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

Sleep regressions, toddler tantrums, adolescent mood swings — yes, parenting has its challenges. —Malaka Gharib, NPR, 14 Feb. 2025

About 18 hours later, the toddler was found by farm workers still strapped in the car and covered in blood and bug bites. —Nicole Acosta, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025

Key Takeaway Sleeping through the night may be challenging for some babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. —Heather Gowen Walsh, Parents, 13 Feb. 2025

Seeing generations of families—toddlers to senior citizens—enjoying the music together was a beautiful testament to the cruise’s spirit. —Melissa Noel, Essence, 13 Feb. 2025

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