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The Wonderful World of 22-Month-Olds
Being a parent is a never-ending adventure, especially when it comes to watching your little ones grow and develop. At 22 months old, your baby has come a long way from being a helpless newborn. They are now a curious and energetic toddler who is constantly exploring the world around them. Here are some of the major developmental milestones you can expect your 22-month-old to reach:
Physical Development
At 22 months old, your baby is likely to have developed a lot of their gross and fine motor skills. They can walk and even run with ease, climb stairs, and kick or throw a ball. They might also be able to scribble with a crayon or hold a spoon and feed themselves. Encouraging their physical growth is essential, so make sure they have plenty of opportunities for play and exploration.
Cognitive Development
Your little one’s cognitive skills are also rapidly developing at this age. They are exploring cause and effect, which means they may love to stack blocks and knock them down, or push buttons on a toy to see what happens. They will also start to grasp the concept of object permanence, meaning they understand that objects don’t disappear when they are out of sight. This understanding may lead to them playing hide-and-seek or peek-a-boo.
Language Development
At 22 months old, your baby is becoming more communicative and may have a vocabulary of around 20 words or more. They might also be able to understand simple instructions and even use two-word phrases like “more juice” or “bye-bye daddy.” Encourage their language skills by talking to them often, reading books together, and pointing out objects and naming them.
Social and Emotional Development
Your little one is becoming more social and is likely to enjoy playing with other children or even imitating adults. They may also be shy around strangers or clingy to familiar people. They may experience tantrums and other strong emotions, as they struggle to express themselves. Being responsive and reassuring when they are upset can help them develop healthy emotional regulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do to encourage my baby’s development?
Encourage your baby’s development by providing plenty of opportunities for play and exploration. Read to them, talk to them, and encourage their curiosity. Provide safe toys and spaces for them to learn and grow.
What if my baby isn’t reaching these milestones?
Every child develops at their own pace, but if you have concerns about your baby’s development, talk to your pediatrician. They can assess your baby and refer you to early intervention services if necessary.
How can I help my baby with their language development?
Talk to your baby often, read books together, and point out objects and name them. Encourage their attempts at words and phrases, and repeat what they say back to them. Singing songs and playing games like peek-a-boo can also help with language development.
Is it normal for my baby to have tantrums?
Yes, it is normal for babies to have tantrums as they struggle to express themselves. Being responsive and reassuring when they are upset can help them develop healthy emotional regulation.
How much sleep should my baby be getting at 22 months old?
Most babies at this age need around 12-14 hours of sleep a day, including naps. However, every child is different, and some may need more or less sleep. Follow your baby’s lead and make sure they are getting enough rest.