All toddlers have their own timetable, but you can watch for certain developments around this time. Celebrate with your toddler as they reach or nears these milestones.
Cognitive
- May begin to have a sense of time through routines (napping after lunch, bathing before bed)
- Actively explores objects by touch and movement (shaking, banging, throwing)
- Searches for hidden items
- Puts objects in and takes them out of containers
- Sorts shapes and colours
- Looks at picture books by herself
- Points to objects you name (nose, picture of a dog in a book)
- Engages in more pretend games
- Imitates real life in play (feeding a doll, sweeping)
Motor
- Climbs on furniture, possibly out of their crib
- Walks or at least cruises
- May walk backwards and in circles
- May be able to run
- Crawls upstairs; may walk upstairs with the help
- May dance
- Intentionally releases items from their grasp, closer to 18 months
- Uses a spoon and possibly a fork
- Removes some clothing; extends arms and legs to help when being dressed
- Turns pages
- May begin to scribble
Communication
- Tries to copy words you say
- Uses a single word as a sentence (“juice” for “I want juice,” “bye-bye” for “I want to leave now”)
- Says at least three or four clear words, by 15 months
- May say up to 50 words, by 24 months
- May start to use simple phrases, 18 to 24 months
- Points to certain body parts when asked
Social
- Gets easily frustrated
- Separation anxiety may continue, peaking around 18 months
- May develop an attachment to an object or toy
- Shows preferences for certain people and things
- Increasingly understands that they are a separate person from you with their own preferences, feelings, and ideas
- May say “no” to express frustration
- May show empathy (for example, pat your back when you’re upset)
- Prefers parallel play (playing next to, rather than with, another child)
Reference
- Data on file