Coughs, Colds & Upper Respiratory Infections

The classic starter pack of toddlerhood.

 

Symptoms:

• Runny/stuffy nose

• Sneezing

• Cough

• Mild fever

• Cranky (because, obviously)

​

What to Do:

• Keep fluids flowing — water, milk, soup

• Use saline spray and a nasal aspirator

• Offer small, frequent meals/snacks

• Plenty of rest, cuddles, and distraction

 

Usually viral. No antibiotics needed unless there’s a bacterial infection — your paed will advise.

 

Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease (HFMD)

The Malaysian daycare rite of passage. Viral, contagious, and very uncomfortable — but usually not dangerous.

​

Symptoms:

• Fever

• Mouth ulcers (painful)

• Blisters on palms, soles, and sometimes bum

• Reduced appetite

 

What to Do:

• Keep hydrated (cold drinks help soothe ulcers)

• Soft foods only (bubur, yoghurt, banana)

• Paracetamol for fever/pain

• Avoid daycare or playgroups until blisters dry

 

See a doctor if baby refuses all fluids or has a high, persistent fever.

 

Fever: The Parent Panic Trigger

It’s not just the number — it’s how your toddler acts.

 

When to Worry:

• Under 2 years old with fever lasting more than 24 hours

• Over 2 years old with fever lasting more than 72 hours

• Seizures (febrile seizures can happen — scary but usually harmless)

• Very drowsy, won’t wake, poor feeding

Use a digital thermometer. Paracetamol and ibuprofen (age-appropriate dose) can help, but fever itself isn’t the enemy — it’s the body fighting infection.

 

Tummy Bugs- Diarrhoea & Vomiting

If it’s coming out both ends, welcome to your toddler’s first real gastro showdown.

 

Symptoms:

• Diarrhoea

• Vomiting

• Fever

• Tummy cramps

• Dehydration risk

 

What to Do:

• Small, frequent sips of water or rehydration salts (ORS)

• Continue breastfeeding or formula

• Light foods if they’re hungry — plain rice, toast, banana

• Keep clean — these bugs spread fast

 

Call a doctor if there's:

• Blood in stool

• No urination in 6+ hours

• Sunken eyes, dry mouth, no tears

• Lethargy or persistent vomiting

 

Ear Infections

Sneaky little villains that often follow colds.

 

Signs:

• Tugging ears

• Fever

• Fussiness, poor sleep

• Fluid/discharge from the ear

 

Some clear up on their own, others need antibiotics — best to get checked if symptoms persist or pain seems severe.

​

Skin Rashes & Allergies

Toddlers are rash-prone. Some are harmless. Some need a closer look.

 

Common Types:

• Heat rash: Small red bumps in warm weather.

• Eczema: Dry, itchy patches. Needs moisturiser and sometimes medicated cream.

• Hives: Raised, red welts often caused by allergies.

• Viral rashes: Often show up after a fever breaks.

 

Watch Out For:

• Rash that spreads quickly or blisters

• Rash with fever and irritability

• Rash that doesn’t fade when pressed

 

If in doubt — especially if fever or swelling is involved — get it checked.

 

When to Call the Doctor Immediately

• High fever with no improvement

• Seizures

• Signs of dehydration

• Difficulty breathing or wheezing

• Rash that looks angry, spreads fast, or is accompanied by fever

• Baby is unusually drowsy or unresponsive

 

Trust your instincts. If something feels off — even if it’s not on a checklist — call your doctor.

​

Final Word

It feels like a lot, because it is a lot. Toddlers are messy, curious, and completely uninterested in hygiene. The sniffles, fevers, and barfing marathons are part of the territory — but so is recovery, resilience, and a growing immune system that gets stronger with every round.

Keep your paediatrician’s number handy, stock up on wet wipes and oral rehydration salts, and don’t forget to take care of yourself too. Sick toddlers are tough — but so are you.

What’s Happening Physically?

Between 1–3 years, toddlers go from squishy babies to lean, fast-moving chaos machines.

 

Physical Growth:

• Weight gain slows down compared to the baby stage — and that’s normal.

• They’ll grow roughly 10–12cm and gain 1.5–2.5kg per year.

