Developmental Milestones: 12 to 24 Months 

Cognitive 

• Many can solve simple problems, like how to put something into a container. This is a good time to teach your baby to clean up their toys. 

• They may be experimenting with new syllables. You can help develop your baby’s verbal skills by talking, reading, and singing.  

• Many can understand and follow “no” when they’re doing something they shouldn’t. That doesn’t mean they’ll always listen as they’re testing boundaries and independence. 

Movement 

• Babies typically stand with the help of furniture. They’re cruising around, building their strength and balance for their first independent steps. 

• With improved hand-eye coordination and pincer grasp, most can feed themselves. They may miss their mouths from time to time, but they’re learning! 

Physical 

• After a year of very rapid growth, your baby’s weight and length slows. By this point, their weight should be around triple their birth weight.  

• Some experts suggest that you visit the dentist as soon as your baby’s first tooth appears. If they haven’t been in for their first visit, now is the time to do so. 

Sensory 

• Your baby can generally see clearly, use both eyes together, and have a good idea of depth perception. 

Cognitive  

• Toddlers at this age are beginning to understand that objects still exist even when they are out of sight.  

• They enjoy putting things in and taking them out of containers, demonstrating their problem-solving abilities.  

• They can follow simple directions and might copy movements and gestures.  

• They enjoy banging objects together, playing with blocks, and exploring the world around them. 

Communication 

• Toddlers may be able to say a few simple words like “mama,” “dada,” or “bye bye.” 

• They can often respond to simple verbal commands, such as “sit down” or pointing to an object. 

• They might use gestures, like holding their arms up for a pick-up, to communicate their needs. 

• They can recognize familiar people and objects. 

Physical 

• Some toddlers may start walking on their own, while others may still need support, such as holding your hand or furniture.  

• They can pick up objects using their thumb and forefinger and may start turning pages in a book.  

• They might enjoy climbing stairs, throwing a ball, and exploring their surroundings by crawling and cruising.  

Cognitive  

• As your toddler grows, they’ll test their limits, and yours. For example, they may disobey or spend more time playing by themselves.  

• Even as they become more independent, they may experience a fresh bout of separation anxiety. This is completely normal. 

Communication  

• After months of absorbing the world around them, your toddler now understands what many objects do. For example, you may find them near the highchair when it’s time for a snack. 

Movement 

• Many have the motor skills and mentality to feed themselves, though they will likely still miss their mouth more often than not. Now is a good time to buy unbreakable dishes. 

Cognitive  

• Your toddler is still learning how things work, so this is when they’re using objects like a phone or book. Give them a hairbrush or comb and watch as they try to do their hair. 

Communication  

• Many toddlers will try to say one or two words besides “mama” or “dada,” like “ba” for ball or “da” for dog.  

• Most of them can follow simple directions. For example, “give me the toy.”  

• As their problem-solving and communication skills improve, many will point or otherwise gesture to show they need help. 

Emotional  

• Your toddler understands their likes and dislikes now. You can expect to see them clap when excited, show off objects they enjoy, hug their favorite toy, and reject things they dislike.  

• You can also expect more cuddles, hugs, and kisses as they express their love for you. 

Physical  

• As they grow stronger and more curious, expect to see your toddler climbing objects like couches, dressers, bookcases, or anything else they can grip. That said, keep a watchful eye on them now and secure tall and heavy objects on the wall or floor. 

Cognitive and emotional  

• This is an interesting developmental time for your toddler. They’re more interested in other kids but can also be completely selfish, such as trying to take toys from others. You can help them learn about sharing by showing them how to do it. To encourage sharing and friendship, put out plenty of extra toys when they have friends over. 

• They may experience stronger or more frequent separation anxiety. If your toddler shows signs of it, there are many ways to reduce their separation anxiety, including peek-a-boo! 

• Your toddler will be curious about how things work, from cabinet doors to elevator buttons. So, keep a close eye that they don’t get into anything dangerous, like under the sink. You can encourage their problem-solving powers with age-appropriate toys like an activity cube. 

Communication 

• Your toddler’s understanding of their bodies and language comes together as they begin to use active verbs, such as “go” and “jump.” They may also understand directional terms, such as “up,” “in,” “out,” or “down.”  

• Expanded vocabulary to about 20 words: they’ll also learn the words for common objects, such as “ball” or “table.”  

