21-Month-Old Milestones: Tracking Development and Growth

When your 21-month-old baby approaches the two-year milestone, you could be both amazed and confused by the small person your child has grown into. Babies at this age are full of life, feeling all sorts of emotions, and starting to figure out how to be independent. Caring for a 21-month-old might feel like juggling a million balls, but we’re here to assist. What to anticipate from a toddler at 21 months old, what milestones to look out for at this age, and how to handle issues like finicky eating and crib escapes in the middle of the night are all covered in this handy guide to 21-month-old development.

21-Month-Old Development

New skills are popping up as your 21-month-old keeps growing.

21-month-old weight and height

What is a healthy weight for a 21-month-old baby? At 21 months of age, most girls weigh 24.9 pounds and most males 25.5 pounds. At 21 months of age, most girls reach a height of 32.9 inches and most males reach 33.5 inches.

21-month-old milestones

At 21 months of age, your child may be reaching or approaching the following milestones:

Dexterity with the body’s motions. Babies around 21 months old can usually run, squat, and even toss a ball underhand. They may begin to comprehend instructions with two steps. “Push the truck to me after you load it up with blocks!”
Public address. A toddler’s vocabulary can grow to about 50 words, and they may even be able to form simple sentences.
The process of coming up. Some toddlers’ bottom second molars erupt earlier than others, which can be painful for your child during teething.
Training a child to use the restroom. Potty training readiness is shown in a small number of 21-month-olds. If you think your youngster is ready, it’s OK to start early. Although it may seem like a good idea now, it’s still too soon to force your child to toilet train.

21-month-old behavior

Here is some guidance on how to handle certain difficult behaviors that may arise as your child grows older:

Tantrums. Your child may have tantrums because, despite their rapid linguistic development, they still can’t express themselves fully.

Autism. Your child’s physician will ask you a battery of questions on your toddler’s actions during the next two-year visit in an effort to detect autism spectrum disorder. Before then, though, you shouldn’t be bashful about discussing your worries with your doctor. Screening for autism typically begins at 18 months, however symptoms might be identified sooner if present.

Seeking approval: Your youngster will soon demonstrate indicators that they are cognizant of your level of acceptance (or displeasure). This is a crucial first step in acquiring desirable habits. Make sure your youngster knows how much you appreciate it when they act favorably. If they are misbehaving, you should do the exact opposite and express your disapproval.

21-Month-Old Health

Parents’ number one priority at any age is their child’s health. Parents of 21-month-olds often wonder about their child’s health in the following ways:

There is diarrhea in my 21-month-old. What am I to do?
At 21 months of age, what is considered a normal heart rate? The correct response is 80–130 bpm.
My baby is throwing up; he’s 21 months old. What am I to do?
There is a cough in my 21-month-old. What am I to do?
A fever has developed in my 21-month-old child. When a fever starts, what am I to do?

21-Month-Old Food

You shouldn’t stress excessively about a 21-month-old’s eating habits, even if they’re important. So, if your child refuses to eat their green beans, you shouldn’t get angry or give them a lecture about how bad food is. Simply provide your child with nutritious alternatives and give them the freedom to select. It doesn’t hurt to get some recognition for wise decisions.

How much should my 21-month-old eat and drink?

Children between the ages of one and two should follow a similar feeding schedule to adults: three or four meals and two snacks daily. On a daily basis, make sure your child eats a wide range of foods from the vegetable, fruit, grain, protein, and dairy categories.

Due to the importance of fatty acids for brain development and vitamin D for bone health, it is recommended that most 21-month-olds have whole milk. It is recommended to transition to 1% or skim milk when they reach the age of 2. Daily calcium intake of 700 mg is recommended by doctors for children aged one to three. Your child will require around three 8-ounce glasses of milk daily in the absence of any additional calcium sources. You can modify their milk consumption based on what they already eat for calcium.

Take it easy while weaning a 21-month-old off breast milk. You should wait two or three days after stopping one breastfeeding session each day before starting the next. The danger of infection and clogged milk ducts increases if you move too quickly. Additionally, your kid may want additional reassurance and comfort throughout weaning because it is a transition that might affect their emotions.

What to feed my 21-month-old

Keep snack time and mealtimes varied by offering your child a variety of meals. The recommended daily allowance for most toddlers is 3/4 to 1 cup of fruits and vegetables, 1.5 cups of grains, and 4 tablespoons of protein.

