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Toddler Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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toddler

[ˈtɒdlər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

young children

A toddler is a young child who is just learning to walk and talk.

Synonyms

infant, little one, young child.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
toddler

Refers to a child who is between the ages of approximately one and three years old. They are just learning how to walk and explore their environment.

  • The toddler took his first steps yesterday.
  • Having a toddler means constantly chasing after them.
young child

Usually refers to a child who is a bit older than a toddler but still not yet in the later years of childhood, roughly from ages 3 to 6.

  • The young child was excited to start kindergarten.
  • Young children often have very active imaginations.
little one

A term of endearment that can refer to any young child, typically under the age of six. It's informal and affectionate.

  • How is your little one doing?
  • Bring the little one to the park for some fun.
infant

Describes a very young child, usually from birth to one year old. This term is often used in medical or formal contexts.

  • The infant needs to be fed every few hours.
  • She wrapped the sleeping infant in a blanket.

Examples of usage

  • The toddler played with his toys in the living room.
  • She took her toddler to the park to play on the swings.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Developmental Milestones

  • Around one year old, toddlers begin to walk, adding to their excitement of exploring the world.
  • They often start to form simple sentences, marking an important step in their language skills.
  • During toddlerhood, children typically experience rapid brain development, learning new concepts and social skills.

Psychology

  • This stage of life is crucial for developing independence, as toddlers often want to try things by themselves.
  • Emotional regulation starts to develop during this period, leading toddlers to experience their first feelings of frustration and joy.
  • Toddlers usually exhibit parallel play, where they play alongside others but not directly with them, which helps in socialization.

Cultural References

  • In many cultures, the toddler years are seen as a time of exploration, leading to various parenting styles focused on nurturing curiosity.
  • The term 'terrible twos' has cultural significance, highlighting the challenges and joys of parenting during this age.
  • Media representation often shows toddlers as mischievous and curious, reinforcing stereotypes about their playful nature.

Education

  • Early childhood education programs often cater to toddlers, emphasizing play as a vital learning tool.
  • Songs, rhymes, and interactive games are essential in learning environments for toddlers, making education fun.
  • Research shows that engaging activities can significantly impact a toddler's cognitive development during these formative years.

Health and Nutrition

  • A balanced diet is crucial at this stage, as toddlers are developing taste preferences that can last a lifetime.
  • Sleep patterns during toddlerhood can significantly affect mood and health, with many toddlers needing 12-14 hours of sleep daily.
  • Regular pediatric check-ups are important to monitor growth and development, as toddlers are particularly vulnerable to nutrition deficiencies.

Origin of 'toddler'

The word 'toddler' originated in the 18th century as a variation of the word 'toddle', which means to walk with short unsteady steps, reflecting the unsteady gait of young children. Over time, 'toddler' came to specifically refer to young children who are just learning to walk.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,329, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.