Toddler Milestones: What Can You Expect at 17 Months?

Here are some developmental milestones your 17-month-old toddler can achieve this month-

Communication 

• They can now say more words, and combine words and actions to communicate effectively and some toddlers can even use two or three words together in a sentence
• Their communication is improving by the day and they are learning new words. Their pronunciations are still not clear but enjoy this phase as long as it lasts

Curiosity

• Toddlers at this age are very curious about their surroundings and everything in general (1)
• They will show interest in learning new things and even learn quickly. This is the perfect time to keep introducing new activities

Gross Motor Skills 

• Your little one can now hold a ball and throw with intention. The direction can still be off but they will understand when you ask them to throw (2)
• They still need time to learn to catch
• They may use simple gestures like pointing to an object or waving to someone

Finger Dexterity 

• Your toddler will have better control over their crayon and will scribble more. Just let them explore the world of colors on a blank page

Socializing 

• Toddlers at this age are more social than they were a few months ago. You will also notice them approaching other kids and adults for playing
• It could be the improvement in their communication skills. Adults love toddler talks and the more attention they get (even from strangers) the more they will want to show off their communication skills

Exercising Independence 

• Your little one is learning their boundaries. They will shout, scream, rebel to a no, and have tantrums when you reject their requests
• They may even pull out their socks, hats, or even diapers, as their grips are better. If they don’t like it, they know how to get rid of it

Growth Chart For a 17-Month-Old Toddler

An average 17-month-old height and weight will be as follows-

Girls

Weight – 8.0 – 12.7 Kg
Height- 74.3 – 85.0cm

Boys

Weight – 8.7 – 13.2 Kg
Height- 76.3 – 86.2 cm

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

Tips to Boost Your 17-Month-Old’s Development

Here are some tips for parents to aid their 17-month-old’s development-

1. Dough

Let them play with homemade dough. Clay is still not suitable for such small toddlers but you can make some dough at home for them to play with. This can help strengthen their fingers.

2. Name Objects

Start using the right terms for everyday objects. Even if your toddler has their own names for the items around the house, it is time to use the right names, so that they can learn easily.

3. Better Eater

Give your toddler options on the plate. Don’t stick to just what they like or will definitely eat. It is okay if they reject a few items. Keep giving it to them once in a few days. Eating together as a family will also encourage them to try new foods.

4. Read to Them

Pick books with bright illustrations that are sure to grab their attention. You can also give them books when they are idle and you want some quiet time. They will learn to flip through pages, which can develop into a reading habit as they get older.

5. No Pressure

It is okay if your toddler is lagging behind in some age-appropriate skills. Encourage them without criticizing them. Constant persuasion to do something or eat something will only stress them and can backfire.

6. Give Paint

As your toddler’s finger dexterity improves, they will love to trace with their fingers. Give them some paint and papers. Encourage them to paint with their fingers. You can do some finger painting activities to make it more fun.

Health And Care of Your Toddler

Here are some ways to effectively take care of your growing toddler’s health-

• As your toddler starts exploring their surroundings, ensure they do so in a safe space. Give them boundaries they should not cross when playing outdoors
• When outdoors, they are bound to find bugs and insects and inspect them up close. Use bug sprays and always keep a close watch on them
• Teach your toddler car safety. As they are active, they may try to jump around in a moving car, which is not safe
• Water can be really fun and very dangerous too. Keep a close watch on your toddler when they are in the water. Be it the tub or the pool, even if the water is just 2 feet deep
• Oral hygiene is very important as your toddler starts exploring food varieties. Brush their teeth twice a day and soon after they eat something sticky or sweet
• It is very common for 17-month-old toddlers to fall or have minor scrapes. Always keep a few band-aids and your basic first-aid kit fully stocked
• If your toddler sleeps in a crib by themselves, ensure the bed is at the lowest setting, to discourage climbing out. If your toddler is already climbing out, ensure the wheels are always locked

Some Useful Tips For Your Toddler

Here are some tips for parents to effectively support their growing toddlers-

• Ensure their clothing is comfortable and safe enough to explore the outdoors
• Encourage them to drink a lot of water. Some toddlers may prefer a straw bottle to a sipper.
• Experiment with different bottles to find the right one
• Teach them to chew their food properly to avoid choking accidents. Minimal distractions during meal times are advisable
• It is easy to tempt a toddler with false promises or treats, to get sensitive information. Warn them about talking to or socializing with strangers
• If your toddler develops an attachment to a blanket or a soft toy, let them be. It is a transition stage and they will get over it soon. Don’t try to force them to let go. It can be traumatic for sensitive toddlers

Almost a year and a half old, your toddler is bound to do a lot of things when you least expect it. They are still not aware of their physical abilities and so will test their limits and your patience. Be calm and supportive, and just watch your toddler bloom. Remember, a calm and encouraging environment will help them more in their development and achieving their toddler milestones.

FAQ’s

1. What Activities Can a Toddler do in Their 17 Months?

Every toddler is different. Around 17 months of age, most toddlers can build towers with blocks and knock them down, identify and name familiar objects and even faces, and make sentences with two to four words. They get better with shape-sorting toys and can insert many shapes correctly. They also get creative and start playing make-believe games.

2. Is There a Leap in Language Comprehension at 17 Months?

Many toddlers show a big improvement in their communication skills. They can understand much better and can even respond in sentences using two to four words. Some toddlers will even converse at length or narrate stories about their experiences.

3. Do Boys Talk Later Than Girls?

Not necessarily. Each kid develops at their own pace. In general, language skill develops a little slower in boys than in girls. So, a 17-month-old girl may speak more than a boy of that age.

4. Can I Potty Train my 17-Month-Old?

Yes, you can. By this age, your toddler can sit up without sliding off the potty chair and can also communicate when they want to go. They will also understand your instructions when you teach them to use the toilet. It will take a few months but you can definitely start training them.

5. How do I Know if my 17-Month-Old is Gifted?

Observe what they are doing and watch other kids their age. If your toddler can do a task or skill much better or faster than other kids their age, they can be advanced in that particular skill. If they are curious, have a lengthy attention span, and show eagerness to learn more, they can be gifted. Different toddlers can be gifted in different areas. So pay attention to what they show interest and advancement in.

6. How Many Teeth Should a 17-Month-Old Have?

Toddlers between 13 and 19 months of age will have about 12 teeth. This includes the four upper teeth and four lower teeth in the center, and the molars on both sides (up and down).

References

1. Curiosity in Young Children – [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/350596406_Curiosity_in_Young_Children]
2. Development of manual dexterity in preschool children – [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329443319_Development_of_manual_dexterity_in_preschool_children]