As a toddler, start to talk (3)

I believe the answer is:

tot

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'as a toddler start' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'to talk' is the wordplay.
'talk' becomes 't' (this could be a standard abbreviation of which I'm unaware).
'to'+'t'='TOT'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tot that I've seen before include "Drop" , "Spirit measure" , "Add - youngster - dram" , "Small baby" , "Small drink of spirits" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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