Toddler Milestones: What to Expect in the First 24 Months
Watching your toddler grow and reach new milestones is one of the most exciting parts of parenthood. Every child develops at their own pace, but there are some key milestones you can expect to see during your child’s first 24 months. In this post, we’ll walk through the major physical, cognitive, and social milestones that typically occur during this period, giving you an idea of what’s coming while also reassuring you that every child is unique.
1. Milestones at 12 Months: Your Baby’s First Year
Physical Milestones:
• Standing and Cruising: By their first birthday, many babies can pull themselves up to stand and may cruise along furniture. Some might even take their first wobbly steps.
• Pincer Grasp: Your baby can now pick up small objects using their thumb and forefinger, known as the pincer grasp. This skill allows them to feed themselves finger foods.
Cognitive Milestones:
• Object Permanence: At this stage, your baby understands objects continue to exist even when they can’t see them. Therefore, games like peekaboo are so fun for them.
• Cause and Effect: Babies experiment with cause and effect, such as realizing that shaking a toy makes noise or dropping something gets a reaction from their parents.
Social and Emotional Milestones:
• Separation Anxiety: Many babies around 12 months show signs of separation anxiety. They may become clingy or cry when a parent leaves, as they’re now more aware of their surroundings and relationships.
• Waving and Clapping: Social gestures like waving goodbye and clapping are common at this stage as your baby learns to imitate the actions of those around them.
2. Milestones at 18 Months: The Toddler Phase
Physical Milestones:
• Walking Independently: Most toddlers are walking confidently by 18 months, and some may run or climbing. Their coordination is improving, although falls and bumps are still common.
• Kicking and Throwing: At this age, your toddler may kick a ball and throwing objects with more accuracy. These activities help improve their balance and coordination.
Cognitive Milestones:
• Problem Solving: Toddlers are becoming better at solving simple problems, such as figuring out how to fit shapes into a sorter or finding a hidden toy.
• Pretend Play: Imagination takes root, and your toddler may engage in simple pretend play, such as feeding a doll or pretending to talk on the phone.
Social and Emotional Milestones:
• Increased Independence: Your toddler will probably begin asserting their independence, often by saying “no” or trying to do things on their own. This is an important part of their development, even though it can be challenging for parents.
• Basic Words: By 18 months, most toddlers can say around 10-20 words and may combine two words, like “more juice” or “big truck.” Language development varies widely at this age, so don’t worry if your child is taking their time.
3. Milestones at 24 Months: The Two-year-old Leap
Physical Milestones:
• Running and Jumping: By their second birthday, many toddlers are running more steadily and may even start jumping with both feet off the ground. Their gross motor skills are becoming more refined.
• Using Utensils: Your toddler is likely becoming more proficient at using a spoon or fork to feed themselves, though messes are still part of the process!
Cognitive Milestones:
• Sorting and Matching: Toddlers at this age can start sorting objects by shape, size, or color and enjoy playing with puzzles or stacking blocks. These activities help strengthen their problem-solving abilities.
• Following Simple Instructions: By 24 months, many toddlers can follow simple two-step instructions, such as “Please pick up your toy and put it in the box.”
Social and Emotional Milestones:
• Parallel Play: While your toddler may not yet engage in cooperative play with other children, they often enjoy playing alongside them, known as parallel play. This is an important step toward social development.
• Using Two-Word Phrases: Language skills continue to expand, with most toddlers being able to string together two- or three-word phrases, like “want cookie” or “go outside.”
4. Supporting Your Toddler’s Development
• Encouraging Physical Growth: Provide opportunities for your toddler to practice their motor skills, such as outdoor play, kicking balls, climbing safe structures, and dancing. Let them explore and move freely while ensuring their safety.
• Fostering Cognitive Development: Offer age-appropriate toys that challenge their problem-solving skills, such as puzzles, shape sorters, and stacking blocks. Read books together and ask questions to encourage curiosity.
• Nurturing Social and Emotional Growth: Support your toddler’s independence by allowing them to try new things on their own, while also offering reassurance and comfort when they become frustrated. Encourage social interactions through playdates or toddler classes, even if they’re still playing parallel to other kids.
5. When to Seek Help
• Developmental Delays: Every child develops at their own pace, but if you’re concerned that your child isn’t meeting certain milestones (such as not walking by 18 months or not saying any words by 24 months), it’s worth discussing with your pediatrician. Early intervention can make a big difference in addressing developmental delays.
• Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off or you have any worries about your child’s development, trust your instincts and seek professional advice. Your child’s doctor can provide guidance and connect you with resources for support.