Toddler’s First Steps provides trusted information on how to nurture the healthy development of your child from 6 to 36 months.
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Read Toddler’s First Steps
As your child grows, they will learn and change at an amazing speed. This resource provides guidance on how to support your child as they go through the many stages of toddlerhood and encounter new experiences such as the arrival of a new baby or entering child care. You will also find information on where to find additional resources to support you and your family.
The 2024 edition of Toddler’s First Steps is now available and includes additional information. The previous translated 2021 editions are still available.
Toddler development
Learn about all areas of your child’s development and the incredible role you can play in helping them thrive.
- Learning About Your Toddler English | Chinese | French |
- Brain Development English | Chinese | French |
- The 5 Areas of Child Development English | Chinese | French |
- Typical Child Development by Age English | Chinese | French |
- Sexual Development English | Chinese | French |
- Gender Identity English | Chinese | French |
- Independence English | Chinese | French |
- Empathy English | Chinese | French |
- Play English | Chinese | French |
- Toys English | Chinese | French |
- Screen Time English | Chinese | French |
- Reading to Your Toddler English | Chinese | French |
- If You Have Concerns About Your Toddler’s Development English | Chinese | French |
Feeding your toddler
Learn how to help your toddler have a healthy relationship with food and eating. Find information on topics like breastfeeding and chestfeeding, formula feeding and supplementing, introducing solid foods, allergies and food safety.
- Eating Well English | Chinese | French
- Breastfeeding or Chestfeeding Your Toddler English | Chinese | French
- Healthy Eating During Breastfeeding or Chestfeeding English | Chinese | French
- When Your Toddler Stops Breastfeeding or Chestfeeding English | Chinese | French
- Supplementing for 6-to 9-Month-Olds English | Chinese | French
- Formula Feeding for 6-to 9-Month-Olds English | Chinese | French
- Cleaning and Disinfecting Cleaning Equipment English | Chinese | French
- Introducing Solid Foods English | Chinese | French
- Drinking From a Cup English | Chinese | French
- Feeding by Age English | Chinese | French
- Healthy Meal and Snack Ideas English | Chinese | French
- Safe, Healthy Foods and Drinks English | Chinese | French
- Vitamin and Mineral Supplements English | Chinese | French
- Reducing Choking Hazards English | Chinese | French
- Good Mealtime Habits English | Chinese | French
- Picky Eating English | Chinese | French
- Vegetarian and Vegan Toddlers English | Chinese | French
- Understanding Food Allergies English | Chinese | French
Your toddler’s growth, learning and health
Learn how to support your toddler with milestones like sleeping and using the toilet. Find information on supporting teeth, eye and ears health and taking care of your toddler when they are sick.
- Your Toddler’s Growth English | Chinese | French
- Physical Activity English | Chinese | French
- Sleep and Your Toddler English | Chinese | French
- Learning to Use the Toilet English | Chinese | French
- Looking After Your Toddler’s Teeth English | Chinese | French
- Looking After Your Toddler’s Vision English | Chinese | French
- Looking After Your Toddler’s Hearing English | Chinese | French
- Preventing Sickness English | Chinese | French
- When Your Toddler is Sick English | Chinese | French
Parenting your toddler
Learn about parenting and positive discipline, responding to challenging behaviour, and helping your toddler through change. Find information on how to grow as a parent and how to take care of yourself.
- Growing as a Parent English | Chinese | French
- Why Does Your Toddler “Act Out” English | Chinese | French
- Positive Discipline English | Chinese | French
- Dealing With Common Challenging Behaviours English | Chinese | French
- Staying Calm English | Chinese | French
- Helping Your Toddler Through Change English | Chinese | French
- Parenting Issues English | Chinese | French
- Balancing Work and Child Care English | Chinese | French
Toddler safety
During their toddler years, your child will begin to crawl, walk, run and jump. They will use these new skills to explore, climb, touch and taste just about anything. Learn how to make their environment safer as they grow.
- Key Safety Messages English | Chinese | French
- Childproofing Your Home English | Chinese | French
- Car Safety English | Chinese | French
- Equipment Safety English | Chinese | French
- Playing Safely Outside English | Chinese | French
- Water Safety English | Chinese | French
- Safety in the Community English | Chinese | French
- Safety With Animals English | Chinese | French
- Family Violence/Abuse English | Chinese | French
Canada’s Food Guide
See healthy eating recommendations for the whole family. English | Chinese | French
Resources
Find key resources for parents. English | Chinese | French
Print copies
Toddler's First Steps may be available in print in English through your healthcare provider, local public health unit or at your local library.
Useful resources
This handbook offers general information about pregnancy and parenting, with a focus on ensuring the health and wellbeing of you and your baby.
Helps you plan and keep track of all the routine health services available in B.C. that can help promote your child’s healthy development. Find information on child safety and other helpful parenting resources.
This safer sleep resource can help you provide a safe sleep environment to reduce the risk of sleep related death in your child’s infancy.
