Start for life – Toddler
Your child will be walking, talking and being more active now they are a toddler. You can find information to help keep them busy and support you through your child’s next stages.
Healthier Together – Advice for common childhood illnesses, what to look out for, where to get help, keeping your child comfortable and how long symptoms might last
Health Visitor – Call 01472 323660 or text 07507 329910 to speak to a Health Visitor if you have non-urgent concerns about your baby.
Doctor – Contact your GP if you have urgent medical concerns about your baby.
If you have a child under the age of 5, the Health Visiting service for North East Lincolnshire is available to support you and your family.
You will meet your assigned Health Visitor at an antenatal appointment from 28 weeks pregnant. You will then see your Health Visitor after you’ve given birth and during health review appointments.
Go to health visitors for more information.
Toddlers grow and change rapidly – physically, emotionally, and socially.
Age and stage guides give parents an idea of where their toddler typically should be. It’s important to remember all children are different, and some may reach certain stages earlier or later than others.
If you have any concerns you should speak to your Health Visitor or GP.
National Children’s Trust – Baby and toddler development
NHS – Early learning and development
Toddler talk
Toddlers are busy discovering the power of communication. Between the ages of 2 and 3, toddlers begin to build sentences, express ideas, and explore the world through words. This stage is full of exciting milestones. Help your toddler learn new words
Go to NHS – Learning to talk for everyday tips to help develop your child’s language and communication
Managing emotions
Toddlers feel things very strongly. Happy, upset, or frustrated, their emotions can be hard to handle. It’s normal to feel unsure about what to do when your child has a meltdown or struggles to calm down. Supporting your toddler to manage their emotions can help them understand their feelings and learn ways to cope.
Go to NHS – Help your toddler with their emotions for tips and support with your child’s emotions.
Immunisations
Vaccination is one of the greatest breakthroughs in modern medicine. No other medical intervention has done more to save lives and improve quality of life.
Go to NHS – Vaccinations for children to find out when to expect your child to be offered their vaccinations.
Toddler teeth – also known as milk teeth, play a big role in helping your child eat, speak, and guide the development of their future adult teeth.
Go to NHS – How to take care of your toddler’s teeth for advice on brushing, choosing toothpaste, starting a daily routine and drinking & eating habits.
Mealtimes are an exciting opportunity to explore new tastes, textures, and routine. After 12 months, toddlers are ready to enjoy 3 meals a day. This stage encourages independence and building good eating habits.
Go to NHS – Feeding at 12 months or NHS – What to feed young children for information to make mealtimes enjoyable, stress-free, and nourishing for your little one.
It’s okay not to feel okay – you are not alone.
Your mental health is important. If you’re finding things difficult, support is available. You don’t have to go through it alone – there are services ready to listen, help, and support you though this time.
Maternal Wellbeing Service – Self referral wellbeing service for support with low mood, anxiety, stress and help with building coping strategies and setting goals to manage.
Family Hubs – You can go to any Family Hub and Family Help Practitioners will listen and offer advice on where to get help if you’re struggling.
Choosing the right childcare is an important decision! It’s more than just finding someone to look after your child – it’s about feeling reassured that your child is in a safe and nurturing environment where they can grow, learn and thrive! It’s a place to help them build early communication skills, explore their independence and develop through play, routine, and social interaction with other children.
Every family has different needs, and every child is unique. So finding a provider that aligns with your values, routine, and your child’s personality can be a big difference in there development!
Go to childcare providers to find out about the different types of providers available to you.
Families First Information Service (FFIS) can send you a list of local Ofsted registered childcare providers. Contact the team by calling 01472 326292 or emailing [email protected].
Childcare funding
Paying for childcare can be a big expense for families. There are different types of funding available to make paying for childcare more affordable.
Quick links:
- 30 hours childcare for working families
- Universal 15 hours childcare
- Tax-free childcare
- Universal Credit childcare
Go to Best Start in Life – Childcare for more information about funding, applying for funding and childcare options.
Playtime with your toddler is spending quality time together through activities like singing, talking and reading.
Family Hubs and Lincs Inspire Libraries have lots of free or low cost activity sessions available everyday for you to attend with your child.
Follow the Families First Information Service (FFIS) Facebook page and be kept in the know about activities happening locally for you and your child to enjoy.
Child accident prevention
The Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) are experts in child accident prevention. They offer safety alerts, safety advice, training and free resources to help secure a safer world for all our children.
Child Safety Parents’ Pack contains bite-sized facts and safety tips on the main accident risks to children. Allowing you to make simple changes that can fit into busy routines.
Go to Child Accident Prevention Trust
Sun Safety
Children can become ill during very hot weather. Their health can be seriously affected by dehydration, heat exhaustion, heatstroke and sunburn. Try keep toddlers in the shade between 11am and 3pm, dress them in protective clothes (hates, sunglasses and factor 50+ sun cream) and keep them well hydrated.
Go to NHS – Sun cream and sun safety for tips to keeping your child safe during the summer months or whilst on holiday.
Car seats
Using and fitting a car seat correctly can save your child’s life if you were to be in an accident. It’s also required by law that all children travelling in a car or van must use the correct car seat until they’re 12 years old or 135cm tall. After this they must use an adult seat belt.
The Child Car Seats website can help you understand the different types of car seats, choose the most suitable car seat for you, ensure it is fitted correctly and how to carry other people’s children safely in a car or van.
Go to GOV.UK – Using a car seat or booster and GOV.UK – When can a child travel without a car seat for more information and guidance.
Electrical home safety
Electrical safety at home is essential. Toddlers and young children are naturally curious, which can lead to dangerous situations if electrical hazards are not properly managed. You can create a safer environment and significantly reduce the risk of electrical accidents.
Go to Electrical Safety First – Advice for parents and find out what you should be looking out for.
Safety around dogs
Safety around dogs is important when a toddler or small child is in the home. A child will not understand how to interact with dogs properly. By teaching small children how to approach and behave around dogs, and by supervising their interactions, you can create a safe environment for both the child and the dog.
Go to CAPT – Dogs and children or RSPCA – Children and dogs for tips to keep them both safe and happy together.
Your child’s journey to school starts at home.
Starting school is a big milestone in your child’s life (and yours too). Every child developments at their own pace, but there are skills that can help make the transition into Reception smoother and more enjoyable. These skills are for building confidence, independence, and emotional readiness.
Whether your child is at home, in nursery, or with a childminder, there are lots of simple, everyday ways you can support them to being ‘School ready’.
Go to Starting Reception for information which has been collaboratively developed by developed by professionals from Early Year’s Alliance, Easy Peasy and ERIC.