Being a toddler can be tough – the world is much more complicated than you can seem to understand and you have a lot of big emotions about it all. The toddler stage lasts for roughly 2 or 3 years, and in that time period your little one begins to experience A LOT of firsts. 

During that baby stage, you could talk through some of these big, scary milestones with your infant but there wasn’t much conversation about it. Now, your toddler understands a lot more and can discuss (to a degree) how they feel about certain milestones. Even if your toddler isn’t having conversations with you, they might protest going to the doctor because they don’t want a shot, or they might start acting out when a new baby enters the picture – these behaviors are their way of communicating. Listen to what your toddler has to say. 

During this toddler stage, your little one might not always listen to the words coming out of your mouth, but they do appreciate being prepared for any new experience or milestone. Books are the perfect partner for you, as you navigate some of these firsts with your little one!

Going to the Doctor

• Corduroy Goes to the Doctor By, Don Freeman
• Going To The Doctor: A Toddler Prep Book by, ReadySetPrep
• Leo Gets A Checkup by, Anna McQuinn
• Checkup With Doctor Giraffe by, Little Hippo Books

Going to the Dentist

• Daniel Goes to the Dentist by, Alexandra Cassel Schwartz
• Just Going to the Dentist by, Mercer Mayer
• We’re Going to the Dentist by, Marion Cocklico
• Going to the Dentist: A Toddler Prep Book by, ReadySetPrep

Potty Training

• P is for Potty! (Sesame Street) by, Naomi Kleinberg
• Dino Potty: Learn to Potty with Dino by, Rainstorm Publishing
• Big Girls Use the Potty! by, DK or Big Boys Use the Potty! by, DK
• Everybody Potties: Songs to Help You Go by, Minnie Birdsong

Welcoming a New Baby

• I Am a Big Sister! by, Caroline Jayne Church or I Am a Big Brother! by, Caroline Jayne Church
• The New Baby by, Mercer Mayer
• My New Baby by, Rachel Fuller
• You’re Getting a Baby Sister or You’re Getting a Baby Brother by, Sheila Sweeny Higginson
• The Baby is Here! (Daniel Tiger Neighborhood) by, Angela C. Santomero

Transitioning Out of the Crib

• Big Enough for Bed (Sesame Street) by, Apple Jordan
• A Big Kid Bed is Coming! by, Liz Fletcher
• Big Bed for Giraffe by, Michael Dahl
• I Sleep in a Big Bed: Milestone Books for Kids by, Maria van Leishout

Starting Daycare or School

• Bye – Bye Time (Toddler Tools) by, Elizabeth Verdick
• Daniel Goes to School (Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood) by, Becky Friedman
• Time for School Little Blue Truck by, Alice Schertle
• Off to School (Sesame Street) by, Sesame Workshop

Getting a Haircut

• Haircut for Lion by, Michael Dahl
• Going to Get a Haircut (A Toddler Prep Book) by, ReadySetPrep
• The Haircut by, Theo Heras
• Dougie’s First Haircut by, Dr. Tae’lor Jones Glasgow
• Daniel Gets His Haircut (Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood) by, Jill-Cozza Turner

Separation Anxiety

• Llama Llama Misses Mama by, Anna Dewdney
• Mommy Always Comes Back to You by, Christine Yeung
• See You Soon by, Ms. Dilraz Kunnummal
• Bye Bye! (Terrific Toddlers) by, Carol Zeavin

Moving to a New House

• I’m Moving! New House, Same Underwear by, Brenda Li
• Moving to the Neighborhood (Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood) by, Alexandra Cassel
• The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day by, Stan Berenstain
• Big Ernie’s New Home by, Teresa Martin

Going on an Airplane

• We’re Going on an Airplane! by, Mavis Camellia
• My First Airplane Ride by, Patricia Hubbell
• Zoey’s First Plane Ride by, Kaela Harmon
• Maisy Goes on an Airplane By, Lucy Cousins

The unexpected or unknown might cause anxiety and nerves for all of us, and your children are no different. No matter the big life change, or first milestone you and your little one are about to face together, it is important to take the time to prepare and talk about what to expect.

It might also be helpful to bring a book with you, when you are ultimately face to face with this new experience. We all know how important literacy is during these early childhood years, and there are so many books out there addressing a range of topics – use these to your advantage! Happy Reading!