Top 10 Toddler Concerns Answered by a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner & Mom
From tantrums to speech delays—here’s what’s really normal, what to watch, and what helps.
This photo says it all- exactly how my toddler journey began.
Hey Parents—
If you’ve ever worried that your toddler is the only one throwing cereal across the room, refusing naps, or not talking much yet… you’re in the right place.
As a pediatric nurse practitioner with 15+ years of experience—and a mom who’s currently living through the toddler tornado—I’m answering the 10 most common toddler concerns I hear from parents. These answers blend evidence-based guidance with real-life parenting (yep, I’ve had the same questions at 2 AM too).
Let’s dig in.
Is My Toddler Talking Enough?
It’s a question so many parents quietly wonder. By around 18 months, toddlers typically say 10–20 words. By age 2, they should be stringing together two-word phrases like “more water” or “all done.” If your child isn’t quite there yet—take a breath. It’s okay to ask for a speech evaluation. In fact, early support can make all the difference.
One of the most effective ways to encourage language? Just talk. Talk through your daily routines:
“Let’s wash our hands. Turn on the water. Time to dry with the towel.”
It might feel simple, but these everyday narrations help your child connect words with actions—and they absorb more than you think.
And don’t underestimate the power of reading. Even in the newborn phase, reading aloud builds the foundation for language development.
Early in my own motherhood journey, I discovered two amazing speech-language pathologists on Instagram: @beyondbabbles and @elevateyourplay. Their content completely changed the way I thought about early communication. Their strategies are practical, approachable, and grounded in play—no fancy toys or complicated activities required.
Whenever a parent shares concerns about their child’s speech or language, I always say: trust your gut, don’t wait, and reach out for support. And if you’re looking for guidance you can actually use in the moment, those two pages are a great place to start.
2. Why Won’t My Toddler Eat Vegetables?
If your toddler turns up their nose at anything green, you’re not alone. Picky eating is totally normal—and it tends to peak between 18 months and 3 years.
Here’s the good news: exposure works. Toddlers often need to see (or touch, smell, or lick!) a new food 10 to 15 times before they even consider tasting it. So don’t give up after the first try. Keep offering vegetables without pressure, and celebrate small wins like a sniff or a poke.
Try this: serve familiar foods alongside something new, and invite your toddler to be part of the process. Even something as simple as putting broccoli on the plate or stirring the peas into the pasta gives them a sense of control—and curiosity.
No gimmicks, just real life, tiny step by tiny step.
3. Are These Tantrums Normal?
Let’s talk tantrums—those full-body, red-faced, foot-stomping meltdowns that seem to appear out of nowhere.
First, you’re not alone. Tantrums are a normal and expected part of toddlerhood. In fact, most toddlers have one or more meltdowns every day. It’s not a sign something’s wrong—it’s a sign your child is learning how to manage their emotions, which is a major developmental milestone.
Why so dramatic? Their brains are still developing the wiring for self-regulation. Add in hunger, fatigue, or frustration—and boom, a tantrum.
What’s Normal:
• Tantrums that last a few minutes
• Screaming, crying, flailing, or refusing to do something
• Happening once or a few times a day
When to Check In with Your Pediatrician:
• Tantrums that regularly last over an hour
• Extreme aggression (hurting themselves or others)
• Regression or changes in other developmental areas
Try This Calming Strategy:
During a meltdown, stay close and calm. You don’t need to fix it—just be their safe space. Try saying something like,
“You’re feeling really mad right now. I’m here with you. We’ll get through this together.”
Later, when they’re calm, help them name the feeling and talk about what happened.
This phase is hard—but it’s also a powerful window for connection and emotional growth.
Tip: Offer small choices to boost independence: “Do you want the red cup or the blue one?”
4. Why Won’t My Toddler Sleep Through the Night?
If your toddler suddenly starts waking up again after months of sleeping well—welcome to the 18–24 month sleep disruption zone. You’re not doing anything wrong. Sleep regressions at this age are very real and very normal.
This stage brings big developmental leaps, budding independence, separation anxiety, and even language explosions—all of which can show up as bedtime battles, skipped naps, or middle-of-the-night wake ups.
What helps:
• Stick to a predictable routine—toddlers thrive on knowing what’s coming next.
• Avoid over tiredness by watching wake windows and protecting nap time.
• If naps are getting skipped or bedtime is a fight, try a nap cap—limiting daytime sleep to help protect overnight rest.
