Development Between 12- and 24-Months
Development by Age 2

Development Between 12 and 24 Months
Physical

• Walks well alone
• Begins to run
• Climbs onto and off of furniture unassisted
• Walks up and down stairs holding on to support
• Scribbles spontaneously
• Stacks three - six blocks
• Kicks a ball
• Practices pouring contents out of containers

Cognitive

• Understands over 200 words
• Says 30 - 50 words
• Uses two - four word sentences
• Repeats words overheard in conversation
• Follows simple instructions
• Begins to sort by shapes and colors
• Points to object when it is named
• Recognizes names of familiar people, objects and body parts
• Finds objects when they are hidden under two or three covers

Social and Emotional

• Begins pretend play
• Imitates behavior of others, especially adults and older children
• Demonstrates increasing independence; says "no!"
• Shows more signs of separation anxiety at 18 months that gradually fade toward 24 months
• May become attached to a toy or blanket to self sooth during separations
• Reacts to anger and affection among other family members

Thoughts for Parents

• Continue to review your baby proofing! Increasing growth allows your toddler to reach unsafe heights and dangerous materials.
• Use a photo album to make a picture book of objects to help your child recognize them.
• Relax and enjoy playing with your child. Dance to music holding onto support. Play peek-a-boo or roll a ball to your child.
• During this period, your child may begin to bite or may be bitten while in care. 
• Although biting can be frustrating for both parents of children who bite or are being bitten, biting is a normal stage of child development. Not all children are biters, but for those who are, there are ways you can deal with this issue. Please see tips for biting.

Development by age 2
Cognitive

• Sorts objects by shape and color
• Uses four or five word sentences
• Recognizes and identifies almost all common objects and pictures
• Names some body parts
• Follows a two or three part command
• Can make mechanical toys work
• Completes a three or four piece puzzle

Physical

• Climbs well; walks up and down stairs alternating feet
• Kicks a ball
• Runs easily
• Bends over easily without falling
• Turns book pages one at a time
• Builds a tower of more than six blocks
• Can turn knobs and open cabinets, drawers
• Scribbles with pencil or crayon

Social and Emotional

• Shows affection for family and familiar playmates
• Objects to major changes in routine
• Plays make-believe
• Expresses a wide range of emotions
• Imitates adults and playmates

Thoughts for Parents

• Be aware of your toddler's increasing ability to open up drawers and cabinets. Toddlers are able to reach higher and get into more places than before. Continue baby proofing.
• Encourage independence. Allow your child to put dirty clothes in the laundry, pick up toys, etc.
• Give toddlers simple choices. For example, "Do you want cereal or pancakes?" and "Do you want to read a book or play with the ball?" Always give choices that you are willing to accept.
• Do not expect your child to share. Toddlers are not capable of sharing.
• Talk to your child. Expand on what your child has said.
• Handling a temper tantrum can be difficult. Do not yell or hit your child. Remain calm and talk in a soothing voice. Lay your hand gently on the arm to calm your child.