10 Signs That a Baby Has Become a Toddler.

Bear is almost 13 months and is definitely a toddler. How can I be so sure? How can you tell if your baby is now a toddler?

What are the signs that the cute little baby has turned into a terrifying toddler?

1. Toddling

Pretty obvious really, Bear can toddle so he must be a toddler. He is so cute when he walks, arms out like Frankenstein's monster. He can step over small obstructions and step around larger ones.

But that's not a toddler, that's a baby walking. A toddler grabs your hands and pulls you in the opposite direction that you want to go.

"Lets walk to the swings" oh no, not toddler. He thinks "lets walk over there into the wet grass" or  "I want to walk down that really steep slope into the puddle at the bottom" or "I must pick up and eat that delicious thing on the floor".

2. Nappies

Oh my! What happened to the baby poo that was hated so much? Now we have toddler poo. It made Grandad retch and our eyes water.

3. Shouting

I remember the days when we all clapped and laughed at his first gurgle, at his little babbles. His first word. Well now he chats away in his own little language that vaguely resemble words and it's so cute;

Blueberry      "b..b"
Flower          "lowr"
Ball              "bol"
Book            "bkk"

Then he goes into toddler speak;

"Please may I have that?" becomes "AAHHH!!!AAHHH!!!AAHHH!!!" with a finger pointing at the object of desire.

4. Fearlessness

A baby is unaware of dangers but a toddler is fearless. Bear knows how to climb down from the sofa safely but has discovered the fun of launching himself from a lying position, off the sofa, face first to the floor. Only an outstretched hand and a perfect catch by Grandad saved the day - and Bears head.

He can also dive into his tent. A quick run up, arms outstretched in front, propelled forward with both feet off the floor. Just like a swimmer into a pool.

5.  Exploring

Baby proofing the house was not too difficult. A few pillows propped against hard corners, a gate across the door, a tent to hide the music system and all it's lovely buttons, a fireguard not to save from fire but to stop him bashing it with toys and banging his head on the marble hearth.

He can rock his tent until it topples, he can reach so much further. The oven, the hob, the coffee table, the door knobs (only a matter of time and he will be able to turn them). Nothing is safe. Soon he will discover climbing aids.

Toddler proofing! I think I'll just get a padded cell.

6. Defiance

Bear knows what "no" means. He will continue to do whatever whilst looking you straight in the eye. He can shake his head to mean "no" but he prefers to arch his back, straighten his legs, scream and wave his arms. A simple no would do.

Bear knows not to suck the pen, he sucks it then shakes his head. So that's OK then.

7. The Drop

Bear has perfected the throw. He can throw a ball or a toy or food, preferably sloppy food, across the room but only a toddler can do the drop.

Looking you straight in the eyes he holds something over the edge of the highchair and waits. It is always in the hand furthest from where you are sitting and he waits. As soon as he has your attention and you move towards him he just drops it to the floor, then looks over the edge and say's with regret "aww".

8. Helping

Helping to sweep the floor or do the washing or dust the furniture. Toddler Bear wants to help but he's rubbish at it. The broom is too big and he hits me and everything with the handle. The duster is boring so he eats it. The washing must never be in the basket or the machine it must be on the floor unless it is on the floor then it must be put into the machine. When the machine is on he must press all the buttons and then lean with his little face watching the drum go around and around.

9. Role Play

He copies everything from sounds to actions.

He can make the noise of a monkey with actions "ooh ooh aah aah ooh ooh!"
He can jump like a kangeroo
He can huff and puff like Grandad
He likes to feed his baby doll or the washing basket.

10. Laughter

If you laugh, he laughs too.

Real laughter, not just giggles when tickled but proper laughter. Laughing with and at things. The sort that you end up joining in so everyone is laughing and no-one can remember why. Tears roll down your face and you have to take a breath.

I miss the baby but I'm loving the toddler.

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