Your Toddler: A Developmental Checklist: 18 to 24 Months

Remember that all children are individuals and develop at their own pace. This checklist should be used only to get a general sense for where your child is or where he is heading. If you have any concerns about your child’s development, consult with your physician.

Physical Development

  • May jump up
  • Builds tower of four to six cubes
  • Throws ball overhand
  • Puts on article of clothing
  • Washes and dries own hands
  • Can climb stairs with help; by 24 months can go up and down alone, but doesn’t alternate feet
  • May climb out of cot
  • Likes to climb everything
  • Can kick a ball
  • Can ride a foot-to-floor vehicle

Intellectual Development

  • Identifies and points to two to four items in picture
  • Watches, then imitates, dumping of objects
  • Fears loud noises, water, wind, wild animals, and others
  • Enjoys repetition in songs and nursery rhymes
  • Likes to point to nose, mouth etc. when asked “Where is your?”
  • Speaks in two or three word sentences
  • Learning that everything has a name; may ask constantly, “What’s that?”
  • Speaks and is understood more than half the time
  • Understands role of prepositions in speech

Social And Emotional Development

  • Experiments with aggressive responses to disliked things
  • Separation anxiety lessens
  • Seeks adult approval
  • Comes when called
  • Likes to help with daily routines
  • Communicates feelings with words and gestures
  • Is eager to please

Language Development

  • Speaks in two or three word sentences
  • Learning that everything has a name; may ask constantly, “What’s that?”
  • Speaks and is understood more than half the time
  • Understands role of prepositions in speech

Our parenting advice is given as suggestions only. We recommend you also consult your healthcare provider, and urge you to contact them immediately if your question is urgent or about a medical condition.

By Dr. Bettye M. Caldwell Ph.D. Professor of Pediatrics in Child Development and Education

Parenting Hub

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