Toddler’s Development and Milestones at 21st Month

During the 21st month, toddlers continue their dynamic development. Language skills advance with a growing vocabulary and more complex sentence structures. Motor skills refine further, enhancing coordination and balance for increasingly purposeful movements. Socially, toddlers deepen their interactions, showing greater awareness of others. These milestones signify significant language, motor abilities, and social understanding progress. Parents can delight in observing their toddlers navigate this stage of exploration and learning, fostering a strong foundation for future development.

What are the Toddler’s Development and Milestones in the 21st Month

Language Skills

• Begins combining two or more words to form simple sentences.
• Understands and follows basic instructions.

Motor Skills

• Fine motor skills improve, allowing for more precise movements.
• Begins to use a spoon and fork with increasing coordination.
• Climbing skills become more advanced.

Social Interaction

• Shows interest in playing with other children and may engage in parallel play.
• Begins to express empathy by comforting others.
• Enjoys imitating adults and peers in play activities.

Imagination and Pretend Play

• Engages in imaginative play, such as pretending to cook, talking on the phone, or caring for dolls.
• Starts attributing roles to toys during play.

Cognitive Development

• Shows curiosity about cause-and-effect relationships.
• Sorts objects based on simple attributes (e.g., size, color).
• Begins to understand basic concepts like big and small.

Independence and Self-Help Skills

• Demonstrates a desire for independence, wanting to do things on their own.
• Attempts to dress themselves with assistance.
• Shows interest in washing hands and basic self-care routines.

Emotional Development

• Displays a range of emotions and may have occasional mood swings.
• Begins to identify and express some emotions, such as happiness, frustration, or sadness.
• Seeks comfort and reassurance from caregivers.

Exploration of Art

• Enjoys simple art activities like coloring with crayons and finger painting.
• May attempt to draw basic shapes or scribble with purpose.

Interest in Books

• Shows an increased attention span for books and enjoys being read to.
• Points to and names familiar objects in pictures.

Improved Coordination

• Refines gross motor skills, such as running, jumping, and kicking a ball.
• Begins to show improved balance and coordination.

Potty Training Readiness

• Displays signs of readiness for potty training, such as expressing discomfort with wet diapers or showing interest in using the potty.
• Introduce the idea of using the potty with positive reinforcement.

Expanded Curiosity

• Demonstrates a heightened curiosity about the world.
• Asks simple questions about the environment and objects.

What are the activities needed to Support your 21-month-old toddler’s development

Painting with fruits & spices

• This activity helps in sensory development and can be done by using natural items like fruits and spices for painting.

Nature color hunt

• Engaging in a color hunt in nature can help in developing the child’s sensory and cognitive skills.

Play dough & nature

• Using play dough with natural elements can aid in fine motor skill development and sensory exploration.

Animal adventure

• Engaging in activities related to animals can help in language development and cognitive learning.

Animal obstacle course

• Creating an obstacle course with animal themes can promote physical activity and motor skill development.

What are the Mealtimes and Menus for Your 21-Month-Old

Breakfast

• Embark on the day with a nutritious breakfast tailored for your 21-month-old. Explore options like whole-grain cereals, diced fruits, and yogurt to fuel their energy for the day ahead.

Lunch

• Craft a lunch menu featuring a mix of proteins, vegetables, and carbohydrates. Delve into choices like grilled chicken strips, steamed vegetables, and quinoa for a well-rounded meal.

Afternoon Snack 

• Satisfy those afternoon cravings with wholesome snacks. Opt for cheese cubes, apple slices, and whole-grain crackers to keep your toddler energized until dinner.

Dinner

• As the day winds down, provide a dinner that encompasses various nutrients. Consider options such as pasta with tomato sauce, lean meat, and a medley of colorful vegetables.

What is the Sleep Schedule of your 21-Month-Old Toddler

Total Sleep

• 11-14 hours of total sleep in 24 hours

Nap Schedule

• 2-3 hours of daytime sleep
• A nap from 12:00-2:30 pm

Bedtime

• Recommend 10-12 hours of overnight sleep
• Bedtime schedule around 6:30-7:00 pm

Day in the Life of a 21-Month-Old Toddler

Eating

• 3-4 meals per day, plus 2 snacks
• Offer food every 2 to 3 hours, as their tummies are still small
• Provide a variety of foods from all food groups, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins

Sleeping

• 11-14 hours of sleep every 24 hours
• a nap of 1-3 hours during the day
• Some toddlers may struggle to get a good night’s sleep as dreams become more intense around this age

Developmental Activities

• Painting with fruits and spices
• Nature color hunt
• Give your toddler fun bath toys for measuring, scooping, and pouring
• Read books and recite nursery rhymes together
• Sing simple songs that involve actions or animal sounds
• Practice making animal sounds
• Make a simple memory game

Fun Facts

• At 21 months, toddlers may be using their imagination in various ways as they play, and their imaginative powers might continue after they fall asleep at night, when they may have intense and active dreams that could even wake them up.

