toddler

noun

tod·​dler ˈtä-dᵊl-ər 

ˈtäd-lər

plural toddlers

: a person who toddles

especially : a young child usually between one and three years old

It's no secret that kids need plenty of sleep. For a preschooler (3 to 5 years old), that's as much as 11 to 13 hours, including naps; for a toddler (1 to 3), 12 to 14 hours; for a baby under 1, 14 to 15 hours.

—Stacey Colino

toddlerhood

ˈtä-dᵊl-ər-ˌhu̇d 

ˈtäd-lər-

noun

Examples of toddler in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

California has introduced universal pre-kindergarten, and New York City is expanding its pre-kindergarten program to 2-year-olds, giving toddlers an early start on learning. —ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026

Already, Gap and Old Navy offer lines of Winnie the Pooh clothing for infants, toddlers, kids and adults. —Mike Snider, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026

Give your baby tummy time throughout the day, let your toddler walk instead of riding in their stroller, and create opportunities for your older child to get plenty of exercise. —Barrie Gillies, Parents, 9 Mar. 2026

Stock Up on Sensory Activities for Little Ones For stay at home moms with babies and toddlers, keeping tiny hands and curious minds occupied requires a slightly different approach. —Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

toddler

noun

tod·​dler ˈtäd-lər 

-ᵊl-ər

: a young child

toddlerhood

-ˌhu̇d 

noun