• If breastfeeding, continue to do so
• Let your child feed themselves
• Trust the child’s appetite: let the child decide when they are hungry and when they are full
• Eat family meals at the table, share what you are eating
• Transition to whole milk with meals
• Water first for thirst between meals
• Serve vegetables first when the child is most hungry
• Offer a variety of textures, flavors, and colors
• Avoid juice and drinks with added sugar

Recognizing Hunger and Fullness Cues

• Encourage daily active play
• Screen time is not recommended
• It is normal for toddlers not to sit for more than 30 minutes
• Play outside and explore the world with your toddler – nature brings new sights and sounds
• Play games that help teach your toddler to take turns and follow rules
• Babbling is talking – talk back and forth with your child and smile
• As your child builds stronger muscle and improves balance, watch them learn to walk, run, climb, jump and throw
• Play games that promote movement

 Playing Inside During the Winter

Role of Play

Active Play Everyday – Tips for Parents and Caregivers – A Handout

• Make mealtime fun – a messy mealtime is to be expected
• Eat family meals at the table, share what you are eating
• Play games that promote movement
• Build your child’s words, talk to them, have a conversation
• Read to your child daily
• Listen for new words every day
• After learning to walk on their own, they will then learn to run, climb, jump and throw
• Watch them learn to feed themselves
• When your child has a tantrum or meltdown, don’t react – turn away for a few seconds and when they calm down, give them lots of attention
• Sleeps about 12-14 hours daily

Tips & Advice During COVID-19

Videos:

Make Mealtime Fun – Accept Messes!

Your Child at 1 Year – See What Most Children Do at this Age – A Handout from the CDC

Your Child at 18 Months – See What Most Children Do at this Age – A Handout from the CDC