Watching your toddler grow and discover the world is one of the most rewarding experiences for a parent. Understanding a baby's development at each age helps parents support their child's growth and ensure they are meeting important milestones. Every new word, step, and interaction marks a significant achievement in their development. While every child develops at their own unique pace, understanding key developmental milestones can help you support their journey and identify when they might need extra assistance.
This guide offers a structured overview of the major milestones you can expect to see in your toddler. Development milestones are key indicators of brain development and can vary across ages. We will explore motor, language, social-emotional, and cognitive skills. We will also provide guidance on what to do if you have concerns about your child’s progress and explain how our dedicated team at North Shore Pediatric Therapy can help.
As children grow, they reach different milestones at different ages. Children grow and develop at their own pace, and tracking these changes at each age is important. If you notice your child is not meeting expected milestones, early intervention can make a significant difference.
Key Toddler Milestones by Age
Development is a continuous process, but milestones provide helpful benchmarks. The toddler years are filled with important milestones, and tracking a toddler's developmental milestones at each age helps parents understand what their child learns during this period.
Below, we have outlined typical milestone skills for toddlers from 1 to 3 years old. Remember, these are general guidelines, and slight variations are perfectly normal.
Milestones for 1-Year-Olds (12–23 Months)
At this stage, your child is making tremendous strides in many areas of development. Monitoring your child's development is important, and if you are concerned or notice your child grows frustrated with certain tasks, you should discuss any other concerns with your healthcare provider.
Here is a closer look at the different skill areas and what you might observe:
Gross Motor Skills
- Many children begin pulling themselves up to stand and may start cruising along furniture for support.
- First independent steps often occur during this period, though some children may walk a bit later.
- Your child may enjoy pushing or pulling toys while walking, which helps improve balance and coordination.
- Some toddlers may begin to climb on and off small chairs, demonstrating growing gross motor skills and physical coordination.
- Some toddlers might begin to climb onto low furniture or attempt to squat down to pick up a toy.
Fine Motor Skills
- The use of the thumb and forefinger to pick up small items (pincer grasp) becomes more refined.
- Your child may be able to grasp and release objects, such as dropping a block into a container or stacking a few rings.
- Scribbling on paper with large crayons is common, showing growing hand control.
- You might notice attempts at self-feeding, like bringing a spoon or finger foods to their mouth.
Language and Communication
- Babbling continues to evolve, and you will likely hear a few recognizable words beyond “mama” and “dada.” By 18 months, many toddlers can say at least six words, including basic words and simple words, which are important communication milestones for this age.
- Your toddler may imitate sounds, try to repeat words, or string together simple word combinations. Some children may even begin talking in two-word phrases.
- Understanding increases—they can respond to simple requests like “come here” or “give me the ball.” Following one-step directions is a key communication milestone at this age.
- Gestures become part of communication, such as waving goodbye, shaking the head for “no,” or pointing to desired objects.
Social-Emotional Development
- Affection is expressed through hugs, kisses, cuddles, or bringing a favorite toy to show you, as part of the age love children display at this stage.
- Stranger anxiety may appear, with your child seeking comfort from familiar caregivers in new situations.
- They may show distress when separated from a parent and express happiness when you return.
- Enjoyment comes from interactive and repetitive games like peek-a-boo, pat-a-cake, or handing you a toy to prompt a response.
- Temper tantrums are common at this age as children learn to manage their emotions and may become frustrated or overwhelmed while trying to communicate.
Cognitive Skills
- Curiosity leads to exploring how everyday objects work, such as trying to activate buttons, lids, and switches.
- Your child may look for objects you hide under a blanket or inside a box, demonstrating memory development.
- Recognizing and pointing to familiar objects or people in books or photos becomes more consistent.
- Early attempts at problem-solving start to appear, like figuring out how to reach a desired item or fit shapes into a sorter.
- Children at this age may begin to play alongside other children, which is an important step in social and cognitive development.
These detailed milestones are useful as a reference, but remember that each child has their own timeline. If you have questions about your child’s progress, gentle support and guidance are always available.
Milestones for 2-Year-Olds (24-35 months)
At this stage, your child's world is rapidly expanding. You may notice many new and evolving skills in the following areas:
Motor Skills
- Gross Motor: Two-year-olds can typically walk with increased confidence and stability. Many are able to run, though stopping and turning quickly might still be a challenge. You'll see them trying to kick a ball forward, climb on and off furniture independently, and walk up and down stairs while holding a hand or railing. Jumping in place with both feet may begin to emerge.
- Fine Motor: These children love to use their hands. Stacking blocks (four or more), turning pages in a book one at a time, and unscrewing lids are common achievements. Your child may start drawing or scribbling lines and circles, using a spoon more independently, and attempting to put on pieces of clothing or shoes with some help.
Language and Communication
- Speaking: Around this age, vocabulary often expands rapidly. Two-year-olds may use two- to four-word phrases, such as “want more juice” or “all done blocks.” Naming familiar people (“mama,” “grandpa”), body parts, and objects is typical.
- Understanding: They can often follow simple two-step directions, like “pick up your shoes and put them by the door.” Your child listens when called by name and points to objects or pictures when they are named. They may also begin to ask simple questions and repeat words overheard in conversation.
