During these months, developmental milestones vary widely. Bear in mind that a child born prematurely may reach milestones slightly later than a child who was born at full-term. By the age of two, any differences will have evened out. Apart from several delayed milestones, signs that a parent should be concerned about might include a toddler who is often irritable, seldom smiles or makes few or no sounds.

By the age of two, as hand-eye coordination improves, most toddlers enjoy activities such as puzzles, building bricks, scribbling and colouring.

By the age of three, language skills develop rapidly. Reciting nursery rhymes, singing songs and reading books are especially suited to and exciting for a child of this age.

By the end of month 14 a child typically:

Takes two or three steps unassisted or may walk
If walking, may be learning to run
Stands alone well
Puts an object into a container
Stacks two bricks
Responds to one-step spoken commands without gestures
Speaks one to six words other than ‘ma-ma’ and ‘da-da’
Uses jargoning (sounds like a foreign language)

By the end of month 16 a child typically:

Walks well
Drinks from a cup
Scribbles
Points to items wanted
Communicates affection, pleasure and excitement
Begins to understand limits
Imitates activities

By the end of month 18 a child typically:

Runs
Enjoys climbing
Understands some sentences
Points to nose, eyes and mouth
Walks while carrying toys
Says at least 15 words besides ‘ma-ma’ and ‘da-da’
Feeds self with a spoon or fork
Begins to join words
Bends over easily to pick up toys
Gains some control over bowel and bladder
Enjoys small riding toys
Shows a preference for certain toys
Finds it difficult to share
Explores away from parents and carers

ivillage uk

Developmental milestones: toddlers, 14 to 36 months