All toddlers have their own timetable, but you can watch for certain developments around this time. Celebrate with your child as she reaches or nears these milestones.

Cognitive

  • Shows continuing interest in names of objects
  • Names simple objects in a book
  • Knows how household items are used (a spoon to eat, a telephone to talk)
  • Names at least six body parts
  • Uses toys when pretending to do everyday tasks (feeding a stuffed animal)
  • Remembers favorite items that are out of sight (crackers in cupboard, a toy in toy box)
  • Follows two-step requests
  • May begin to organize items by category—size or type, for example

Motor

  • Stands on tiptoes
  • Walks with balance along curbs or logs
  • Runs
  • Climbs well
  • Navigates stairs, up and down
  • Kicks a ball
  • May jump
  • Throws overhand
  • Uses pincer grip accurately
  • Manipulates toys appropriately
  • Able to turn knobs, push buttons
  • Able to turn pages one at a time
  • Uses a spoon and possibly a fork
  • Stacks up to six blocks

Communication

  • May use 50 to 70 words
  • Uses simple phrases or puts two words together (“all gone”)
  • May say first sentence, 18 to 30 months
  • Sings
  • May refer to self by name, especially instead of saying “I“
  • May ask, “Why?”
  • About half of speech is understandable to strangers

Social

  • Shows poor impulse control
  • Prone to tantrums
  • Makes broad, often quick emotional shifts
  • May show changing preference for one parent or the other
  • Becomes more interested in playing with other children