Simple Sleep Tools That Work:
• White noise to block out household sounds
• Blackout curtains to keep the room dark and cue sleep
• A calm, consistent wind-down (think: bath, books, snuggles, lights out)
This season can feel exhausting, but it’s temporary. With consistency and a few small tweaks, sleep can (and will) settle again.
5. My Toddler Is Clingy All of a Sudden—Help?
If your toddler is suddenly glued to your leg, won’t let you leave the room, or cries during daycare drop-off—take heart. This clinginess isn’t a setback. It’s a sign of secure attachment and emotional growth.
Toddlers often become extra clingy during times of change or development—like starting daycare, welcoming a new sibling, or going through a big leap in skills. It might feel like they’re regressing, but really, they’re reaching out for reassurance as their world expands.
What helps:
• Stay calm and consistent. Predictable routines offer comfort.
• Acknowledge their feelings: “You really want to stay with me. I’ll be back after lunch.”
• Offer transitional objects—like a family photo or special lovey they can keep close.
• Say goodbye with confidence (even if they cry). They’re watching how you handle the separation.
Remember: Clinginess is a phase, not a flaw. With time, support, and gentle separation practice, your toddler will grow more confident—and so will you.
6. Why Is My Toddler Hitting and Biting?
Let’s talk about two of the most stressful toddler behaviors—hitting and biting. Whether it happens at home, daycare, or out of the blue during a playdate, these moments can feel intense, embarrassing, and confusing.
But here’s the truth: both behaviors are developmentally normal. They’re not signs that something is “wrong” with your child. They’re signs that your toddler is overwhelmed and still learning how to cope with big feelings in a small body.
Why It Happens:
Toddlers hit or bite when they’re:
• Frustrated
• Tired or overstimulated
• Unable to express what they need
• Seeking control or attention
• Testing boundaries in a safe environment (yes, you are their safe space)
They don’t yet have the words, impulse control, or self-regulation skills to express themselves—so their bodies do it for them.
What To Do in the Moment:
• Stay calm. Reacting with anger can escalate things. Take a breath.
• Set a clear boundary:
“I won’t let you hit/bite. That hurts.”
• Show them what to do instead:
“You’re mad. You can stomp your feet or say, ‘No!’”
If your toddler bites out of excitement or sensory-seeking behavior, offer something they can bite (like a chewy toy or teether) as a replacement.
After the Moment Has Passed:
Once your child is calm, revisit what happened in simple language.
“You bit when you were mad. Biting hurts. Next time, say ‘I’m mad’ or come get me for help.”
Consistency is key. Over time, they’ll begin to understand the link between their feelings and safe responses.
When To Seek Extra Support:
• If biting or hitting is extreme, frequent, or difficult to redirect
• If your child isn’t engaging in other areas of development
• If you’re unsure how to manage it and want more strategies (that’s totally okay!)
These behaviors are hard—but they’re also a chance to teach emotional skills your toddler will carry for life.
7. Is My Toddler Ready for Potty Training?
If you’re wondering whether it’s time to start potty training, the real question isn’t “Is my toddler old enough?”—it’s “Is my toddler ready?” Readiness matters far more than age.
Some signs your toddler may be ready include:
• Staying dry for two hours or more during the day
• Showing interest in the bathroom or watching others use it
• Being able to follow simple directions
• Communicating when they’re going or have gone in their diaper
Once you notice a few of these signs, you can start laying the foundation gently and positively.
Pro tip: Make it fun! Let your toddler help pick out a potty, read books about using the toilet, and create a little reward system—stickers, cheers, or a silly dance party go a long way toward making the process feel exciting instead of stressful.
Remember, there’s no prize for finishing first. The goal is to help your child feel confident and capable—and that starts with timing it right.
8. Why Is My Toddler Obsessed With One Toy or Show?
If your days are filled with the sounds of “Bluey” or the sight of endless construction trucks, trust me—you’re not alone. At one point, trucks completely took over our world too. But instead of fighting the obsession, I leaned into it—and found so many opportunities to help my son learn and grow.
Repetition is comforting for toddlers. It’s how they make sense of new concepts and build confidence. What might look like a fixation is actually a sign that they’re engaging deeply with something that makes them feel safe.