Social-Emotional Development
- Self-Awareness: Your child may start recognizing themselves in a mirror and use their own name. Expressions of independence are common—for example, insisting “me do it!” while trying new tasks.
- Interaction with Others: Enthusiasm for being around other children grows, though play is often parallel—alongside rather than directly with peers. Comfort objects, like a favorite blanket, may become important for reassurance.
- Emotional Expression: Big emotions may surface, sometimes resulting in tantrums as your child navigates frustration or boundaries. You’ll also see moments of empathy, such as offering a toy to a friend or comforting someone who is upset.
Cognitive Skills
- Imaginative Play: Pretend play flourishes—feeding a doll, driving toy cars, or making animal sounds with figures are favorite activities. Story completion, like finishing a well-known rhyme or sentence in a book, signals growing memory.
- Problem-Solving: Sorting shapes and colors, matching objects, and experimenting with cause and effect (for example, pushing buttons to make music) are common signs of cognitive growth. They also begin to complete simple puzzles and display curiosity by asking “what’s that?” about unfamiliar things.
By observing these detailed milestones, you will support your child's growth and celebrate their progress with greater insight. If you have any concerns or questions, remember you are not alone, and there are supportive resources available to help.
Tracking Developmental Progress
Keeping track of your child’s developmental milestones is a valuable way to support their growth and ensure they are on the right path. A developmental milestones record helps parents and healthcare providers monitor a child’s development, making it easier to spot any areas where extra support might be needed. By observing how your child plays, communicates, and interacts, you can celebrate their achievements and act early if you notice any concerns.
At around 18 months, most children reach several important milestones in social and emotional development, language development, and physical development. For example, your 18-month-old may begin to use a few words like “mama” or “dada,” point to objects they want, and play pretend by feeding a doll or making animal sounds. You might also notice your child taking a few steps on their own, showing interest in simple games like pat-a-cake or peek-a-boo, and imitating actions such as clapping or waving.
Supporting your child’s development at this stage can be both fun and rewarding. Reading books together, playing simple games, and encouraging your child to use new words all help build language and communication skills. Physical activities, like walking or playing with a large ball, promote coordination and strength. Social interaction is also key—playing alongside other children helps your child learn important social and emotional skills. Limiting screen time and focusing on interactive play gives your child more opportunities to explore and learn from the world around them.
It’s important to remember that children develop at their own pace, and some may reach certain milestones earlier or later than others. If you have concerns about your child’s development, don’t hesitate to act early and talk with your healthcare provider. Regular check-ups and keeping a developmental milestones record can help you stay informed and make the best decisions for your child’s care.
By staying engaged, tracking your child’s progress, and working closely with healthcare providers, you can help your child thrive and reach their full potential. Every child’s journey is unique, and understanding developmental milestones is just one way to support their growth and well-being.
What to Do If You Have Concerns
It is natural to worry if you feel your child is not meeting certain milestones. Parents may be concerned about issues such as food preferences or eating habits. The most important first step is to remember that development is not a race. However, if you have persistent concerns, it is always best to be proactive.
Here are some steps you can take:
- Talk to Your Pediatrician: Your child’s doctor is an excellent resource. They can assess your child’s development in the context of their overall health and provide a professional opinion. They can also screen for potential developmental delays and recommend further evaluation if needed.
- Observe and Document: Keep a simple log of your observations. Note which milestones your child has met and which ones seem challenging. Include specific examples, as this information will be very helpful when speaking with professionals.
- Trust Your Instincts: You know your child better than anyone. If something feels off, it is worth exploring. If you are concerned about whether your child is reaching milestones, have worries about food or eating habits, or have other concerns, you should seek professional advice. Seeking an evaluation is not about labeling your child; it is about getting them the support they need to thrive. Early intervention is highly effective and can make a significant difference in a child’s developmental trajectory.
Remember, children reach milestones at different rates, and it's normal to have other concerns beyond those listed.
How North Shore Pediatric Therapy Can Help
If your child needs support to reach their developmental milestones, our team at North Shore Pediatric Therapy is here to partner with you. We are dedicated to providing a warm, encouraging, and collaborative environment where every child can achieve their fullest potential.
Our dedicated clinicians provide a full range of services designed to address the specific needs of your child:
- Speech & Feeding Therapy: Our speech-language pathologists work with children to improve communication, from articulating sounds and building vocabulary to understanding and using language. We also support children with feeding challenges.
- Occupational Therapy: We help children develop the fine motor, sensory processing, and daily living skills needed to participate fully in life's activities, from getting dressed to playing with friends.
- Physical Therapy: Our physical therapists focus on improving gross motor skills, such as walking, running, balance, and coordination, to help children move with confidence and strength.
- Mental Health Services: We provide support for social-emotional development, behavior, and learning through counseling, play therapy, and comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations.
- Neuropsychology and Autism Testing: We provide different types of assessments designed to match your child’s age, developmental stage, and unique needs. Whether you’re looking for answers about autism, developmental concerns, or learning challenges, our team will help you find the right evaluation and next steps.
- ABA Therapy: Our Board Certified Behavior Analysts and ABA therapists use evidence-based approaches to help children with autism and other developmental delays build crucial skills in a supportive setting.
We believe in a family-centered approach, where we work closely with you to create a personalized therapy plan that aligns with your goals. Contact us today to learn more about how our services can support your child's unique journey.
