage of toddlerhood (12 to 15 months) for a preview of what’s to come.

Pro: Aw, she sounds just like … me!
One thing that begins to happen after your baby turns 1 year old is that she starts to imitate the sounds around her. Many a funny mommy-blunder occurs in this stage, when you discover that anything you say can and will be repeated -- often at inopportune times! Imitation plays an important role in learning and is a large part of play at this stage. Prepare to witness the most darling renditions of hair brushing, cell phone jabbering, cooking, and “reading” her favorite book to her doll. Get your camera ready!

Con: There she goes
In terms of reaching milestones, your toddler will likely be walking alone at this time period. While it’s exciting to see your child put one foot in front of the other all by herself, be prepared for a whole new level of watchfulness. You’ll likely be getting a lot more exercise, too, as you race around to keep up with your energetic toddler.

Pro: Peek-a-boo amps up
By now, your toddler understands object permanence -- that when objects disappear, they’re not gone, only hidden -- which sets the stage for the game of hide-and-seek. Not only will your toddler tire herself out hiding (in cutely obvious household spaces), she’ll also be able to hunt for hidden objects. Try hiding her favorite ball or stuffed animal, and marvel at her tireless willingness to call a search party. Let the games begin!

Con: What consequences?
Your fearless wonder will now take new risks. But don’t be shocked when bravery turns abruptly into tears. While your toddler is starting to understand the world better, she still lacks grown-up judgment and a sense of consequences. She’ll engage you in a constant tug-of-war for more independence and then cling to you the second she trips and falls, her ball rolls into the street, or a door slams on her fingers.

There is more that your child can do and is willing to try at this stage, but she still needs you to be her rock, comfort, and guide. Supervise carefully to ensure her safety.

Pro: Chatty Cathy in the house
Prepare to move beyond baby talk. Once your child reaches the 1-year mark, she’ll start to understand more of what you say -- and there’s less need for that high-pitched, singsong voice you used when she was an infant. You might be surprised to see her toddle toward the table when you ask, “Where’s your sippy cup?”

She’ll also start communicating more clearly. Many toddlers master at least 50 words by the time they turn 2 years old. Still, all children are unique and develop in their own ways. Girls tend to develop language skills more quickly than boys.

Con: Don’t leave me!
Believe it or not, separating from your child temporarily may be tougher on you than on your toddler at this point. Around this time, your toddler will become slightly more independent and can get excited about the idea of playing with friends. You might see some residual separation anxiety -- a natural byproduct of having one foot in the baby world and one foot in the toddler world. But it shouldn’t last long. Give your little one a quick hug and kiss, and assure her you’ll be back. In time, she’ll barely remember to wave before running off to play.

Pro: Growth control
Whereas your 1-year-old probably gained about 4 pounds every 2 to 4 months during infancy, her weight gain during her entire second year will be more like 3 to 5 pounds total. You’ll also see your toddler shed some of her baby fat as she develops muscles and becomes more active.

Con: Stubborn as an ox
You knew this was coming. At age 1, your baby will start to experiment more with directing the show. She won’t hesitate to scream no at the top of her lungs and shake her head fiercely. She may even drag her feet and kick and scream -- the classic toddler tantrum.

Try to stay calm while your child tries on her new freedom. You might miss your sweet, helpless cuddle bug at times, but know she is making strides in who she is. (In fact, her character and personality are developing right in front of your very eyes!) If all else fails, always remember: It’s just a stage.

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By the end of the day, you’re wiped out. But your energetic toddler is still up and about -- and fighting your every attempt at getting him to sleep.

It’s not unusual for toddlers to resist bedtime. But good sleep is essential to your toddler’s health, not to mention your sanity. It’s up to you to help him develop the healthy sleep habits he’ll need for the rest of his life. Here’s what to do.

Create a routine
Start each night with a relaxing routine that will set the stage for going to sleep. Changing into pajamas, brushing your child’s teeth, and washing his face every night will help establish that these are the things that happen before bedtime. Other ways to relax include listening to quiet music, reading a book, or giving him a bath. Resist the urge to play with your toddler at this hour, since it will only get him more excited than relaxed.

Be consistent
Stick with the same routine every night, so your toddler learns to expect that bedtime is coming. Soon he’ll know what’s expected of him, too.

Make it comfortable
Let your child take his beloved teddy bear to bed with him. Give him his favorite blanket, and allow him a drink of water. Turn on a nightlight before closing the door. Taking care of your toddler’s comforts will make it easier for him to relax -- and give him fewer excuses for climbing out of bed again.

Pause before answering every call
Children this age are likely to call out to you after you leave the room. Resist the urge to respond every time your toddler calls for you, and wait several seconds before answering. With each time he calls for you, wait a few seconds longer, which will give him the chance to fall asleep before you respond. When you do, remind him that it’s bedtime. If you go into his room, don’t turn on the light or stay too long. Engaging your toddler more than necessary will only wake him up more. As much as possible, stay farther away from his bed each time you go in.

Be patient
Teaching a toddler good sleep habits doesn’t happen overnight. And it isn’t easy, since toddlers love your companionship. But keep doing the same thing every night. Eventually, your toddler will learn to go along with the plan and get the most out of this good night’s sleep.

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