What age range defines a toddler?

• A. A child from 18 months through 35 months old.
• B. A child from 5 to 7 years old
• C. A newborn infant
• D. A teenager

Answer: (A)

Toddlerhood is the stage in early childhood when children transition from infancy to becoming preschoolers, marked by rapid gains in walking, talking, and self-care skills. The range of 18 to 35 months fits this period well, capturing the time when many children are walking well, beginning to run or climb more confidently, and starting to form two-word phrases or short sentences, along with showing growing independence. This window also helps distinguish toddlers from infants (younger than 18 months) and from preschool-age children (around 3 to 5 years old). So, the 18–35-month range best matches how professionals define the toddler stage. A newborn is far younger, a 5- to 7-year-old is in early to middle childhood, and a teenager is in adolescence, none of which align with toddler development.