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Navigating childcare transitions at 19 months
Toddler · Week 20
For you
- 💛When dropping your 19-month-old at nursery, keep your goodbye rituals brief and consistent. This helps signal to your child that while the transition is a change, it is a safe and expected part of their day.
- 💬Maintain an open dialogue with your childcare providers about your child’s personality and changing interests. Sharing daily observations helps the team support your child’s unique needs during these settling-in weeks.
- 🧘For your own wellbeing, try to dedicate ten minutes to a quiet activity after a busy drop-off or pickup. Whether it is a quick cup of tea or some deep breaths, finding a moment of calm helps you reset before your next task.
- 🤝If you share caregiving duties, coordinate with your partner or family members to ensure the handover routine remains familiar to your child. Consistency across different caregivers can offer a sense of stability during this busy month.
For your baby
- 🧸At 19 months, your child may be navigating big emotions around transitions and separations. Offering a favorite soft toy during drop-off may provide comfort as they adjust to their new environment.
- 🎨For a practical play idea, try 'The Treasure Box.' Fill a sturdy, large cardboard box with oversized, soft blocks and clean washcloths for them to discover, pull out, and reorganize.
- 📋You might notice your child becoming more aware of their surroundings at nursery, perhaps observing other children or testing out new movements. Each child explores their new space at their own pace, and it is normal for them to take time to warm up.
- 🩺Development at 19 months is incredibly varied. If you ever feel concerned about your child’s adjustment or if you notice they seem to lose a skill they previously displayed, please reach out to your health visitor or doctor for a chat.
💡 Fun Fact
At 19 months, many toddlers start to show an increased interest in 'functional play,' such as pretending to talk on a toy phone or mimic cleaning actions they observe their caregivers performing at home.
🏆 Milestones
At 19 months, children may start to refine their motor skills, engage in more complex pretend play, and begin to follow simple two-step instructions. They are often becoming more socially aware of their peers and the adults around them, though their interest in independent exploration remains high.