FiveDotz Preschool and Daycare

• Social/Emotional Milestones
  
  
  • Baby notices when others are hurt or upset, like pausing or looking sad when someone is crying.
  • Baby looks at your face to see how to react in a new situation.

• Language/Communication Milestones
  
  
  • Baby points to things in a book when you ask, like "Where is the bear?"
  • Baby says at least two words together, like "More milk."
  • Baby points to at least two body parts when you ask him to show you.
  • Baby uses more gestures than just waving and pointing, like blowing a kiss or nodding yes

• Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)
  
  
  • Baby holds something in one hand while using the other hand; for example, holding a container and taking the lid off.
  • Baby tries to use switches, knobs, or buttons on a toy
  • Baby plays with more than one toy at the same time, like putting toy food on a toy plate.

• Physical Development Milestones
  
  
  • Baby tries to kick ball.
  • Baby tries to run.
  • Baby walks (not climbs) up a few stairs with or without help.
  • Baby starts to eat with a spoon.

Parenting tips to help 2 years baby learn and grow.

• Help your baby learn how words sound, even if baby can’t say them clearly yet. For example, if your baby says, "ba or nana," say "You want more banana."
• Watch your baby closely during playdates. babies this age play next to each other, but do not know how to share and solve problems. Show your baby how to deal with conflicts by helping her share, take turns, and use words when possible.
• Have your baby help you get ready for mealtime, by letting baby carry things to the table, such as plastic cups or napkins. Thank your baby for helping.
• Give your baby balls to kick, roll, and throw.
• Give toys that teach your baby how to make things work and how to solve problems. For example, give toys where baby can push a button and something happens.
• Let your baby play dress up with grown-up clothes, such as shoes, hats, and shirts. This helps baby begin to pretend play.
• Have steady routines for sleeping and feeding. Create a calm, quiet bedtime for your baby. Put on pajamas, brush baby's teeth, and read 1 or 2 books to baby. Babies this age need approx 12 hours of sleep a day (including naps). Consistent sleep times make it easier
• Ask your baby’s doctor and/or teachers about toilet training to know if your baby is ready to start. Most babies are not able to toilet train until 2 to 3 years old. Starting too early can cause stress and setbacks, which can cause training to take longer.
• Use positive words when your baby is being a good helper. Let baby help with simple chores, such as putting toys or laundry in a basket.
• Play with your baby outside, by playing "ready, set, go." For example, pull your baby back in a swing. Say "Ready, set….", then wait and say "Go" when you push the swing.
• Let your baby create simple art projects with you. Give your baby crayons or put some finger paint on paper and let her explore by spreading it around and making dots. Hang it on the wall or refrigerator so your baby can see it.