Read about reaching milestones: 21 to 24 months

All toddlers have their own timetable, but you can watch for certain developments around this time. Celebrate with your child as they reach 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 favourite items that are out of sight (biscuit in the cupboard, a toy in toy box)
  • Follows two-step requests. E.g., Go to the room and get your toy.
  • 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
  • Kids start jumping by this age
  • Throws s ball
  • Uses pincer grip accurately e.g. holding a pencil
  • Manipulates toys appropriately
  • Able to turn knobs, push buttons
  • Able to turn pages one at a time
  • Uses a spoon and possibly a fork
  • Enjoys playing with blocks

Communication

  • May use 50 to 70 words
  • Uses simple phrases or puts two words together (e.g. all gone, come here, sit down, give me this)
  • May say first sentence, 18 to 30 months
  • Sings
  • May refer to self by name, especially instead of saying “I“
  • May ask, “Why?”
  • Recognises and calls family members with names.

Social

  • Kids are usually impulsive at this age.
  • Prone to tantrums
  • Makes broad, often quick emotional shifts
  • May show changing preference for one parent or the other
  • Becomes more interested in play
  • May start sharing  toys, food with others
  • Likes to do things without help
  • Watchful around adults they don’t know.

Reference

  1. Data on file