With my son, trucks became the gateway to learning. We’d count them as they passed by, name their colors, and identify their types—dump truck, cement mixer, excavator. He thrived with that structure. And since he also loves reading, I found themed truck books tied to the seasons—like springtime trucks or Easter deliveries—so we could explore his interest in different ways while expanding his vocabulary and understanding of the world.
These focused interests are not only normal but often incredibly useful. Unless they start interfering with daily routines or flexibility, toddler obsessions are nothing to worry about. In fact, they can be one of your greatest tools for connection and learning.
9. Could My Toddler Be Autistic?
It’s completely natural to wonder about your child’s development—especially in the toddler years when milestones vary so much. If you’ve found yourself asking, “Could my toddler be autistic?” you’re not alone.
Some early signs to watch for include limited eye contact, not pointing or showing interest in what you’re looking at by around 18 months, and a lack of pretend play. These behaviors don’t automatically mean a child is autistic, but they are cues worth paying attention to.
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. You can ask your pediatrician about an early intervention evaluation—it’s a supportive first step, not a diagnosis. Evaluations are simply tools that help you better understand your child’s development and get extra support if needed.
Every child’s timeline is different, but when it comes to early intervention, acting early can make a big difference—and you know your child best.
Trusted Resources for Parents
If you’re navigating questions about your toddler’s development or autism, these resources can offer clarity, support, and next steps:
• CDC’s Learn the Signs. Act Early
A comprehensive guide to developmental milestones, early signs of autism, and tools to track your child’s growth.
• Autism Speaks: First Concern to Action Toolkit
www.autismspeaks.org/tool-kit/first-concern-action-tool-kit
Step-by-step guidance for parents who are concerned about their child’s development, including how to start the evaluation process.
• Zero to Three
A trusted source for early childhood development information, parenting tips, and early intervention support.
• Understood.org
Offers resources for parents of children who learn and think differently, including developmental delays and autism.
• Your Local Early Intervention Program
In the U.S., each state has an early intervention system for children under 3. You can self-refer—no diagnosis required.
Find your state’s program here.
10. Should I Worry About My Toddler’s Growth?
It’s completely normal to wonder if your toddler is growing “enough”—especially when growth doesn’t always happen in a straight line. After the rapid pace of infancy, toddler growth naturally slows down and can happen in spurts.
What matters most is that your child is following their own growth curve over time. Pediatric providers track this at every well visit—not to compare kids, but to look for consistency. A sudden drop or spike in weight or height may be worth discussing, but most variations are part of typical development.
Growth is influenced by many factors—genetics, nutrition, sleep, and even how active your toddler is. To ease your mind, here are a few common questions I hear from parents:
Toddler Growth: Frequently Asked Questions
What’s considered “normal” growth for a toddler?
There’s no one-size-fits-all number. What matters is that your child’s height and weight stay on a steady path over time—even if they’re in a lower or higher percentile.
My toddler hasn’t gained much weight recently—is that a problem?
Not always. Growth slows down in toddlerhood. If your child’s curve is steady, it’s usually not a concern. But if you notice no weight gain over multiple months, check in with your provider.
Can being super active affect how my toddler grows?
Absolutely. Toddlers who are constantly on the go may burn more calories, which can impact weight gain. That’s normal as long as they’re eating well and have good energy.
Should I be concerned if my toddler is small for their age?
Not if they’re healthy and thriving. Genetics play a big role—small parents often have small kids. Your provider will look at the trend, not just one measurement.
How often should growth be tracked?
Typically at every well visit (every 3–6 months in toddlerhood). There’s no need to measure at home unless your provider recommends it.
When should I speak up about a growth concern?
If something feels off—like a big change in appetite, energy, or a noticeable drop on the growth chart—it’s worth bringing up. You know your child best, and it’s always okay to ask.
Growth isn’t about chasing a perfect number—it’s about understanding your toddler’s unique rhythm. And if you ever feel unsure, you’ve got every reason to ask questions. That’s what your child’s care team is there for.
Final Thoughts from a Pediatric NP + Mama
Toddlerhood is a wild, messy, beautiful ride. There are going to be moments when you question everything (especially your own sanity). But here’s what I want you to remember:
You’re not alone. You’re doing better than you think. And you don’t have to know everything to be exactly the parent your toddler needs.
Let’s raise these cubs together—one meltdown, one win, and one deep breath at a time.
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With Care,
Kelly-Ann Smith,
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner | Founder of Cub Convos