Further Stage

Baby is rapidly developing a slender, toddler-like body,and he'll gain muscles, too.

Baby will gradually start to walk faster, and he'll soon be able to run and jump, too.

Baby is now able to turn the pages of books, stack blocks and do various intricate movements.

Baby develops the "initiative" to start an activity by himself and have an "independent" spirit to try to do things on his own. He may even reject offer of help.

At home, when playing at the park or elsewhere, he'll start to grab out everything he is interested with his hands. Make sure to always wash his hands well. Carrying an anti-bacterial wipes when going out will give you peace of mind. Encourage him by saying "Let's wash our hands" and help him make hand-washing a habit.

As baby progresses in eating solid foods, he'll be able to eat nearly the same food adult takes except those that are spicy and heavily seasoned. Baby's preference for certain foods and flavor will gradually become more defined, so have him try lots of different foods with mild flavors.

There are a lot of childred who fuss when it's time to wash their face or hair. Try coming up with ways to make bathing fun like using animal-shaped sponge, bath mitt or toy. This kind of fear or resisting mood is only temporary and baby will overcome it eventually. Have patience in dealing with baby during this time.

When it comes child's fashion, the variety of designs will become more and more enjoyable. At age 2, a preference for certain clothes maybe come clear in some children especially girls. Some childred become stubborn and want to wear their favorite clothes all the time. Make sure to respect baby's initiative but try gently coaxing her with something like "this one's cute too or could you put it on and show me."

Children vary widely in how long they sleep and the timing of their naps. Some may stay up late nearly every single night. Keep naps short, increase the amount of time spent playing outside, and otherwise try to help baby develop a habit of going to bed early and getting up early. Also, baby's physical capabilities and curiosity expand dramatically, which leads to a greater danger than ever before of things like falling or accidentally swallowing something. At home and at the park where you usually play, for example, make a point of checking for safety issues.

So at a child's eye level, check for dangerous places or things in his area of activity and take care to avoid them.

When your child becomes able to move around freely and starts to say some words, it won't be long before diapers are a thing of the past. My, how baby has grown!