Toddlers are generally defined as children between the ages of 1 and 3 years old. This stage begins around the child's first birthday, when they typically start walking with unsteady steps-hence the term "toddler," which comes from "to toddle," meaning to walk unsteadily
. During this period, toddlers experience rapid development in mobility, language, emotional expression, and independence. By age 3, many children transition into the preschooler phase, although some still consider 3-year- olds as toddlers
. In summary:
- Toddler age range: approximately 1 to 3 years old
- Begins: around the first birthday
- Ends: around 3 years old, transitioning to preschooler stage
This is the widely accepted age range for toddlers across medical and parenting sources