16 month old: Why musical play is important

Music time, fussy eater and fine motor skills

Music time

Around the age of 14-18 months your toddler may naturally clap, wiggle and sings-along when she hears music. According to experts, this behaviour demonstrates your child has the ability to feel joy. Listening to music and dancing is a great activity to try with your 16 month old.

Dancing will help her learn that it's good to relax and will build her self-esteem as she is increasingly able to move her body in time to the music. It also indicates that she is physically confident and has good motor skills.

Mealtime

Your 16-month-old should be feeding herself a range of finger foods. It's a good idea to provide a spoon and fork for them to play with but until they have the wrist strength and coordination, don't expect too much control.

If she's hit the fussy stage with food don't fret, a few small swaps to her weekly menu is all it will take to give her a healthy range of foods.

If your toddler will only eat a handful of foods right now, try these:

• Apples
• Weet-bix
• Wholegrain bread
• Carrots (serve steamed or pureed)
• Eggs
• Sweet potato
• Oats
• Salmon

Fine motor skills

Fast-improving fine and gross motor skills – from negotiating stairs to grasping a texta – will help your 16-month-old physically take on their ever-expanding world.

Allow your toddler to experiment with painting and drawing. Developing hands often find it easier to draw upright, so look into getting an easel. And messy play is good – go to a class or take it outside if you want to spare your living room floor.