• Their baby fat thins out, their limbs stretch, and their heads look slightly less cartoonish.

 

Milestone Highlights:

• By 18 months: Walks independently, may try to run, stacks two blocks, eats with fingers.

• By 2 years: Runs, kicks a ball, scribbles, drinks from a cup, climbs on furniture.

• By 3 years: Pedals a tricycle, jumps, builds a tower of 6+ blocks, starts to dress self.

 

Got a climber? Yeah. We all do. Anchor your furniture and hide the stools.

 

What About Communication & Language?

Spoiler alert: toddlers don’t come with “quiet mode.” This is when their communication skills take off — even if half of it is shouting.

 

What’s Typical:

• By 18 months: Says ~10–20 words, points to things they want.

• By 2 years: Combines two words (“more snack”), understands simple instructions.

• By 3 years: Uses 3–4 word sentences, asks LOTS of questions, names familiar people and objects.

 

They might still mix up sounds, babble nonsense, or only speak when they feel like it. It’s all part of learning.

 

If your toddler isn’t speaking at all by 2, or only has a few words by 30 months, check in with your doctor or a speech therapist. Early support helps heaps.

 

Social & Emotional Milestones

The age of big feelings, dramatic exits, and sudden possessiveness over everything.

 

Key Skills:

• Shows affection (spontaneous hugs = best reward ever)

• May show fear of strangers or separation anxiety

• Imitates adults and peers

• Starts pretend play (e.g., feeding a doll, roaring like a dinosaur)

• Shows defiance (“No!” is a full sentence now)

 

They’re learning empathy, independence, and identity — and that includes testing limits. Often. Loudly. Repeatedly.

 

Cognitive Growth- Tiny Thinkers in Action

Toddlers are little scientists: poke, observe, destroy, repeat.

 

Watch for:

• Problem-solving: how to open doors, climb shelves, or get that hidden biscuit

• Object permanence: yes, they know the phone didn’t actually disappear

• Understanding cause and effect: drop toy, Mama picks it up. Again. And again.

• Early concepts: sorting, matching, naming shapes or animals

 

Play is their learning language — they’re absorbing everything, even when it looks like chaos.

 

What Influences Growth & Development?

• Nutrition: Fussy eating aside, try for a varied diet with iron, protein, fats, and fibre.

• Sleep: 11–14 hours total in a day, including naps, fuels their growth.

• Stimulation: Reading, talking, singing, and letting them explore (aka destroy your Tupperware drawer).

• Health: Frequent illness can cause temporary dips in weight or appetite, but they usually bounce back.

• Genetics: Some kids are just smaller or quieter — that’s fine too.

 

When to Seek Help

Talk to your doctor or Klinik Kesihatan if your toddler:

• Isn’t walking by 18 months

• Doesn’t speak or gesture by 2 years

• Doesn’t respond to their name

• Has major regression (losing skills they previously had)

• Seems disinterested in people or play

 

Early intervention in Malaysia is available through KEMAS, child development clinics, and private therapists — no shame, just support.

 

Final Word

Your toddler is not a checklist. They’re a one-of-a-kind human with their own timeline, temperament, and style of growth. Try not to compare — not with your friend’s child, not with your older kid, and definitely not with TikTok.

Celebrate the wobbly steps, the messy scribbles, and even the weird monologues to stuffed animals. Every moment counts.

And when in doubt? Deep breath. You’re growing too — right alongside them.

What Toddlers Really Need (Nutrition, Not Perfection)

Toddlers grow slower than babies, so their appetite might seem unpredictable — because it is.

 

Rough Daily Targets:

• Grains: 4–5 servings (think rice, bread, pasta, oats)

• Fruits & Veggies: 2–3 servings (yes, even if only carrots make the cut)

• Protein: 1–2 servings (meat, tofu, egg, tempeh, lentils)

• Dairy: 1–2 cups (milk, yoghurt, cheese — or fortified alternatives)

• Fats: Healthy oils and fats support brain growth

 

Offer a variety over the week, not just per meal. Toddlers eat in patterns, not symmetry.

 

Picky Eating- Why It Happens

Spoiler: it’s not a personality defect. It’s development.

