As a baby grows into a toddler, you will find it necessary to set certain limits on her explorations. These limits are not meant to restrict her opportunities for learning but to teach her even more about her ever-enlarging world. This larger world holds dangers from which you cannot protect her directly but which she must be taught to avoid. It is also a world full of other people, all of whom have rights as important as her own.
The first step toward teaching a toddler to control her own activities and to respect the rights and possessions of others is the use of a firm, but loving, "No, no!"
Toddlers should be taught that "NO, no!" means, "Stop what you are doing, now!"
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"No, no" provides a way of controlling her activity when she is out of your immediate reach. Her response will give you time to get to her when she is headed for trouble.
If "no, no!" is to be effective and useful, however, you must be selective in your use of it. Set reasonable limits on your toddler's activity. Restrict the use of "no, no!" Carry through to see that your child does indeed stop. The parent who says "no, no!" to everything only confuses the child.
Don't expect miracles. It is not enough just to teach your toddler that "No, no!" means "Stop!" It is important for her safety and is necessary for that reason, but it is only a negative approach.
If you stop her from doing one thing, you should provide her with an acceptable substitute activity. After the "no, no!" let her know what is acceptable. Show her another activity or toy that she can play with right now.
Courtesy Growing Child