At 22 months, toddlers make strides in independence, speech, and motor skills. They begin using simple words and gestures to express themselves, while motor skills advance through walking, climbing, and refined movements. Socially, they engage in parallel play and may imitate adults, showing awareness of emotions. Providing a safe, stimulating environment is crucial for their exploration and development.

What are the Toddler’s Development and Milestones in the 22nd Month

Language Development

  • Vocabulary expansion continues, with toddlers often using more words and starting to form simple sentences.
  • They may begin to express themselves more clearly and understand more complex instructions.

Motor Skills

  • Improved coordination is noticeable as toddlers refine their motor skills.
  • Climbing, running, and jumping become more coordinated and controlled.

Social Interaction

  • Increased interest in socializing with peers and adults.
  • Beginning to show empathy and understanding of others’ emotions.

Independence

  • Demonstrating a desire for more independence in daily tasks.
  • Attempts at dressing themselves and performing simple chores may become more frequent.

Potty Training Readiness

  • Some toddlers may show signs of readiness for potty training.
  • Showing awareness of bodily functions and expressing discomfort with wet or soiled diapers.

Cognitive Development

  • Curiosity and exploration are heightened.
  • Improved problem-solving skills and a growing ability to understand cause and effect.

Emotional Development

  • A wider range of emotions may be expressed, including frustration and excitement.
  • Developing coping mechanisms and seeking comfort from caregivers.

Imaginative Play

  • Engaging in more imaginative play, such as pretending with toys or imitating daily activities.
  • Enjoying storytelling and creative activities.

Fine Motor Skills

  • Improved hand-eye coordination allows for more precise movements.
  • Beginning to use utensils more effectively and attempting simple drawing or coloring.

What are the activities needed to Support your 22-month-old toddler’s development

Reading Time

  • Explore picture books with vivid images and simple stories.
  • Encourage interactive books with textures or flaps for tactile exploration.

Art and Creativity

  • Introduce coloring with crayons or washable markers.
  • Experiment with finger painting or using different materials to create art.

Outdoor Play

  • Facilitate active play with age-appropriate outdoor toys.
  • Allow exploration of natural elements like sand, grass, and rocks.

Music and Movement

  • Incorporate music into playtime with songs and rhythmic activities.
  • Dance together to promote coordination and a sense of rhythm.

Puzzles and Matching Games

  • Introduce simple puzzles with large pieces.
  • Engage in matching games to enhance cognitive skills.

Simple Cooking Together:

  • Involve your toddler in simple cooking tasks, like mixing or pouring ingredients.
  • Discuss food colors, textures, and basic kitchen concepts.

Name and Identify Objects:

  • Point out and name objects in their surroundings.
  • Encourage them to identify familiar items and body parts.

What are the Mealtimes and Menus for Your 22-Month-Old

Breakfast Boost

  • Kickstart your toddler’s day with a nutritious breakfast. Options like whole-grain toast, scrambled eggs, and a side of sliced berries provide a balanced mix of energy and essential nutrients.

Lunch

  • Craft a lunch menu featuring a variety of nutrients. Consider options like lean protein sources (chicken or tofu), mixed vegetables, and quinoa for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Afternoon Snack 

  • Satisfy those afternoon cravings with wholesome snacks. Opt for options like Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey, cucumber slices, and whole-grain crackers for a delightful snack.

Dinner 

  • As the day winds down, provide a dinner that combines flavors and essential nutrients. Ideas include pasta with tomato sauce, baked fish, and a colorful medley of steamed vegetables.

What is the Sleep Schedule of your 22-Month-Old Toddler

Nighttime Sleep

  • Aim for 11 to 12 hours of sleep at night.
  • Set a consistent bedtime, ideally between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
  • Create a calming bedtime routine to signal it’s time to sleep.

Naps

  • Include one to two naps during the day.
  • Each nap should last around 1 to 2 hours.
  • Schedule naps after meals to avoid sleep disturbances.

Wake-Up Time

  • Encourage a consistent wake-up time, preferably between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM.

Day in the Life of a 22-Month-Old Toddler

Eating

  • It is recommended to offer 3 meals and 2 healthy snacks per day
  • Let the toddler choose what to eat from a choice of healthy foods

Sleeping

  • 11-14 hours of sleep per day, with 10-12 hours of overnight sleep and 1-2 hours of daytime sleep
  • One nap per day, with a duration of 5.25 hours of awake time before the nap
  • Toddlers may start to experience nightmares and a fear of the dark, which a nightlight can soothe

Developmental Activities

  • Music and Dance. Encourage creativity and imagination through music, dance, and simple instruments like drums, maracas, and tambourines
  • Reading and Reciting. Read books, recite nursery rhymes, and sing simple songs that involve actions or animal sounds
  • Art and Craft. Engage in arts and crafts activities to help your child get creative, learn about shapes, colors, and different materials, and develop fine motor skills
  • Outdoor Play. Provide opportunities for outdoor play, such as kicking a ball, throwing a ball forward, and engaging in action-oriented activities
  • Everyday Learning Activities. Incorporate everyday learning activities to support cognitive development, such as giving your toddler fun bath toys for measuring, scooping, and pouring

Fun Facts

  • They can run, kick a ball, and even try to jump in place
  • They can feed themselves and want to do things all by themselves
  • They can sort objects by color, shape, or size
  • They can start to have very particular ideas about what they want to accomplish, such as riding a tricycle

Toddler’s Health at 22-Month-Old

Nutrition

  • Provide a balanced diet with various fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy.
  • Offer age-appropriate portion sizes and encourage self-feeding to enhance motor skills.

