My toddler is suddenly terrified of loud noises and the vacuum — what happened?

Around age 2, children's imaginations develop rapidly but their ability to distinguish real from imaginary lags behind — making everyday objects feel threatening. This is developmentally normal. Never force exposure: instead, let them observe from a safe distance, explain what the noise is ('That's the vacuum eating crumbs!'), and gradually decrease the distance over days or weeks. Validate their fear rather than dismissing it: 'That sound IS loud — let's watch from over here.' Consult your pediatrician if fears intensify or significantly limit daily activities.