You'll be kept busy during these years trying to keep up with your toddler as she walks and then begins to climb stairs. By about two, she'll also be able to kick and throw a ball and by three or four she'll gain the balance to ride a tricycle and run with confidence.
These are also the years in which speech develops. You'll find your toddler becomes a chatterbox, using six to 20 words by around 18 months and putting two words together such as "baby go" and "me drink" by two years.
From two to three years of age your child's curiosity will be shown by an endless barrage of questions to keep you on your toes. And as school days approach, you'll be able to enjoy simple conversations as she begins to talk in sentences, and sing rhymes.
Mealtimes will be messy as your toddler tries her skill at using a spoon and has a go at drinking from a cup between 15 and 18 months. By three to four, there will be less to clear up as she manages a cup well and uses a spoon, fork and possibly even a knife.
You'll be able to toilet train your toddler sometime between her second and third birthdays. By the age of three, most children are dry in the day although the majority still need nappies at night.
Getting dressed may take some time for you and your toddler as she'll be determined to do it himself.
Undressing will come first, though. You'll notice socks and shoes get pulled off followed by a 'game' as your toddler resists having them put back on. By three or four, she'll be able to undress once fastenings are undone and may put on simple pieces of clothing such as a T-shirt and shorts.
As the second year draws on your child will get interested in making her mark. Scribbling with a chunky pen or crayon will make that first exciting picture. By two to three you'll find circles and lines appearing in the drawings, and by the time she gets to preschool you may see these shapes being put together to form stick figures.
Playing alone or with you will give way to wanting to play alongside other children, and then in pairs and groups as your child gets to preschool age. The skills of sharing and taking turns will come along after three - squabbles over toys may then calm down.
You'll also notice your child's sleep patterns changing. At 18 months she'll need about 13.5 hours sleep on average every 24 hours, including one nap a day. By four, the need for sleep will have fallen to 11.5 hours during the night with no naps.