One to two years Heather Welford During this year, your baby becomes a toddler. Their ability to walk, jump, run, talk and sing all develop, with major progress occurring almost every day.

How your child is developing

Children of this age can express their wants very strongly and their desire for independence can frustrate them, especially as they get closer to their second birthday.

Around this time, children develop the ability to multitask - they may hold a toy while walking, for example. They can also solve increasingly complex problems, such as how to climb or wriggle to get somewhere else, and how things fit together. They love to explore - any handles and knobs within reach are an invitation to see what's behind the door.

Your child is now very aware of routine, and the difference between the people they know and love and those who are strangers.

What you can do

Be patient if your toddler gets cross when they want things they can't have. At this age, they're attracted by lots of interesting-looking objects that aren't safe to play with. However, they're still young enough to be easily distracted by other objects if presented to them. If your toddler enjoys going through your handbag, for example, they'll be happy if you let them have your keys.

Toys made up of different pieces stop getting played with when bits go missing - encourage your child to help you put all the pieces in a box or bag after each game

Your toddler will stay happier if you hide things you know they're fascinated with. Keep electrical equipment with its lights, buttons and digital displays out of reach, for instance.

Keep one kitchen cupboard as a safe area to play, with small unbreakable plates, bowls and spoons. Use a safety latch if the door is liable to jam fingers.

Fun and games

These activities can help to keep your toddler amused and challenged.

Fridge magnets are fun to fiddle with, and you can keep their novelty value high if you store them in a drawer and bring them out when you need them. As with all small toys and objects, be vigilant about your toddler putting magnets in their mouth.

Have fun washing up, using a bowl of soapy water and some unbreakable items. Toddlers able to balance well can stand on a chair at the sink (always stay with your child when playing with water).

Sock puppets can make you both laugh. Use any old socks and draw or sew eyes on them.

Challenge your toddler to crawl through a tunnel made from a large cardboard box. If it's large enough, you can play too. Your child can also decorate the outside of the box with stickers and crayons.

Play the pointing game - "Where's Daddy's nose?", "Where's dolly's hair?", "Where's Mummy's mouth?" and so on. If your toddler can talk, they may want to ask you to point, probably using just one word to start with, such as "eye" or "ear".

Toys to buy

Children this age can push, ride, pull and climb, as well as managing to manipulate more complicated toys and puzzles.

Toy suggestions:

• Wooden building bricks
• Pram or pushchair for dolls - boys can enjoy this toy as much as girls
• Sorter toys, such as a lidded box with different-shaped holes and jigsaws with chunky pieces
• Paddling pool (always supervise children near water)
• Climbing frame - choose one you can add to as your toddler grows

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