The Toddler Years
The toddler and early years are full of growth, learning and big changes.
This page brings together support and information to help your child stay healthy, active and confident as they grow.
Healthy Eating
Every child is different, and eating habits can change from day to day.
These ideas can help support healthy eating in a way that works for your family:
- Offering meals and snacks at regular times can help children feel settled. The NHS offers lots of kid friendly recipes for meals on the Healthier Families website.
- Fruit and vegetables should be offered in small amounts across the day. Check out the Healthier Families website to find details on what counts as part of your child’s five a day
- Water and milk are good everyday drinks
- Keeping sugary foods as occasional treats can help protect teeth. There are lots of food swaps that you can use to swap high sugar foods to healthy and tasty foods – you can find some recommended swaps here.
- Fussy eating is common and often passes with time. You can find extra guidance and tips on fussy eating on the NHS website.
Keeping your toddler active
Moving and playing are important parts of how young children learn and grow. Everyday play, exploring and moving around all count.
Here’s some ways to keep your child active:
- Check out these simple and fun 10-minute shake up games to get your child moving.
- Playing outside, when possible, gives children space to move and explore. Sandwell is home to many parks and green spaces. Find your local park and what’s going on there that you can get involved in.
- Playing together can be a fun way to spend time and support your child’s development. Find activities for you and your child to do together through Sandwell Family Hubs.
Looking after little teeth
Looking after your child’s teeth from an early age helps build habits that can last a lifetime.
Small, everyday routines can make a real difference over time.
Tips on how to look after your child’s oral health:
- Brushing teeth twice a day helps keep them healthy
- Using a small amount of fluoride toothpaste helps protect teeth
- Limiting sugary foods and drinks between meals helps protect teeth
- Drinking water or milk between meals is kinder to teeth
- Taking your child to the dentist early helps them get used to visits
Toddler vaccinations
During the toddler and preschool years, your child is offered vaccinations that help protect them from serious illnesses such as measles, mumps, rubella, whooping cough and polio.
These illnesses can spread easily and can make young children very unwell.
Vaccinations work by helping your child’s immune system learn how to fight infections, giving them protection as they grow.
Keeping vaccinations up-to-date helps protect your child and other children and families around them.
Getting ready for school
Getting ready for school is about more than learning letters and numbers. It’s about helping your child feel confident, curious and ready for new experiences.
Tips on how to prepare your child for school:
- Talking, singing and sharing stories helps build language and confidence
- Playing with others supports sharing, turn-taking and making friends
- Simple routines, like getting dressed or tidying up toys, help build independence
- Helping your child recognise their feelings supports emotional wellbeing