Month 25 to 26

Jumping, throwing, and brushing teeth

Your child is walking well now. Her steps are more even, and she's got the hang of the smooth heel-to-toe motion adults use. She's also getting better at jumping, throwing a ball overhand, brushing her teeth without help, and washing and drying her hands.

Learning to make sentences

By now, your child may be able to use at least 50 single words, construct simple two-word sentences, and be able to follow a two-step command, like "Please get your shoes and bring them to Dad so he can put them on for you." You can probably understand what she's saying about half the time, but don't expect to make sense of everything she says until she's around four. Young children often confuse pronouns -- so you might find her avoiding them completely by saying "Brother get" or "Baby throw."

Changing shape

Your toddler will keep slimming down after her second birthday. As her head grows more slowly and her limbs and torso start to lengthen, her body proportions will become more like an adult's.

Energy spurt

Between their second and third birthdays, most children have an
abundance of energy. Try to give your child a chance to run around outside each day. Moving helps her build strength and increases her co-ordination.

Needs less sleep

Between ages two and three, most children need between nine and 13 hours of sleep a night. Most children also have a nap in the early afternoon, but some give up daytime sleeps entirely. There's no right amount of sleep at this age. Let your child have what sleep she needs to feel alert and rested.