Toddler

One to three in Singapore: walking, talking, tantrums, potty training, and the first childcare decisions.

One to three is the loud stretch. Walking, talking, tantrums, potty training, and a child who has opinions but not yet the words for them. Most of it is developmentally normal, including the parts that are least convenient.

In Singapore this is also when the admin starts: childcare places, subsidies and childcare leave. Those are grouped together below so you can deal with them in one sitting rather than discovering them one at a time.

The rest is sorted by what is actually happening at your house this week.

A toddler walking confidently across a shaded Singapore playground as a parent crouches nearby1–3 years

Sleep and potty training

The two that dominate this stage, and both take longer than the internet suggests.

Behaviour, and what is normal at this age

Big feelings in a small person with a limited vocabulary.

Childcare, leave and working

Places, costs, and what you are entitled to as a working parent in Singapore.

Eating

Feeding a toddler who has discovered the word no.

Gear that changes at this age

Beds, shoes, seats and nappies all get replaced around now.

Days out in Singapore

Places that genuinely work with a toddler in tow.

Screens, books and play

What to allow, and what is actually worth their attention.

Practicalities nobody warns you about

Haircuts, pets, and recovering from a C-section with a toddler around.

Growing pains

Potty pressure, playground drama and feelings bigger than the child. Honest essays for the hard days.

Tried and tested

All reviews

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