1-year-old growth & development

Welcome to 1! An exciting year of change and discovery lies ahead. Explore expert insights and activities for each stage.

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13 – 15 Months
Welcome to The Babbler Play Kit by Lovevery
Problem Solving
Fine Motor
Sensory Play
Playtime
Playthings
Puzzles
Lovevery
Welcome to The Babbler Play Kit for months 13-15
Watch Lovevery CEO Jessica Rolph introduce the Babbler Play Kit for months 13 to 15 of your toddler's life.
The enveloping schema
The enveloping schema: what’s behind your toddler’s fascination in hiding things
Does your toddler love hiding under a blanket or stuffing little toys between the couch cushions? Covering up and hiding objects is a type of schema play known as “enveloping.”
Family playing with playthings from The Play Kits by Lovevery
What to do when your 1-year-old takes another child’s toy
Grabbing at this toddler stage isn’t malicious and doesn’t need a consequence or any form of discipline. Learn what to do instead.
Father holding a child while pointing
Pointing: a simple gesture with big meaning
Research shows a close link between pointing and toddler language development. Learn how to build on this social-communication skill.
Father holding baby and claping
3 subtle signs your toddler’s language skills are developing
Many parents underestimate how many words their young toddler understands. Watch for these non-verbal signals to get a better idea of what your toddler knows. 
5 elements of an ideal bedtime routine
How to create a sleep-inducing bedtime routine for your toddler
Learn how to create an effective toddler bedtime routine from our certified sleep consultant, Lauren Lappen.
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16 – 18 Months
Welcome to The Adventurer Play Kit by Lovevery
Cause and Effect
Fine Motor
Sensory Play
Playtime
Playthings
Puzzles
Lovevery
Welcome to The Adventurer Play Kit for months 16-18
Watch Lovevery CEO Jessica Rolph introduce the Adventurer Play Kit for months 16 to 18 of your toddler's life.
What you need to know about the ‘word burst’
The power of doing something over and over 🙃
Child playing with the Montessori Animal Match on the floor
How many words should your toddler be able to say?
The average vocabulary at 18 months is about 50 words, but toddlers can say far more or fewer and still be on track.
Tip: Using real materials helps your child develop confidence and skills for daily life
Real—even breakable—materials can teach your toddler valuable skills
Using real materials is a common Montessori practice. It can teach toddlers how to handle things with care, building independence and confidence.
The enclosing schema
The enclosing schema: 4 simple activities for toddlers
When your toddler crawls into a cardboard box or places a cup inside a bigger container, they’re exploring the “enclosing” schema.
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19 – 21 Months
Welcome to The Realist Play Kit by Lovevery
Problem Solving
Matching
Sensory Play
Playtime
Playthings
Puzzles
Lovevery
Welcome to The Realist Play Kit for months 19-21
Watch Lovevery CEO Jessica Rolph introduce the Realist Play Kit for months 19 to 11 of your toddler's life.
Child playing with the Montessori Animal Match on the floor
Language Development
Early Speech
Gestures
Pre-reading
First Words
Child Development
How many words should your toddler be able to say?
The average vocabulary at 18 months is about 50 words, but toddlers can say far more or fewer and still be on track.
Child playing with the Wheel Around Town Bus from The Realist Play Kit
Gross Motor
Balance
Sorting
Pretend Play
Playthings
Lovevery
Introducing the Wheel Around Town Bus—the newest addition to The Realist Play Kit
Built for the way toddlers play, the Wheel Around Town Bus in The Realist Play Kit taps into your toddler's emerging skills.
Child looking into the potty
Behavior
Home
Potty Learning
Routines
Toddler potty training: setting the stage
Learn nine ways to help your toddler get comfortable with the toilet and noticing their body's signals.
Child holding a leaf
Executive Function
Behavior
Tantrums
Social Skills
Managing Emotions
Positive Parenting
Child Development
How to help your toddler develop impulse control
Your toddler isn't mature enough to resist their impulses yet, but there are things you can do now to help them develop this skill.
Family playing with the Organic Cotton Rainbow Ball from The Senser Play Kit
Social Skills
Child Development
3 ways to boost your toddler’s friendship skills
Try these ideas to help your child understand what it means to be a good playmate. 
What you need to know about the ‘word burst’
The power of doing something over and over 🙃
Fact: Your toddler may have an easier time peeing and pooping in the potty when their feet are supported
Choosing the right potty for your toddler: potty chair vs. potty seat
Your child can potty train using a floor potty or a seat that fits on a regular toilet. Learn the pros and cons of each style.
How often do you give your toddlers the chance to do it themselves
Teach your toddler to do more on their own in 4 steps
Allowing your toddler to practice each part of a self-care skill with you boosts their confidence and independence.
Little boy playing with the Wooden Posting Stand from The Companion Play Kit
Subtle signs of your toddler’s developing focus
Some toddlers can pay attention to an activity for several minutes, while others may need more support to stay focused for even a minute.
Mother and child playing with The Buckle Barrel from The Companion Play Kit
Use your toddler’s fascination with touching things to teach language skills
Studies find that labeling an object as your child handles it can help them connect what they have in their hands to the words you say.
Tip: Let your toddler stay close when they cling to you
How can you encourage your toddler to be less clingy? 
By staying close and being a calm, steady presence, you’re actually helping your toddler learn to become more independent in the future. 
Mother reading a Lovevery board book to her child
Combining words: a big step in language learning
Try these easy tips from language experts to encourage your toddler to say two-word phrases.
Tip: Words can be more effective than hands on help when your toddler is learning a new motor skill
An expert strategy for helping your toddler climb, balance, and more
Specific verbal feedback can help your toddler tune into their body as they tackle a new physical challenge.
Tip: Help your toddler with a frustrating task by gently suggesting a next step
Teaching toddlers to persist: what the research says
Researchers analyzed how parents taught their 24-month-olds to complete a difficult activity and the children's persistence a year late. This is what they uncovered.
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22 – 24 Months
Welcome to The Companion Play Kit by Lovevery
Playtime
Playthings
Lovevery
Colors
Sorting
Matching
Sensory Play
Welcome to The Companion Play Kit for months 22-24
Watch Lovevery CEO Jessica Rolph introduce the CompanionPlay Kit for months 22 to 24 of your toddler's life.
The power of doing something over and over 🙃
Child playing with the Felt Flowers in a Row from The Helper Play Kit
Our favorite birthday and holiday gift ideas for 2-year-olds
These fun gift ideas for 2-year-olds support their motor skills, independence, and creativity.
Child looking into the potty
Toddler potty training: setting the stage
Learn nine ways to help your toddler get comfortable with the toilet and noticing their body's signals.
Fact: Your toddler may have an easier time peeing and pooping in the potty when their feet are supported
Choosing the right potty for your toddler: potty chair vs. potty seat
Your child can potty train using a floor potty or a seat that fits on a regular toilet. Learn the pros and cons of each style.
How often do you give your toddlers the chance to do it themselves
Teach your toddler to do more on their own in 4 steps
Allowing your toddler to practice each part of a self-care skill with you boosts their confidence and independence.
See All