What to Expect the Toddler Years Read Free Page B

concentrate on more than one thing at a time, collisions and spills are the typical result.
    Though she will continue to make steady progress in the months ahead, chances are your toddler will be cruising for a bruising for some time to come.It probably won’t be until somewhere around her third birthday that she’ll have gained the expertise necessary to be able to steer a steady course—most of the time.

    A pair of soft, wide, elasticized pony-tail holders or wrist bands that fit comfortably (never snugly) around the ankles of sleepers will keep floppy feet from slipping up a toddler.
    Meanwhile, since you can’t always prevent her from falling, the best you can do is work toward preventing falls and minimizing injury when she does fall. It makes sense to have your child do most of her walking on carpeted surfaces (obviously this is not feasible if your home isn’t carpeted), and to keep her away from such extra-hard surfaces as slate, ceramic tile, stone, and brick. Check any areas she frequents for sharp corners and other protuberances and cover or remove them (see page 626). Keep drawers, furniture doors, and appliances (especially dishwashers) closed when she’s around; eliminate or tape down dangling electric cords; and temporarily remove rickety chairs or tables (which she might grab onto for support). Areas where falls could be particularly dangerous, such as stairs and bathrooms, should be made completely inaccessible (see page 620).
    Protective clothing can help, too. When practical opt for long pants instead of shorts or dresses. Heavy corduroy and quilted fabrics cushion falls more effectively than do thin cotton knits. And while you’re outfitting her, make sure your toddler’s footwear isn’t contributing to the trouble she’s having staying upright. Floor temperature permitting, bare feet are best indoors; if socks or slippers are necessary, they should be nonslip. When only shoes will do, make certain that the soles provide enough traction to prevent slipups and that the shoes fit correctly. (Shoes that are too big or too small can trip up a toddler. See page 8 for more on toddler shoes.)
    If your toddler is a climber, putting some cushions or soft mats at the base of her favorite “mountains” can make for a happier landing should she lose her footing. Remove or bracket to the wall any furniture (including freestanding bookcases) that could topple if she climbed on it.
    After taking appropriate safety measures, relax. A toddler’s body is built to take the falls. It’s close to the ground and usually still well-cushioned with baby fat. The skull is flexible because the soft spot (or fontanel) hasn’t closed completely (it doesn’t generally close fully until somewhere around eighteen months), so a toddler can generally take slight bumps to the head without damage. Overprotecting your toddler in orderto prevent falls (penning her up in a playyard for hours at a time, for example) is unwise. A toddler has to take some falls in order to master staying on her feet.
    SAFETY WARNING
    Some particularly adventurous toddlers learn how to climb out of their cribs early in the second year. So if you haven’t already lowered your child’s crib mattress to its lowest level, do so now. Also be sure to keep out of the crib large stuffed animals or other objects that your toddler can utilize as stepping stones to freedom—and a bad fall.
    Overprotecting your toddler and overreacting when she does fall (“Oh, my poor baby!”) may also inhibit her natural drive to explore, slow her gross motor development (walking, jumping, climbing), and make her needlessly fearful.
B UMPING INTO THINGS
    “My son constantly bumps into things—tables, chairs, people. Could something be wrong with his eyesight?”
    Probably not. Typically, the one-year-old is somewhat farsighted and possesses limited depth perception, so judging distances at this age can be tricky. By age two, normal vision improves to about 20–60; by