Developmental milestones for your baby - 32 months

Your toddler is 32 months old! Almost going to be a 3-year-old. A 32-month-old's average weight is around 29.4 pounds for females and 30.5 pounds for boys. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average height for girls is around 36.1 inches and 36.5 inches for boys. (CDC).Here is what to expect at this age. 

• Motor skills: By this age, kids are better at walking up and down the stairs, draw shapes, solve simple puzzles. 

• Speech: This is one area of rapid development at this age. Your child has started using pronouns and also able to follow instructions with few steps involved.

• Teething: The two-year molars appear around this age. This is the last phase of teething for some time. 

• Manners: They are gradually beginning to understand the concept of sharing and being well behaved. It may still be difficult for them but they will eventually get it. 

• Fostering friendships: This is the age when they start growing out of their solo play phase and get interested in other kids. Some may still prefer to be on their own though and it totally depends upon the child’s personality. 

• Potty training: If you haven’t potty trained your id by now, then it is better to start now. As they get older, kids tend to become more resistant to the process.

• Shyness: Some kids may be shy by nature and take time to open up in any social environment. Empathise with your child, and be ok with him taking time to settle into new social environments. 

• Sleep: Most 2-year-olds need around 13 to 14 hours of sleep every day. Every child is different though and your baby may need more or less also. Some may give up on their nap around this time. Try putting them to bed earlier as sleep is extremely important for growth and development. Some kids may resist sleep around this age. Have a consistent bedtime routine to help develop healthy sleep habits. Put her to bed before she is overworked and tired, which can lead to tantrums and delay sleep even more. 

• Food: Calcium, iron and fibre are some nutrients toddlers tend not to get enough of. Ensure foods offered are rich in these three items. Continue to offer a variety of healthy options and let her make her choice. Offer three meals plus two snacks with healthy options daily.  Eat meals with your child and let your child decide how much he wants to eat. Force-feeding will only develop an aversion to food. Serve them small portions and don’t insist on cleaning the plate. Fat should account for less than 30% of your toddler's daily calories. 

Engage your child with pretend play, and rhyming activities. Free play is an important aspect of child development, so ensure your child gets at least an hour of free play every day. 

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