Development 12-18 mths: growing up

Over the next year, you will see your toddler's body proportions adapting to life on 2 legs - which is how she spends most of her time.

Although she still stumbles and falls, now she's completely mobile. She loves practising her new skills by climbing in and out of everything. Make sure she is secured in her high-chair. Lock cupboards, containers or trunks that she could climb into.

Weight gain slows - she looks slimmer and longer

As your toddler enters her 2nd year, her head is still proportionately over-sized, her neck is short and her legs are bowed. She probably has a swollen tummy. This is all completely normal! Be assured, her body will change over the coming months, adapting to her new upright stance.

Her appetite drops but she can eat most food

As your toddler's weight gain slows, she may not be as hungry as she used to be. Her digestive system continues to mature, allowing her to eat most foods with the family. This doesn't mean she will eat everything - she has acute taste buds and prefers sweet things. She may also be cutting teeth, making chewing difficult.

Walking, creeping upstairs and stooping

At 12 months she crawls or shuffles on the floor. She can stand while holding on to something. Some babies will already have taken their first faltering steps and in the next 6 months most toddlers will learn to walk confidently.

Your toddler's motor control has made huge strides. She can carry large objects while walking. She can also bend down to pick up small items. When necessary, she reverts to hands and knees - particularly for climbing up and down stairs or over uneven floor surfaces.

Throwing a ball, waving and scribbling

Her arm and hand control continues to improve. She learns to feed herself, although she will still make a mess for a few months. She can throw things, but not very accurately. Be warned that your toddler can also open and close doors and pull out the contents. Now is the time to make sure you have locked away everything that could be harmful.

Related articles:

• Development 12-18 mths: hello world!
• Development 12-18 mths: speech & vocabulary
• Development 12-18 mths: growing independence
• Talk about toddlers in our discussions