Your 17-month-old: Week 3

You're probably spending a lot of time trying to figure out what your toddler says, but does she understand everything you say? Speak in clear, simple sentences to make sure you're getting your point across.
Hearing and language development are inextricably linked, which is why you may want to have your child's hearing tested if you find that she's not talking as much or as well as her peers or can't follow simple instructions from you.
小馨到了17個月的說話速度還是很慢，外公說是不是「大雞晚啼」，也有人說很早會走路的小孩說話比較晚。不過最近發現小馨會學我們說話，特別是「巧虎」等她喜歡的物品，學著我們的語調與口音發出「巧虎」的音，這已經讓我們很高興了。

Your toddler now

Security blankets and other loveys
If your child is attached to a particular blanket or stuffed animal, just wait. Security-object obsession typically escalates during the second year – and for good reason: "Loveys" are parent substitutes. Your child is physically and mentally capable of more and more, and every day is jammed with new experiences, sights, sounds, and words. Cuddling up to a love object, especially when your child is stressed, sick, or tired, provides just the security boost he needs to stay on an even keel.

Respect the lovey! It can help bedtime go more smoothly and is actually a sign of maturity, not of being babyish. Ideally you'll have two identical ones – one to keep at home and one to take with you to daycare (if it's allowed), to the doctor's office, on excursions and car trips, and so on.
小馨是沒有特別的玩偶或毯子類的隨身品，即使前一陣子買了巧虎玩偶，以為她會特別喜歡而隨身攜帶，不過後來並沒有如我想像的這樣發展，她可以很愛巧虎，抱起來親親，但並不會帶著睡覺。
如果小馨能有一樣鍾愛的物品也好，至少以後帶外面過夜或「歡」的時候可以安撫她。

The chosen object may start to look a little ratty, but don't go overboard trying to keep it pristine and germ-free. Often the distinctive odor and look of a lovey is what makes it special to your child. If you do manage to have two loveys, you can rotate them regularly so that both are equally familiar. This will be a lifesaver if one ever gets lost.