20 Month Old Child Development

Learn everything you need to know about your 20 month old toddler. Track important developments and milestones such as talking, walking, growth, memory & more.

Published on June 15, 2017

Your Growing Baby

Potty Training Readiness

Odds are you feel as though you've changed a million diapers and you're probably dreaming of the day your toddler can use the potty by herself!

There is a wide age range in which most toddlers potty train—generally considered to be 18 months to 3 years. With a gap that big, you might be wondering when to start. Good news, Mom and Dad! There are signs of readiness you can use to determine if your kiddo is close to going diaper-free.

Can she stay dry for at least two hours at a time? And when she does have a wet or dirty diaper, is she uncomfortable and wants to be changed? Does she have regular bowel movements? Can she follow simple directions from you or other caregivers? And finally, does she show an interest in using the potty or wearing big-girl underwear?

Even if your tot isn't showing all the signs, it's helpful to get her a potty of her own. Let her sit on it (even with clothes on), put stickers on it, or even try using it when she shows signs of needing to go. Above all, stay patient and offer plenty of encouragement to your child. You're her best cheerleader, so praise her efforts with lots of hugs and smiles.

Incidentally, some parents prefer to keep their toddler naked from the waist down during potty training, and toddlers—who now have the physical ability to undress themselves at times—often think this is terrific! You might already notice that you just get a pair of socks on your squirming child and as soon as you turn around, she's running away barefoot. It's fun for her and she loves the independence of saying when she doesn't want to wear a hat, shoes, or even pajamas.

Health and Safety Info

Signs of Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs and the bronchial tubes—airways that carry oxygen into and out of the lungs. Little kids who suffer with asthma have inflamed airways that become swollen, irritated, and sensitive. Certain conditions or substances such as air pollutants, smoke, allergens, cold air, and viruses will cause recurring asthma attacks in which the airways swell and produce thick mucus. The sufferer might also experience chest tightness, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and coughing.

Though asthma affects people of all ages, this lung condition commonly starts in children. If your toddler wheezes, coughs often, and has eczema or allergies, discuss these symptoms with her pediatrician. If the doctor determines your youngster is suffering from asthma, he'll teach you how to prevent asthma attacks and what to do if an attack occurs. To avoid a severe asthma attack, it's necessary to treat the symptoms when they first begin, often with asthma medication. Unfortunately there is no cure for asthma, but your child's pediatrician can help you formulate a plan for monitoring and treating the asthma.

While coughing is a symptom of asthma, sometimes a cough is just part of a cold. It's true that there's still no cure for a common cold, but there are plenty of natural remedies you can use to help your toddler weather the sniffles and sneezes. Begin with ensuring your child is getting plenty of rest. Fluids (yep, like chicken soup!) help by thinning mucus, easing sore throat pain, and hydrating a body with a fever. A cool mist humidifier and saline drops ease congestion, as does propping up the end of your toddler's bed. And of course time spent with you reading a book, listening to quiet music, or just cuddling is always good for what ails your little one.

Must-Knows

Skin & Hair Care

Be honest: Are you a frumpy mom? Do you roll out of bed, throw on a pair of baggy sweats, and go through the day with limp, boring hair and a dull, lifeless complexion? Particularly if you stay at home with your toddler, you might feel there isn't much to dress up for, but don't sell yourself short. Neglecting yourself can lead to low self-esteem and even depression, and you are a woman of value. Hey, you deserve to look good! Getting out of your rut doesn't require high-maintenance pampering, but rather basic hair and skin-care techniques to stay healthy and let you feel your best. If your ponytail looks shabby or you're tired of wearing a hat to run to the supermarket, give those locks a little TLC, starting with a good hair treatment and cut. Even if your hair is long, a professional trim will keep it healthy and get rid of damaged ends. Talk with your stylist about a cut or style that flatters your face and is easy to maintain.

Beautiful hair should complement healthy skin. If your skin-care routine consists of little more than a quick wash with ordinary soap, it's time to reevaluate. Begin with a mild cleanser and twice a week use a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells, leaving your complexion smoother and fresher. Follow up with a hydrating moisturizer and sunscreen if you'll be outdoors. (To save time, try a moisturizer with SPF to protect delicate skin.)

If you have an extra minute, a little makeup can do wonders for hiding circles under your eyes and brightening your face. Mascara opens up your eyes, a hint of blush adds color to your cheeks, and a quick application of colored lip gloss enhances your smile. Beautiful!