2 Years (27–30 Months): They're Still Babies, But More Complex and Growing

Your child is discovering that some things are alike and some things are different. They are beginning to understand big and little, short and long, soft and hard, and many, many more concepts. They are getting better and better at physical things. They can walk, stop quickly and turn corners at this age. They are talking a lot more than before. Also, they have a better understanding of the meaning of words.

Safety First!

Your child is growing more curious, and their attention span is getting longer. Focus on safety rules both by examples and words.
Lock away guns, sporting knives, fishhooks, etc.
Keep toys off the floor to avoid tripping.
Supervise playground area, sidewalks and other areas where children run and play.
Avoid letting your child carry glass containers, or heavy or sharp objects. Remember spills and mishaps will occur.
Always buckle your child in an approved car seat when riding in a car, truck, van or any motor vehicle.

Things Your Child May Do at This Age

Close snaps and unbutton large buttons
Pedal a tricycle
Run without falling
Point to body parts on a doll or on their own body
Provide appropriate answers for "where" questions dealing with familiar information such as "Where does Daddy work?" or "Where do you sleep?"
Understand spatial concepts (on, under, out of, together and away from)
Play on swings, ladders and other playground equipment with a fair amount of ease
Answer routine questions (“What is that?”, “What is your name?”, “How old are you?”)

Health Hints

Feed your child a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
NOTE: If your child starts to pull at his or her ears and is irritable, this could be a sign of an ear infection. Call your doctor for more information.

Things You Can Do Every Day to Help Your Child Grow

Play ball with them. Show them how to roll and toss a large, soft ball to you.
Blow bubbles just over their head so they can reach and jump to catch them.
Let your child practice putting on their coat or jacket. They will need your help at first.
Race to see who can beat the other to a particular spot.
Play “Follow the Leader” with simple verbal commands such as “raise your hands,” “touch the floor,” etc.
Play games with lightweight balls, beanbags, rolled socks or any items suitable for tossing. A large laundry basket can be used as a target for the tossing game.
Increase coordination skills by putting a strip of masking or duct tape on a plastic tray and letting them pull the tape off and put it back on.
Let them listen to people's voices on the telephone and talk to them.
Provide opportunities for sorting. They may help to sort the laundry (such as separating socks from shirts).
Read to them daily. After a child has heard a story several times, encourage them to point out and name characters in the book's pictures. Let the child tell the story while you turn the pages.
Make a hole in the top of an oatmeal box. Give them small sticks (or other small objects) to put through the hole in the top of the box. First, show them how and then let them do it on their own.
Teach your child to be gentle with pets in your home and to leave stray animals alone.
As a special treat between you and your child, let them finger paint with a delicious kind of paint such as pudding. Make chocolate or vanilla pudding. Put some on wax paper and encourage them to make designs. If they lick their fingers, you won't have to worry.
Give them play dough and encourage them to make different shapes.

Play Dough Recipe

Mix ½ cup salt with ¾ cup flour.
Add 3 tablespoons cooking oil and mix well.
For color, add a few drops of food coloring and mix well.
Store in resealable bag to keep soft.