 

Common Reasons:

• Neophobia: Fear of new foods — peaks around 18–24 months

• Power plays: Refusing food = control

• Texture issues: Mashed? No. Crunchy? Yes. Same food, new form = betrayal.

• Appetite fluctuations: They may eat loads one day, and a crumb the next

 

Unless your toddler is losing weight, it’s usually not a nutrition crisis — it’s a phase.

 

How to Handle the Mealtime Madness

DO:

• Offer small portions and let them ask for more

• Stick to routines — same meal times, limited grazing

• Eat together — toddlers mimic what they see

• Serve familiar with new — pair known favourites with something new

• Stay neutral — no bribing, begging, or scolding

 

DON’T:

• Force feed — this creates negative food associations

• Short-order cook — you're not a buffet

• Label them as “fussy” in front of them

• Use dessert as a reward for eating “real” food

 

And remember: if they reject something today, try again another time. It can take 10–15 tries before a new food is accepted.

 

Snack Smarter, Not More Often

Snacks are important — but they can ruin appetite if they’re constant.

 

Smart Snack Ideas:

• Cut fruit, yoghurt, cheese cubes, boiled egg, steamed sweet potato, crackers with hummus

• Avoid grazing every hour.

 

Aim for:

• 3 meals + 2 snacks per day

• Water between meals — not sugary drinks or endless milk refills

 

Dealing with Mealtime Battles

Try:

• Giving choices: “Rice or noodles today?”

• Letting them self-serve: even a spoonful feels empowering

• Using toddler-sized utensils and plates

• Making food fun: food art, muffin trays, bento boxes

 

But also try:

• Walking away emotionally. If they don’t eat — cool. No drama.

• Ending meals after 30 minutes. No power struggles.

 

Your job is to offer. Theirs is to eat. That’s the deal.

 

When to Worry

See a doctor or dietitian if your toddler:

• Eats less than 10 different foods

• Refuses entire food groups

• Gags or vomits often

• Has poor weight gain or growth

• Seems unusually tired, pale, or lethargic

 

Most picky eaters are healthy — but trust your gut if something feels off.

 

Final Word

Picky eating isn’t forever. It’s not a reflection of your cooking, your parenting, or your worth. It’s your toddler doing exactly what they’re supposed to: testing boundaries and exploring their world — one bite at a time.

So offer the broccoli. Cheer when they try it. Laugh when they spit it out and yell “YUCK!” That, my friend, is progress.

And when all else fails? There’s always bananas.

What Counts as Physical Activity?

Literally everything that gets them moving.

• Running, jumping, crawling, climbing

• Dancing, spinning, stomping

• Pushing, pulling, throwing, catching

• Riding toddler bikes or push cars

• Exploring playgrounds or parks

• Bouncing on your bed even when they’re not supposed to

 

The goal: at least 3 hours of movement spread throughout the day. It doesn’t have to be in one go, and it definitely doesn’t have to be Pinterest-pretty.

 

Milestones to Watch (But Not Obsess Over)

By 18 Months:

• Walks confidently

• Climbs stairs with help

• Pushes and pulls toys while walking

 

By 2 Years:

• Runs without falling every time

• Kicks a ball

• Climbs furniture like a tiny parkour expert

 

By 3 Years:

• Jumps with both feet

• Pedals a tricycle

• Walks up stairs with alternating feet

 

If your toddler is skipping, flailing, or wobbling — that’s fine. These years are for experimentation and progress, not perfection.

 

Why Movement Matters Beyond Muscles

Physical activity fuels more than just physical development. It’s tied to:

• Brain growth — every hop and crawl helps with coordination and spatial awareness

• Speech & language — moving the body helps connect to expressive language

• Emotional regulation — active toddlers tend to express themselves better and release frustration

• Social development — playing with others teaches sharing, turn-taking, and not smacking people with blocks (eventually)

 

Basically: movement = smarter, happier toddler.

 

Play Ideas for Maximum Wiggle Energy

You don’t need fancy toys or a padded gym. Toddlers just need space and permission to move.

