2-year-old health & growth guide

In a word, your 2-year-old is *blossoming*. It might feel bittersweet to celebrate their 2nd birthday (already!), when they were just a tiny infant not so many moons ago. But now, your curious, confident toddler is coming into their own. From adding even more words to their vocabulary to engaging in more imaginative play and, of course, taking steps to test the limits of their independence, it’s a joy and a privilege to bear witness to their daily evolution. What a wild ride. Here’s what else you need to know about your 2-year-old’s health and growth this month.   

Related: 2-year-old milestones

2-year-old nutrition

Exciting news: You can probably count on your 2-year-old to be able to feed themselves now, which means family mealtimes get even more fun. Your tot gets to feel like part of the crew, sitting at the table, chatting with the grownups. Cute! Keep encouraging that self-sufficiency by providing them with their own spoon, small fork, sippy cup and napkin for meals. 

Your kiddo should generally be eating 3 meals per day with 2 or more snacks in between. As a guideline, for kids between the ages of 1 and 3, a serving size should be approximately one-quarter of an adult’s, AAP notes. 

The AAP recommends the following feeding amounts for 2-year-olds:

• 1 ounce of meat, or 2 to 3 tablespoons of beans
• 1 to 2 tablespoons of vegetables
• 1 to 2 tablespoons of fruit
• 1/4 slice of bread

While solid food should be the primary source of your child’s nutrients and calories during this stage, if you choose to continue breastfeeding until beyond age 2, we have some helpful tips to support extended breastfeeding so that it remains a positive experience for both you and your little one. If that’s not in the cards for you? Cow’s milk can be a beneficial option as it provides valuable protein, vitamins, and minerals.

How to reach your extended breastfeeding goals

• Recognize your toddler has different needs: Feeding just 1 to 3 times per day may be all they need
• Keep up with one evening or nighttime feeding: Lactation hormones surge in the nighttime hours
• Communicate your needs and reach out for help: Ask for help coordinating pumping breaks and distraction-free time with your toddler
• Ignore the stigma: The health benefits for both you and your child are proven; and you don’t need anyone else’s approval to keep breastfeeding 

Dealing with picky eating and food strikes

Though it might look different for each kid, picky eating is a very common challenge at this stage. That’s because the primary reason usually stems from the same place (unless it’s related to a feeding issue)—a need for independence. Your tot may start flat-out refusing foods they once liked, or only eat the same foods again and again—both of which can be frustrating for a parent. 

But begging your child to “just try one bite” may be doing more harm than good. Instead, practice taking the pressure off. Recent research shows that letting your kid play with their food—with zero intention to actually eat it—can help them safely explore new tastes and textures in an anxiety-free environment. Kids learn through play, and bringing that concept to mealtime can be a game-changer for many kids, but especially for kids with sensory challenges or certain food or texture aversions. 

Fill your child’s plate with a few foods they recognize and already enjoy, plus the addition of just one or two new foods to explore. Then, encourage them to get their hands dirty: Can they stack it, roll it, squish it? Letting kids touch and handle what’s on their plate with no expectation to actually taste it can depressurize the situation for all involved. And if they do end up tasting some? An added bonus! 

Related: Actually, please *do* let your kids play with their food

Little Spoon

Biteables

Now that they’re eating a wider array of foods and textures (and eyeing your plate at dinner!), mealtime planning can get a bit more stressful. That’s why we’re fans of the veggie-packed, balanced Biteables meals from Little Spoon. Not only do they take the guesswork out of what foods to introduce, they’re also crafted with toddler motor and oral development skills in mind. No need to painstakingly slice and dice or even figure out what’s for dinner!

SHOP LITTLE SPOON

2-year-old weight

For babies up to 2 years of age, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend using the World Health Organization (WHO) weight and length charts. 

The WHO growth charts for babies 0 to 2 years are based on what is standard for a predominantly breastfed infant. According to the organization, the WHO charts reflect growth patterns among children who were predominantly breastfed for at least 4 months and were still breastfeeding at 12 months. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends continuing to breastfeed for at least two years, as long as it benefits both mother and baby. 

How much does the average 2-year-old weigh?

You have a growing 2-year-old! You likely won’t have to change out their clothing sizes every three months, but you might want to consider sizing up the next time you shop so that your little weed has room to grow. 

According to the WHO and CDC:

• A 2-year-old boy in the 50th percentile weighs 26 pounds, 12 ounces (12.2 kilograms) 
• A 2-year-old girl in the 50th percentile weighs 25 pounds, 5 ounces (11.5 kilograms)

What factors contribute to a 2-year-old’s weight?

Your toddler’s weight may be related to several different factors, including how much they’re eating, their assigned sex and their activity levels. 

Assigned sex at birth: Boys tend to weigh slightly more than girls.

