Toddler Milestones: What Can You Expect at 14 Months?

Different toddlers have different paces. Some milestones an average 14-month-old might reach or cross are-

Gross Motor Skills

• Your toddler’s gross motor skills are developing and their limbs are getting stronger. Most toddlers can stand up with little or no support by this time
• Many will be cruising (1) around, trying to move with a little support from all the objects around them 
• They are learning to move and will get better at it within the next few weeks. If they are yet to start walking with or without support, don’t worry, they will start soon. Just give them a little time

Communication

• Some toddlers can say a few words and others will try to form the words
• Parents and primary caregivers may be the only ones who understand what they are saying. To others, they might try to communicate with actions along with their words

Actions

• Toddlers around this age will start mimicking the actions they see. Try clapping slowly in front of a toddler and watch them do the same
• Most toddlers will wave, clap, or even give you a high five when you do those actions
  If you touch their head or nose, they can follow your touch and do it too

Anxiety

• Toddlers will start crying when their primary caregivers leave their side, even if it is just for a few minutes. Separation anxiety is a normal part of development (2)

Growth Chart For a 14-Month-Old Toddler

An average 14-month-old’s height and weight will be as follows-

Girls

Weight – 7.5 – 11.9 Kg
Height- 71.3 – 81.4 cm

Boys

Weight – 8.2 – 12.4 Kg
Height- 73.4 – 82.7 cm

(This chart is just an indication and these parameters may vary from one baby to another)

Tips to Boost Your 14-Month-Old’s Development

If you are worried your 14-month-old is not meeting the age-appropriate milestones, here are some tips to help them-

1. Play Games 

Playing games like hide-and-seek can encourage toddlers to move, search, and develop their gross motor skills. It will also help improve their problem-solving skills as they try to search for you or hide away from you. Games like name the body part, or find the item can teach them new words and help them identify common things in their environment

2. Sing 

Singing songs can help toddlers learn new words and pronunciations. Music can help them learn faster and remember longer (3).

3. Learning Toys 

Invest in sorting toys – shapes, sizes, and colors. These are self-entertaining, help kids learn better, and also improve their hand-eye coordination.

4. Food Variety 

Many toddlers get picky around this stage which might make mealtimes very stressful for both them and the parent. Offer a variety of foods they can pick and eat on their own. It will encourage them to become better eaters and also ensure they get nutritious food.

5. Ease Anxiety 

If your toddler is having a hard time saying bye when you step out for a while or when you leave for work, prepare them in advance. Let them know they will be playing with another family member, what they can do with the babysitter, and what you both can do once you come back. This can reassure them that you are coming back and they can spend time with you.

Health And Care of Your Toddler

Your toddler’s health is very important for timely development. Some areas to focus on this month are-

• As your toddler moves around it is time to put away things within their reach. They will try to mouth everything
• Install baby gates if you have stairs in the house
• As your toddler’s exposure to the outside world increases, they will catch more infections. The frequent cold will slowly settle down as the immune system learns to fight better

Some Useful Tips For Your Toddler

As your toddler gets more independent, here are a few tips that can help you-

• Encourage them to drink from an open cup
• Give them baby-safe cutlery to eat with
• Let them clean up in their own way. Don’t worry about the sorting or how clean the place looks. Let them just learn the process
• Keep talking to them and teaching them common words in their mother tongue, it will help in speech development

Some 14-month-olds can run and use words to communicate. Some will just cruise or crawl around and still struggle to say even the most commonly used words. Each toddler is different. As a parent, you should nurture their pace and help them develop the skills with confidence. Don’t get too hung up on the toddler milestones, they will for sure achieve those when they are ready for it.

FAQ’s

1. How Many Naps Should a 14-Month-Old Toddler Have?

A 14-month-old can take about 2 short naps throughout the day or even 1 long nap. It can differ from toddler to toddler. Many toddlers are down to just one nap around this time. If your toddler is still taking 2 long naps but goes to bed without much fuss at night and sleeps through the night, you have nothing to worry about.

2. What Are The Things That a 14-Month-Old Can do?

Most 14-month-olds can stand up, climb small furniture, crawl upstairs, and imitate actions like sweeping, dusting, or even stacking things. They can point to body parts and also say a few words to express themselves.

3. When Should You Start Potty Training Your Child?

You can start making your toddler sit on a baby potty chair once they have full control over their upper body and won’t slide off. Every time you see their face changing as a cue before they dirty their diaper, try seating them on the potty chair with or without the diaper. This helps them get familiar with the entire process.

4. Is it OK That my 14-Month-Old Isn’t Talking Yet?

Yes, it is okay. Every kid develops at a different pace. If your toddler is showing no signs of babbling or attempts to say even the commonly used words, consult your pediatrician.

5. How Many Teeth Should a 14-Month-Old Have?

Most toddlers will have their 6 middle teeth by now. Four at the top and two at the bottom. If your toddler is yet to get their 6th tooth, don’t worry, it will grow in a few weeks.

6. How do I Brush my 14-Month-Old’s Teeth?

You can use a baby toothbrush that fits over your finger. These brushes give better control and access to the tiny teeth. You can use a doctor-recommended toothpaste. You can also use your finger and gently massage the gums to ease any teething discomforts.

7. How Much Water Can my 14-Month-Old Have?

Your toddler can have about 4 cups of water and 2 cups of milk in a day. Hydration is very important and if your toddler is refusing to drink water, you can try some fresh juices without sugar or sweetening agents.

References

1. Developmental continuity? Crawling, cruising, and walking – [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/50377337_Developmental_continuity_Crawling_cruising_and_walking]
2. Separation anxiety – [https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/babys-development/behaviour/separation-anxiety/]
3. Singing with Infants and Toddlers – [https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED352184]