Best Kept Secret for First-Time Parents of Toddlers

Those early newborn weeks? A blur of diapers, feedings, and figuring out which cry means what. But when you think you’re finally getting the hang of things, your tiny bundle becomes a walking, babbling, boundary-pushing toddler. Welcome to round two.

If you’re parenting in Toledo, you already know there’s no manual handed out at Toledo Hospital or St. Anne’s when you’re discharged. That’s why support from places like Heartbeat of Toledo and Your First Look becomes even more valuable during this next phase.

Let’s talk toddlerhood: what to expect, how to keep your sanity, and why this stage, while wild, is actually one of the most fun.

So Long, Swaddles. Hello, Sippy Cups.

The toddler years (roughly age 1 to 3) bring an explosion of change. Your child will go from wobbling around furniture to sprinting down the aisles of Costco before you can say “fruit snacks.” They’re exploring, experimenting, and testing every limit in sight because that’s how they learn.

Around this age, sleep gets better (hallelujah), but routines become your best friend. Consistent mealtimes, nap times, and bedtime routines can turn daily chaos into something almost predictable. Not perfect, this is toddlerhood we’re talking about, but manageable.

Expect picky eating. Yesterday they loved bananas. Today? Bananas are evil. Totally normal. Keep offering healthy options without turning meals into power struggles. Toddlers’ appetites ebb and flow just like their moods.

Milestones

First steps and first words tend to steal the spotlight, but when you’re raising a toddler, the true magic often happens in the moments you almost miss. One day, they’re babbling nonsense, and the next, they’re pointing at a dog and saying “woof.” These milestones, big and small, are all part of the journey from baby to independent little human.

By around 18 months, many toddlers begin using basic words and gestures to get their point across. By 2, short phrases like “more juice” or “Mama go” start popping up. And by 3? You may catch yourself wondering how your child learned to talk so much.

Physical development also picks up speed, as evidenced by activities such as running, climbing furniture, and kicking a ball across the living room. But don’t overlook the emotional growth that comes with it: the first time they give you a hug without being asked, the pride they show when putting on their socks (backwards, but still), or yes, even the epic tantrums.

Those outbursts are part of learning to process emotions and assert independence, not just tests of your patience.

Here’s a look at what many toddlers begin doing between 1 and 3 years old:

• Communication Milestones – Saying first words, understanding simple directions, pointing to objects when named, and combining words into phrases.
• Movement Milestones – Walking steadily, running, climbing, stacking blocks, throwing or kicking a ball.
• Social and Emotional Milestones – Showing affection, expressing preferences (and strong opinions), playing alongside other children (parallel play), and beginning to show empathy.
• Cognitive Milestones – Identifying familiar people and objects, beginning to sort shapes or colors, and using toys for pretend play (like feeding a stuffed animal).

Discipline, Not Drama

Let’s get one thing straight: toddlers aren’t being “bad.” They’re scientists. They dump their snack on the floor to see what you’ll do. They draw on the wall to see if markers always work like that. They say “no” 47 times in a row because they just discovered they can.

Discipline at this age is about redirection and consistency. Instead of “Don’t run,” try “Let’s use our walking feet.” And when all else fails, yes, you can ignore some behavior. Not dangerous stuff, of course, but minor meltdowns? Sometimes the best reaction is no reaction.

What they need most is a safe adult who stays calm, sets boundaries, and loves them no matter how many goldfish crackers are ground into the carpet. (Been there.)

Raising Toddlers in Toledo

Parenting a toddler in northwest Ohio has its perks. You’ve got stroller-friendly paths at Wildwood Metropark, family storytime at the Toledo-Lucas County libraries, and indoor fun for rainy days at Imagination Station. And when you need extra support, Heartbeat of Toledo is here with parenting classes that aren’t just informative, they’re welcoming and real.

Our classes cover toddler development, offer behavior tips, and provide guidance on balancing the various responsibilities of parenting. You’ll also earn points you can use in our Baby Boutique, which helps with everything from clothing to diapers.

You don’t have to figure this out alone, and spoiler alert: no one else really has, either. But together? We’ve got this.