Toddler’s Health at 21-Month-Old

Physical Activity

• Encourage active play for at least 3 hours a day.
• Include activities that enhance motor skills, coordination, and muscle development.

Regular Check-ups

• Schedule routine visits to the pediatrician for growth assessments and vaccinations.
• Discuss any concerns or observations about your toddler’s health.

Dental Care

• Introduce brushing with a soft toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste.
• Limit sugary snacks and drinks to promote oral health.

Language Development

• Engage in conversations, read books, and encourage language skills.
• Monitor speech development and seek professional advice if needed.

Development Tips for Your Toddler This Month

Encourage Language

• Engage in conversations and respond to your toddler’s attempts to communicate.
• Introduce new words and concepts through books, songs, and daily interactions.

Foster Independence

• Allow your toddler to participate in simple tasks like dressing themselves and picking out clothes.
• Provide choices to promote decision-making skills.

Explore Creativity

• Provide art materials for drawing, coloring, and imaginative play.
• Support creativity through activities like building with blocks.

Introduce Basic Concepts

• Teach basic concepts such as colors, shapes, and numbers through playful activities.
• Use everyday situations to explore these concepts in a fun way.

Safety Awareness

• Teach basic safety rules, such as looking both ways before crossing the street.
• Childproof your home to create a safe environment for exploration.

Items Needed on the 21st Month of Your Toddler

Potty Chair

• Potty training is approaching, and a potty chair can be helpful for your 21-month-old

Practical Life Activities Materials

• Materials such as clothes pins, measuring cups, climbing dome, and threading kit can be used for practical life activities, which are important for promoting language development and independence

Travel Stroller

• If you’re ready to travel with your toddler, consider a lightweight travel stroller or an umbrella stroller to make getting around much easier

Toddler Bed Rail

• This is useful for ensuring your little one doesn’t roll off their new bed

Life as a Parent on Toddler’s 21st Month

Dealing with Non-Verbal Expressions

• Understanding and interpreting non-verbal expressions, this section equips parents with effective ways to communicate with their non-verbal toddlers.

Tantrums and How to Handle Them

• Addressing the challenge of tantrums, discover practical tips on managing and preventing meltdowns, and promote a harmonious parent-toddler relationship.

Sleep Struggles

• Navigating through sleep struggles, this section provides insights into creating a conducive bedtime routine and handling night wakings with ease.

Dealing with Night Wakings

• Addressing night wakings with practical strategies to ensure both parents and toddlers enjoy a restful night’s sleep.

Organizing Playdates

• Practical advice on organizing playdates that promote socialization and provide enjoyable experiences for both toddlers and parents.

Setting Boundaries

• Establishing healthy boundaries for your toddler creates a secure and structured environment that fosters positive behavior.

Checklist needed for the 21st Month 

Health and Wellness

• Schedule a well-child check-up with the pediatrician.
• Ensure vaccinations are up-to-date.
• Discuss any concerns about your toddler’s health.

Language Stimulation

• Engage in daily conversations and read books regularly.
• Encourage your toddler to express themselves verbally.
• Introduce new words during play and everyday activities.

Structured Playtime

• Introduce age-appropriate structured activities to enhance cognitive and motor skills.
• Provide a variety of toys that stimulate imagination and creativity.

Outdoor Exploration

• Foster outdoor play to support gross motor development.
• Explore nature, parks, and play areas.

Independent Skills

• Encourage your toddler to practice independent skills like dressing and self-feeding.
• Introduce simple tasks to promote a sense of responsibility.

Nutritious Diet

• Ensure a balanced diet with a variety of foods.
• Encourage self-feeding and explore different textures and flavors.

Communication with Caregivers

• Maintain open communication with caregivers, such as daycare providers, to stay informed about your toddler’s day.

Last Updated on January 15, 2024