A toddler is a child approximately 1 to 3 years old, though definitions vary. [1][2][3] The toddler years are a time of great cognitive, emotional and social development.

Your child is a toddler between their first and third birthdays. During that time, they should grow and develop new abilities and meet certain milestones.

Jan 12, 2026 · What Is the Difference Between a Toddler and Preschooler? The toddler stage generally lasts from 1 to 3 years old. Children are considered preschoolers when they're 3 to 5 years old.

Read about toddler development, including how to deal with everything from picky eaters to tantrum-throwers.

Feb 16, 2026 · Skills such as taking a first step, smiling for the first time, and waving “bye bye” are called developmental milestones. Children reach milestones in how they play, learn, speak, act, and move. …

During this time, his or her physical growth and motor development will slow, but you can expect to see some tremendous intellectual, social, and emotional changes. Is your toddler due for a check-up? …

In the blink of an eye, that cuddly newborn becomes a talking toddler, constantly on the run. Since development happens rapidly in the early years, knowing what to expect at each stage gives parents …

During toddlerhood, one- and two-year-olds display a range of new skills and personality traits, and begin to assert themselves by making their first bids for independence, even as they stay...

The toddler years are characterized by extensive cognitive, emotional and social development, and of course, a lot of toddling about! Did you know your toddler is still going through some developmental …

Here's how to care for your toddler, understand your little one's changing body and behavior, get tips for play and activities, and more.