Hydration

  • Ensure an adequate intake of water throughout the day.
  • Limit sugary drinks and focus on maintaining proper hydration.

Physical Activity

  • Encourage active play to support physical development.
  • Aim for at least 3 hours of active play throughout the day.

Safety

  • Ensure a safe environment by childproofing your home.
  • Supervise closely during playtime to prevent accidents.

Regular Check-ups

  • Schedule regular well-child check-ups with the pediatrician.
  • Keep up with vaccinations according to the recommended schedule.

Limited Screen Time

  • Limit screen time to promote healthy brain development.
  • Choose age-appropriate and educational content if screen time is incorporated.

Development Tips for Your Toddler This Month

Language Boost

  • Engage in regular conversations with your toddler. Encourage them to express themselves and introduce new words during daily activities.

Enhance Motor Skills

  • Provide activities that enhance both fine and gross motor skills. This includes playing with building blocks, drawing, and outdoor activities like running and jumping.

Imagination Play

  • Foster creativity through imaginative play. Encourage them to pretend with toys, creating scenarios that stimulate their creativity.

Introduction to Numbers

  • Begin introducing basic counting during everyday activities. Count fingers, toes, or objects to familiarize them with numbers.

Structured Playtime

  • Incorporate more structured play sessions with specific learning goals. This can include puzzles, sorting games, and activities that require focus.

Independence Building

  • Allow your toddler to take on more tasks independently, like dressing themselves or assisting with simple chores. This builds a sense of autonomy.

Expand Reading 

  • Continue to read together daily, introducing a variety of books. This not only strengthens language skills but also broadens their exposure to different subjects.

Introduction to Shapes

  • Introduce basic shapes through fun activities. Point out shapes in their environment and use playtime to explore these concepts.

Items Needed on the 22nd Month of Your Toddler

Colorful Books

  • Expand their reading experience with a variety of colorful and age-appropriate books to stimulate their imagination.

Art Supplies

  • Foster creativity with art supplies like crayons, paper, and child-friendly scissors for some hands-on artistic exploration.

Outdoor Play Gear

  • Equip them for outdoor adventures with comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes, and any necessary safety gear.

Simple Puzzles

  • Enhance problem-solving skills with puzzles that match their developmental stage.

Counting Toys

  • Introduce toys that involve counting, helping them become familiar with basic numbers.

Feeding Essentials:

  • Encourage self-feeding with toddler-friendly utensils, plates, and cups to promote independence during meals.

Comfortable Sleepwear:

  • Provide cozy and comfortable sleepwear for a good night’s rest.

Life as a Parent on Toddler’s 22nd Month

Boundless Energy

  • Brace yourself for an abundance of energy. Your toddler is likely to be in constant motion, exploring their surroundings with newfound enthusiasm.

Curious Conversations

  • Engage in curious conversations with your toddler. Their language skills are blossoming, and you might be surprised by the things they express and understand.

Growing Independence

  • Witness the emergence of independence. Your toddler may insist on doing things solo, from dressing themselves to attempting to feed with a spoon.

Emotional Rollercoaster

  • Be prepared for emotional ups and downs. Toddlers are still learning to manage their emotions, and tantrums may be a part of this developmental phase.

Expanding Social Circle

  • Notice an increasing interest in social interactions. Playdates become more enjoyable as your toddler starts to engage with other children.

Nurturing Creativity

  • Encourage creativity through play. Provide them with toys and activities that stimulate their imagination, fostering cognitive development.

Checklist needed for the 22nd Month 

Health and Growth

  • Monitor growth and development milestones, such as standing on tiptoes, walking backward, and saying 50 words or more.
  • Ensure a balanced diet, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
  • Consult with a healthcare professional for regular well-child visits and any concerns about growth and development.

Safety

  • Childproof your home to ensure your toddler’s safety during playtime and exploration.
  • Follow safety guidelines for sleep, feeding, and other daily activities.

Behavior and Social Development

  • Observe your toddler’s behavior and development, noting any changes in personality or new skills.
  • Encourage independence and self-help skills, such as feeding themselves and dressing.
  • Foster social skills through interactions with other children and caregivers.

Last Updated on January 15, 2024