 

Indoors:

• Obstacle course with cushions

• Dance party with scarves and music

• Laundry basket rides (yes, this is legit toddler cardio)

• Balloon volleyball

• “Animal walks” (crawl like a bear, hop like a frog)

 

Outdoors:

• Playground climbing

• Water play (bucket + scoop = 45 minutes of magic)

• Sand digging, chasing bubbles, scooter rides

• Nature walks with rock-collecting or bug spotting

 

Let them fall. Let them get dirty. That’s how they learn where their body ends and the world begins.

 

What About Screens & Sitting?

Toddlers under 2? Screen time should be limited to none (except video calls). Ages 2–3? Max 1 hour a day of high-quality content, co-watched.

More importantly — too much sitting (in strollers, high chairs, or in front of screens) slows physical development.

 

Aim to break up sedentary time every hour. Even a 5-minute wiggle break counts.

 

When to Seek Help

Reach out to your doctor or child development clinic if:

• Your toddler isn’t walking by 18 months

• Still falls excessively at 2 years

• Avoids physical play or tires easily

• Seems unusually clumsy or stiff

• Stops meeting previously achieved milestones

 

Malaysia has fantastic early intervention services — it’s never too early to ask for support.

 

Final Word

Toddlers aren’t meant to sit still. They’re meant to climb, leap, squat, spin, and dance naked in the living room when you least expect it. All that movement? It’s how they make sense of the world — and themselves.

So make room. Encourage the chaos. Join the dance party. And keep an ice pack handy — just in case.

Daily Hygiene Basics: Keep It Simple, Keep It Repetitive

Toddlers learn through imitation, so yes — they’re watching how you brush, wipe, wash, and sniff-check your armpits.

 

Must-Have Habits:

• Handwashing: Before meals, after toilet, after outdoor play. Make it fun: bubbles, songs, and silly soap shapes help.

• Teeth brushing: Twice a day with a soft toddler toothbrush. Pea-sized fluoride toothpaste from 2+ years (or earlier if advised by dentist).

• Face & body cleaning: Wipe faces gently after meals, wipe bums properly, and teach them to clean themselves slowly over time.

• Nail trimming: Weekly. Distract with cartoons or snacks unless you want a WWE-style fight.

• Bath time: 2–4 times a week is enough — more often if they’re sticky (which… they usually are).

 

Make hygiene a routine, not a battle. Toddlers love rituals — even if they hate soap.

​

Introducing the Toilet- Timing Is Everything

Toilet learning (yes, we say “learning” — not “training” like they’re puppies) usually begins between 18 months and 3 years, but the right time is different for every child.

 

Signs They Might Be Ready:

• Staying dry for 1–2 hours at a time

• Telling you they’ve peed or pooped

• Showing interest in the toilet or wanting to copy you

• Hiding to poop (the classic pre-potty sneak-off)

• Can pull pants up/down and follow simple instructions

 

If your toddler’s not ready? Don’t force it. It’ll only make it harder later.

 

Toilet Learning Tips for Real-Life Parents

Set the Stage:

• Get a toddler potty or toilet seat adapter with a footrest

• Let them sit on it regularly without pressure — start before bath, after meals

• Use books, songs, or toilet time chats (no rush, no shame)

 

Make It Routine:

• Bring them to the potty at predictable times: after meals, before bath, after naps

• Use simple language: “Pee goes in the potty!” (yes, even if they scream “NO!” back)

 

Celebrate, Don’t Bribe:

• Praise effort, not just success: “You sat on the potty — yay you!”

• Avoid food rewards. Stickers, songs, clapping? Yes. Ice cream? Not unless you need it.

 

Accidents Will Happen. Get Over It.

Even when things are going great, toddlers regress — especially during illness, travel, or emotional changes.

​

What to Do:

• Stay calm. Clean it up. Move on.

• Avoid shaming language like “bad” or “naughty.”

• Use pull-ups or training pants as a step-down, but not forever.

 

Some kids will toilet train in a weekend. Some take months. Some will demand to pee in a bush instead of your expensive new toilet. It’s all part of the ride.

