Baby & Toddler Behavior Guide

Content reviewed against published AAP, CDC guidelines

Editorial policy

Last reviewed:

Key takeaways

  • Most challenging behaviors are developmentally normal — they are not a sign of bad parenting
  • Behavior is communication — children act out when they lack the skills to express needs
  • Consistency across caregivers is the single most important factor in behavior management
  • Punishment teaches what NOT to do; positive discipline teaches what TO do instead

Behavior Topics

Behavior by Age

What's normal at each stage

Tantrums & Meltdowns

Understanding, preventing, and responding

Discipline Approaches

Evidence-based discipline strategies

Aggression

Hitting, biting, throwing — what to do

Social Skills

Sharing, playing, making friends

Emotional Development

Feelings, regulation, and big emotions

Screen Time

Guidelines, effects, and management

Siblings

Rivalry, regression, and adjustment

Our commitment to accuracy

Every page is reviewed against published guidelines from authoritative medical organizations including the CDC, WHO, AAP, ACOG, ASHA, and NIH.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources

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