Physical  

• You may notice your toddler gripping better, so much so they may be able to hold a crayon or roll clay on a table. Make sure not to leave small objects around, like coins or jewelry, as this could be a choking hazard. 

Cognitive  

• Most people know their name and have a sense of individualism. So, your toddler will become more independent and take more interest in their bodies, self-care, and even their outfits. 

• Now that they understand the word “no,” and are more independent, they prepare to hear “no” a lot in the months ahead. 

• They’ll also become better at following instructions. Help them learn how to follow instructions, and how things work, by involving them in simple chores. 

Motor skills 

• Scribbling with confidence. Since most toddlers can hold a marker or crayon. Be mindful — they may draw on walls. 

• They can drink from a cup without a lid. 

Physical  

• If there are stairs in your house, your toddler will probably go up and down them. With that practice, they’ll be more confident so be sure to keep a close eye and keep the toddler gate closed. If they don’t have much experience with stairs, practice with them at a park or mall where there’s room for them to have space. 

• Their power of mimicry continues to develop. Watch as they mimic things you do, such as wiping a table or picking up toys. 

• They’ll point more frequently at objects they want to inspect. 

Communication  

• Toddlers will begin to use new words, usually words they hear often, such as the terms for their favorite toys, people, or parts of the body. 

Cognitive  

• Your toddler is learning about their likes and dislikes but doesn’t understand right and wrong yet. This can lead to impulsive behavior. For example, grabbing a glass object. If they’re doing something wrong or dangerous, be gentle but firm when explaining the right way to do things. This is the perfect opportunity to start setting behavioral boundaries. 

Physical  

• You may notice that your toddler is taking more confident, balanced steps. That means running starts soon. Prepare to keep up! 

Cognitive 

• Remember when your toddler was learning about object permanence? Well, all they’ve learned and absorbed begins to show itself, when they start playing hide and go seek, both with objects and themselves. Now that they understand things continue to exist when out of sight, they love to make things “disappear” and squeal with delight when they’re found!  

• Many begin to pretend and develop imagination. They’ll pretend to talk on the phone, cook, and walk the dog.  

Communication 

• “Mine” will be a word that enters your toddler’s vocabulary around now. This can lead to some selfishness, but this is easily corrected with firm but gentle lessons on sharing. 

Cognitive  

• Many can now follow simple instructions.  

• Some can be a bit bossy. If your toddler gets too bossy, be sure to let them know they should ask for things nicely and can’t always get their way. 

Communication  

• “Repeat after me”: around now toddlers learn how to repeat words, which means this is a great time to expand their vocabulary.  

• It may even be hard to keep track of how many new words they learn! 

• Be careful what you say, especially swear words. Those can stick very easily. And while it’s tempting, try not to laugh as they’ll see they have your attention to it. 

Physical  

• Your little one is curious and becoming more confident on their feet, which can inspire them to start standing on their tiptoes. This is an important physical and mental development but can also lead to some grabbing from counters. Push objects a few extra inches onto the counter or a shelf. Turn handles of pots on stove inward away from their reach.  

Communication  

• Your toddler’s emerging independence can lead to some stubbornness or bossiness. If you see this, gently but firmly correct their behavior. Also, praise them when they are good. 

Physical and emotional  

• Many toddlers will soon be or already climbing stairs, so be sure you have gates and be extra watchful if they’re obsessed with steps.  

• They may now scribble more confidently, open and empty containers, or use building blocks. 

• You may also notice your toddler using their left or right hand more. That said, whatever preference they have now may change over time. 

• “Baby fat” melts away. Your toddler gets taller, and their jawline becomes more defined. 

Communication  

• Toddlers may make simple requests, such as “more milk.”  

• This is a great time to teach them about “please” and “thank you.’ 

• Points to things in a book when you ask, like “Where is the bear?” 

Emotional 

• Your toddler now understands different emotions, including when someone is upset. This helps them develop the power of empathy. Watch as they exercise this empathy by trying to help soothe an upset friend or sibling. 

• Many begin to throw tantrums, typically when they don’t get their way. This is “the terrible twos.” Tantrums are perfectly natural: toddlers feel a lot of emotions they can’t always express. This results in a wave of frustration.   

Physical  

• Most toddlers can kick a slow ball. 

• Less than a year after learning how to walk, most toddlers run with confidence. Prepare to chase after! 

• They can walk up the stairs with support like an adult hand or railing 

• They will also become more interested in knobs, switches, and buttons. If you haven’t already toddler-proofed your stove, now is the time.