Now your child is 2!

Development

Your child is learning lots of new skills at 2 years old. There's lots to learn! They may be showing new types of behaviour. This can look like:

Local libraries, children's centres and family hubs

Your local libraries, children's centre or family hub can help promote your child's development. You can find out about the activities, events and drop-in sessions they have! 

Talking

At 2 years old, children typically use around 50 words and are beginning to put words together. They should be following simple instructions and enjoy playing with you.

Immunisations

Vaccination is the most important thing we can do to protect ourselves and our children against ill health.

The nasal spray flu vaccine is free on the NHS for: children aged 2 or 3 years.  

Check out the immunisation schedule via: www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations

Safety

Your child's safety is important at every age! Here is a short list of safety tips:

• Check your smoke alarms.
• Keep cleaning products, medicines and matches out of sight in secure, high level cupboards.
• Store button batteries securely. They are very dangerous if swallowed.
• Make sure hair straighteners, hot pans and the iron are never left within reach of your child.
• Look at your window blind cords through the eyes of your child and check they are out of reach. Also check to make sure they have a safety mechanism in case they become caught around your child’s neck.
• Secure tall cupboards, drawers and TVs to the wall so they can’t fall over.
• Secure upstairs windows with locks or catches.
• Keep your stairs safe using a stair gate.

Helpful child safety websites

Sleep

Remember that all children are individuals. Some may need a nap during the daytime! Getting a good night's sleep is important for your child's development.

Some important things to help your child's sleep:

• Calm and predictable bedtime routine.
• A restful, quiet and dark environment. You can use a nightlight if your child is scared of darkness.
• Avoid caffeine and screens before bedtime
• Keep your child healthy and active.

Helpful websites about sleep

Eating and drinking

Children from 1 to 4 years old need to eat well. This helps:

• establish good eating patterns
• ensure they develop and grow properly
• protect their teeth
• go to school at a healthy body weight

Visit First Step Nutrition for resources on eating well early years.

Dental health

Keeping our children’s teeth clean is important for good health.  A regular routine will help keep teeth healthy and decay-free.  Brush teeth with adult fluoride toothpaste (no less than 1000ppm) twice a day for about 2 minutes, and keep sugary food and drink to mealtimes. 

Toilet training

Every child is different. They learn to walk and talk at different times. They also learn how to use the toilet at different times too. Most children are ready to be potty trained between 18 months to 3 years old.

Some of the following are signs that your child may be ready:

• Your child notices when they are doing a wee or poo, or when they think they need the toilet.
• They are able to sit down on a toilet or potty and get back up again.
• Your child stays dry for 1 to 2 hours or longer.

Remember all children are different in learning this new skill, so be patient.

Things that can help with toilet training:

• Check whether your child is physically ready.
• Make connections by sitting them on their potty or toilet with toilet seats with nappies on.
• Make sure they are drinking water 6 to 8 cups of water based fluid throughout the day.
• Talk about pee and poo like read story books about poo and pee.
• Make it fun!

Getting ready for nursery or preschool

Starting school is a huge step in a child’s life – and it can be understandably daunting for both the child and their parents or carers.

Your local council will have advice and support.