Daily food intake: The amount your child eats at each meal may factor into their weight. 

Activity levels: From climbing to running, physical activity helps build strong muscles and bones—which means your kiddo’s activity levels may factor into their overall weight.

2-year-old height

Some estimates suggest that by doubling your 2-year-old’s current height, you’ll get a glimpse of how tall they’ll be as an adult. It’s just a prediction, but a fun one. 

How tall is the average 2-year-old?

According to the WHO and CDC:

• A 2-year-old boy in the 50th percentile is 34 ½ inches tall (87.8 cm)
• A 2-year-old girl in the 50th percentile is 34 inches tall (86.4 cm)

What factors contribute to a 2-year-old’s height?

Your child’s genetics, nutrition, activity levels, sleep quantity and overall health all play a role in their height. But for a real clue at their future height, know that it may depend on how tall their parents are. Tall kids tend to have tall parents. 

Growth charts and percentiles 

Your child’s pediatrician has been plotting your little one’s weight, length and head circumference for two years now—which means you should have a good picture of their growth over time. It’s that overall growth curve that the doctor will examine, checking to make sure they’re on a steady trajectory. 

Just trust that all babies grow at different rates, and rest assured that your child is healthy whether they fall in the 5th or 95th percentile, AAP says. Percentiles just provide an example of how a baby’s growth may be compared to that of other babies who are the same age and sex, too. 

Once you get your child’s updated height and weight percentiles, here’s what those numbers signify: If your child’s weight is in the 45th percentile, that means that 55% of babies of the same age and sex weigh more, and 45% weigh less. The pediatrician will keep tracking their weight, height and head circumference for another year, but after age 3, they’ll just track height, weight and body mass index (BMI). 

When should I worry about my baby’s growth?

If your child’s pediatrician is concerned about your 2-year-old’s growth, they’ll surely let you know. But it’s key to recognize that growth metrics are just one factor in the overall picture of a child’s health. Their doctor will also look to see if they’re meeting or approaching their developmental milestones, what their feeding and sleeping habits are like and how their social skills are progressing. If you’re concerned about something, bring it up with the pediatrician at your next appointment. 

2-year-old baby sleep 

Though they might insist otherwise, your 2-year-old still needs one nap during the day and at least 10 hours of consecutive sleep at night, for a combined total of 11 to 14 hours, says the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. 

What sleep looks like at 2 years:

• Your child may be taking 1 nap per day
• Your child may no longer be waking at night
• Your child may be awake for 4 to 5 hours at a time

While there’s no specific age for when to transition your toddler to a toddler bed, AAP states that the best time to make the switch is once your child has attempted or learned how to climb out of their crib. That may be anytime between 18 months and 3 years. Though it can be bittersweet (for both of you) to say goodbye to their crib, it could become a safety issue: a fall while climbing out could be hazardous. 

To ease the transition to a big-kid bed, consider starting with just their crib mattress on the floor, try a Montessori floor bed or pick out a toddler bed that your little one is excited about. Getting your child acclimated to their new sleeping arrangement could take about a week. To set them up for success, try the following tips.

Tips to ease the transition to a toddler bed

• Act out the big switch before it happens with stuffed animals
• Start their bedtime routine a little earlier to leave time for extra snuggles
• Gently but firmly (and repeatedly) guide them back to bed when they inevitably start exploring their newfound freedom

Related: Time for a toddler bed? How to ease the transition

South Shore

Sweedi Toddler Solid Wood Bed

•

$233.99

With a simple Scandinavian inspired look, this natural poplar wood frame allows the mattress to lay directly on the floor. And, it’s the same footprint as a standard crib, so no new to buy a new mattress!

SHOP WAYFAIR

SHOP AMAZON

Harper Orchard

Solid Wood Platform Bed

•

$152

This affordable option from Wayfair can be purchased in toddler or twin size, and can be easily customized to go with your child’s bedroom decor. The house-style frame tends to be a hit with the toddler crowd; add a few string lights or pom poms to the frame to make it their own. Minimal assembly is required, and the mattress must be purchased separately.

SHOP WAYFAIR

Little Partners

MOD Toddler Bed

•

$179

With high guardrails and level head and footboards at the top and bottom, this modern design keeps little ones safe and secure all the way around. It’s not only stylish, but a great transition as well.

SHOP MAISONETTE

SHOP AMAZON

Dream On Me

Classic Design Toddler Bed

•

$99.99

This simple, budget-friendly option boasts nearly 8k five-star ratings with reviews that rave about everything from its sturdiness to the ease of assembly. It also comes in a dozen different colors and finishes to suit any style!

SHOP AMAZON

Diapering a 2-year-old

Though diapers are likely still in your future for some time to come, this age may be a good time to start thinking about potty training if you haven’t yet. There are a few key signs to know if your child is ready to start potty training. 