 

When to Ask for Help

It’s time to check in with your doctor if:

• Your toddler is over 3.5 and not showing any signs of readiness

• They withhold pee/poop for long periods or seem afraid

• There’s frequent constipation, pain, or accidents after several months of trying

 

Also: constipation can look like picky eating, tantrums, or sleep issues. If your toddler avoids pooping for days, or cries during bowel movements — flag it early.

 

Final Word

Teaching hygiene and toilet skills isn’t just about cleanliness. It’s about confidence, control, and laying the foundation for lifelong self-care. So cheer for the tiniest wins, let go of the messiest moments, and know that eventually, the day will come when they flush without being asked.

Probably not today. But it’s coming.

What Emotional Development Looks Like in Toddlers

Toddlers are walking, talking (kind of), emotionally unstable mood boards. And it’s all normal.

 

Key Milestones:

• Expresses basic emotions: joy, anger, fear, sadness

• Shows affection (hugs, kisses, clingy moments)

• Throws epic tantrums when overwhelmed

• Shows defiance (“Me do it!”), independence, and testing of boundaries

• Begins pretend play (imagination = emotion in action)

 

It’s not always pretty, but it’s all signs of a developing brain learning how to be in the world.

 

Emotional Regulation- Still Loading…

Your toddler’s brain is under construction — especially the part that regulates feelings. That’s why their reactions are often loud, messy, and totally disproportionate.

 

What Helps:

• Name their feelings: “You’re mad because I said no. That’s okay to feel mad.”

• Model calmness: Your calm is contagious. Your meltdown? Also contagious.

• Create routine: Predictable days make toddlers feel safe and reduce outbursts.

• Teach basic coping skills: Deep breaths, counting fingers, squeezing a soft toy

 

They’re not manipulating you. They’re overwhelmed and need help finding the off switch — which is usually... you.

 

Supporting Toddler Mental Health Day by Day

Build Connection:

• Spend one-on-one time daily (even 10 minutes makes a difference)

• Make eye contact, get down to their level, and actually listen

• Let them lead during play — it gives them emotional agency

 

Validate, Don’t Dismiss:

• “It’s just a toy” is factually true, but emotionally invalidating

• Try: “You really wanted that toy. That’s hard.”

 

Set Boundaries with Love:

• Boundaries are comfort, not punishment

• “I won’t let you hit. I’ll help you calm down.”

 

Firm limits + emotional support = safe space to grow

 

Common Emotional Struggles (Totally Normal, Promise)

• Separation anxiety: Peaks around 18 months. Comes and goes.

• Fear of strangers, animals, loud noises: All part of emotional development

• Tantrums over transition times: Toddlers hate being rushed

• Mood swings: They’re processing a lot with very little vocabulary

 

What looks like misbehaviour is often frustration, overstimulation, or exhaustion. If they’re melting down, ask: are they tired, hungry, overstimulated, or bored? (Also works for adults.)

 

When to Worry (And When Not To)

Most toddler quirks are just that — quirks. But check in with a paediatrician or child psychologist if:

• No interest in interacting with others (even familiar adults)

• Doesn’t respond to name or avoids eye contact entirely

• Doesn’t engage in pretend play by age 3

• Frequent, intense meltdowns that feel unmanageable and don’t ease over time

• Regression in skills (e.g., stops talking, avoids interaction after previously engaging)

 

Also check in if you feel overwhelmed, lost, or unsure how to connect. Parental mental health and toddler mental health go hand-in-hand.

 

Mental Wellness Through Play

Play is a toddler’s emotional language.

• Pretend play helps them process emotions and try out new roles (like bossy dinosaur or sleepy cat)

• Sensory play (water, sand, playdough) helps regulate their nervous system

• Rough-and-tumble play teaches limits and body awareness

• Books about feelings are gold — start with simple titles like The Color Monster or When I’m Feeling Angry

 

You don’t have to explain neuroscience. You just have to play.

 

Final Word

Your toddler doesn’t need you to fix their feelings. They need you to hold space for them — even when they’re covered in tears and biscuit crumbs, screaming because you peeled their banana “wrong.”

​

This stage is wild, but it’s shaping a future adult who feels safe in their emotions. So breathe through it, cry in the bathroom when you need to, and remind yourself: you’re the anchor in their emotional storm.

​

And some days, that’s more than enough.