Need some ideas for healthy and delicious meals? Here are some suggestions on what to feed a 21-month-old:

21-month-old refuses to eat

You shouldn’t be too concerned if your youngster refuses healthy food and only eats a little portion at mealtime. Being fussy eaters is very typical for 21-month-olds. They aren’t developing at the same rate as they were in their first year, and letting your toddler practice his or her growing independence means learning to say “no” to food. Your child will learn the most from you if you continue to provide healthy food alternatives, participate in meal planning and preparation, and set a good example when it comes to what it means to eat well.

Should a 21-month-old take vitamins?

Consult your child’s physician about vitamin supplements if you are worried that your child isn’t receiving enough of certain nutrients from their regular diet. Iron and multivitamins are supplements that some toddlers take. Even though they aren’t always necessary, fiber supplements are often prescribed to avoid constipation: In most cases, a 21-month-old’s digestive system may be adequately supported by a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

21-Month-Old Sleep

Your toddler’s development and emotional stability depend on getting enough sleep. Still, parents of a 21-month-old may have some concerns and queries about their child’s sleep.

How much sleep does my 21-month-old need?

In a typical day, a 21-month-old will require 13–14 hours of sleep, including 11–12 hours of sleep at night and 1.5–3 hours of nap time.

21-month-old sleep regression

A regression occurs when someone who was formerly an excellent sleeper starts to wake up more often, which may be rather confusing. It might be because your child is going through a period of teething, is sick, or has a disruption in their sleep schedule due to a vacation or travel. In order to restore your child back to their regular sleeping schedule, you need to identify the cause of the problem and assist them through it. Maintain regular sleep routines and establish boundaries to assist in getting back on track.

21-month-old fighting sleep

A 21-month-old’s opposition to going to bed is quite typical. It looks like there’s a lot more entertaining stuff to do than sleep. However, sleep is necessary for both you and your little one. In this regard, too, it might be helpful to stick to a regular, soothing sleep ritual, beginning at the same time every night.

Also, turn off the TV and other gadgets at least an hour before sleep, and make sure your kid plays vigorous games during the day. Additionally, check that the nap time doesn’t go on for too long in the afternoon.

21-month-old climbing out of crib

It could come as a shock to any parent to discover their child crawling out of the crib for the first time. Some parents are able to foil their toddlers’ jailbreak attempts and persuade them not to do it again, while others are powerless. Your youngster is more likely to damage themselves falling while climbing than rolling off a low bed if it becomes apparent they aren’t staying there. After that, you’ll need to either add rails to the crib or get a toddler bed or big kid bed. To make it extra safer, some parents choose to place the crib mattress directly on the floor.

Activities for a 21-Month-Old

When you observe your toddler’s unique interests reflected in the games and toys they choose to play with, playtime becomes even more engaging. Always keep an eye on your little one, especially when they’re eating or playing, because they could find it “fun” to stuff tiny things like raisins or beads into their nose, ears, or other openings. For a 21-month-old, some enjoyable things to do and play with are:

Making a cardboard house: Make an inexpensive indoor playhouse in no time at all by cutting out a “door” from a big cardboard box. Finish up the “house” by adding windows and any other embellishments that make you feel fancy.

Putting together a puzzle: Games that require matching, such as shape sorting and easy puzzles, are perfect for this age group.

Naming things: Take a stroll with your little one and see what they may discover; make a list of everything they observe. This also works with many bodily components!

21-Month-Old Baby Checklist and Tips

Persist in encouraging your little one to master the art of self-dressing. Their ability to remove an article of clothes may have improved by now. They will soon have the ability to put one on, and who knows, maybe even shoes.
Take a swim class together as a parent and child. Since most youngsters lack the necessary muscle strength to remain afloat until they reach the age of four, experts used to advise against enrolling toddlers in formal swimming instruction. To help children feel safe in water and educate them about its hazards, experts now recommend informal swimming sessions.
If your youngster isn’t ready to share, don’t force them to. However, be sure to compliment them when they succeed. There are some parents who feel that the term “taking turns” is more effective than the word “sharing.”
Are you worried that your 21-month-old kid may try to climb out of his crib? In such case, a toddler bed may be in order. Take care of this as soon as possible to avoid any mishaps.
Make sure your kid has lots of chances to get their muscles moving. Make time for your child to play so they can go around and burn off some steam: It is suggested that toddlers engage in unstructured, free-play for at least one hour daily. Once it’s time for bed, this will also make it easier for them to go asleep.
You shouldn’t force your timid child into anything that might make them feel uneasy if they’re acting out. Encourage them and be patient; but don’t make them say “hi” or hug you if they’re not comfortable doing so. Naturally, see your child’s physician if you have any worries regarding their social development.

As you see the development of your 21-month-old, each day brings fresh excitement. Children grow and develop at their own pace, but it’s important to talk to your doctor if you’re concerned that your kid isn’t meeting developmental goals by the 21st month.