How to tell if your child is ready to start potty training

• They stay dry during daytime naps
• They can tell or announce when they’ve got a wet or dirty diaper
• They seem interested in using the toilet
• They can follow simple instructions

Some children may be ready now to start working on this new skill, but for others, it’ll be much later—closer to 3—and that’s all normal. You can start in a low-pressure way by setting out a toddler toilet in your bathroom, starting to talk about it and letting them get used to the idea of sitting on it. 

The Montessori approach to toilet learning also encourages starting to have your child stand up for diaper changes and having the child push down and pull up their pants by themselves. These small steps can make for an easier transition down the line, and fosters more independence. 

MAYFAIR

NextStep2 Toilet Seat with Built-In Potty Training Seat

•

$54.96

For families who’d rather not deal with the fuss of plopping an insert in and out each time, the NextStep2 Toilet Seat with Built-In Potty Training Seat provides the best of both worlds. The standard sized toilet seat has a toddler seat built right in which can be flipped up and down as needed. We also appreciate the magnet which holds the toddler portion up and the slow close feature to keep little fingers safe. (And bonus! No slamming!)

SHOP

BabyBjörn

Step Stool

•

$19.99

Whether to reach the toilet or to wash their hands after, a step stool is a bathroom necessity. The best ones are light enough for kiddos to move around on their own and most importantly, equipped with non-slip feet and footrests. Parents have loved this BabyBjörn classic for ages as it meets all that criteria and comes in a variety of muted colors.

SHOP BABY BJORN

SHOP AMAZON

Dreambaby

Step Stool

•

$9.99

Simple, lightweight and inexpensive, this one checks all the boxes. And at that price, you can pick up one for each bathroom without breaking the bank.

SHOP

Caring for a 2-year-old

Here’s what to know about vaccines, baths, safety and care for your growing toddler. 

Vaccines for 2-year-olds

The CDC has recommended that flu and Covid vaccines be an annual part of the routine childhood vaccinations offered to kids. Based on seasonality and when they had their last booster, your child may be due for their next dose. The flu and Covid vaccines help prevent severe illness or hospitalization in your child should they contract the viruses. If you have questions or concerns, be sure to speak with your child’s healthcare provider. 

Baths

How often should you bathe your 2-year-old? A few times a week is sufficient. Young children still have sensitive skin that can dry out with too much soap exposure, so aim to use a mild soap or opt for a plain, warm water bath if they’re not that filthy, and keep bathtime relatively short—just 10 minutes or so. 

Related: 14 bath safety tips for babies and kids of all ages

Supporting their independence

So much of the toddler phase comes down to a push-pull of a need for independence. One key to avoiding those battles? Giving them options. “Which pajamas do you want to wear tonight?” “Would you like yogurt or waffles for breakfast?” Letting your little one have more of a say in what they do, wear and eat can empower them to identify their own likes and dislikes—without too much of a struggle. 

Safety: Avoiding button batteries

It can happen in the span of mere minutes—one moment, your little one is playing with that fun new battery-operated toy, the next, the battery compartment is open and you can’t find that silver button battery anywhere. Cue the panic: When swallowed, button batteries or lithium coin batteries can cause severe chemical burns and tissue damage, even leading to death. But if a button battery is accidentally ingested, giving kids honey at regular intervals until they can receive emergency medical care may help reduce the risk of injury.

Spare button batteries or lithium coin batteries should be stored out of children’s reach, but because the batteries can be found in so many household objects, kids may inadvertently get into them. 

Early treatment is of the utmost importance, as burns can happen fast. AAP notes that corrosion can start to occur in as few as two hours after ingestion. But one study found that giving kids honey every 10 to 15 minutes can coat the battery and help it slide through the esophagus into the stomach while also neutralizing the pH to prevent a chemical burn.

Related: This toddler swallowed a button battery—her mom says ingesting honey helped save her life 

Toddler nightmares

Around age 2, your child may start having nightmares. It’s a bit unsettling to think about your little love battling those scary dreams on their own, but rest assured that night terrors or nightmares are another way your babe’s developing brain is processing emotions and information, and your kiddo will eventually grow out of them. Anecdotally, they may tend to happen more when your toddler is overtired (another reason to prioritize that nap schedule!). 

A note from Motherly on self-care while caring for a 2-year-old

To put it lightly, it can be a lot to balance a toddler’s rollercoaster emotions day in, day out, especially if you’re running on an empty tank. Make sure that you’re getting time to yourself to recharge—which is super important for being able to show up for your little one as their safe person. But if you’re struggling more than usual lately, reach out to your primary care provider, who may be able to recommend a therapist or other mental health support. There are people out there who want to help. 

A version of this story was originally published on May 27, 2023. It has been updated.