Navigating big changes with your 22-month-old

For you

• 💛If a new sibling is joining your family, try reading books about becoming an older sibling to help your 22-month-old understand the upcoming change. It can be helpful to involve them in small, simple preparations for the baby to help them feel like an important part of the family transition.
• ⏳When you are juggling multiple children or responsibilities, look for 'special moments' rather than long stretches of time. Even five minutes of focused, distraction-free play with your toddler can help them feel secure and connected while sharing your attention.
• 🧘If you need a break away from your child, ask another trusted adult to take over supervision first. If no one can take over, stay nearby and keep watching your child while you pause and breathe.

For your baby

• 🧸At 22 months, your toddler may be working on their social understanding as they navigate the idea of sharing attention. They might show increased interest in how others respond to them or exhibit strong emotions when they feel they aren't the sole focus.
• 🧩Try a 'Sorting Station' activity by providing two large, distinct baskets and a set of large, safe soft blocks in two different colors. Encourage your toddler to move the blocks from one basket to the other, which supports their emerging cognitive ability to categorize items.
• 🗨️Development happens at different paces for every child; if you ever feel concerned about your toddler’s progress or notice they have lost a skill they previously had, please consult your health visitor or doctor promptly.

🏆 Milestones

At 22 months, children may begin to engage in more complex imaginative play, show signs of asserting their independence through their growing vocabulary, and demonstrate an increased curiosity about the social roles and family dynamics occurring around them.