An amazing and delightful stage in development, babies make enormous social, cognitive and physical leaps.

This stage is an important bonding time when parents can help build the foundation for healthy self-esteem and a sense of confidence. Babies are often busy exploring the world around them, so try to provide a range of experiences to expose little ones to a greater variety of stimuli. Get a peek into your child's unique characteristics, abilities and inclinations by simply observing.

You'll see enormous social, cognitive and physical changes unfold in your baby. Babies explore the world through their senses, and they reward your attention with deliberate sounds and gestures that demonstrate their budding understanding of language.

Highlights of this stage include language development and building a sense of independence. Parents often witness a language explosion with their toddler understanding and using an increasing number of words and phrases. At the same time, toddlers are learning how to play alone and alongside their peers, so there are plenty of opportunities for them to learn about regulating emotions and delaying gratification.

The nursery years, whether at home or in a formal nursery setting, are often marked by surges in creativity and self-expression. You'll probably notice a substantial uptick in artwork and sing-alongs that your child wants to share with you. Enjoy the opportunities to share in these experiences with your little one.

Nursery children are curious. They love to ask questions and to share what they know. They also experience a tremendous surge in independence and creative expression. Drawing, dress-up and dramatic play all provide fantastic opportunities for little ones to explore their sense of self.

Reception kids are learning 4-6 new words per day, and they are working on social and cognitive skills and behaviors they'll need for school.

Getting your child ready for the first year is about more than just practicing letters and numbers. School is a brave step toward a new environment away from home. As your child's first teacher, you can help build readiness skills such as cooperating with others, taking turns, comparing quantities and identifying text around the house and in the world.

In the 1st year, children may feel like they've reached the "big time" with the transition from reception.

They learn to manipulate numbers, crack the code to read words with greater independence and explore the world around them through scientific investigation.

In Year 2, children become more independent.

They build a sense of confidence as they take on new roles and responsibilities. They also start to interact with peers in more mature ways and learn to monitor their emotions.