Parenting 

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Developmental milestones: toddlers, 14 to 36 months

A toddler's newly learned skills - such as walking, running and climbing - may mean a much more adventurous child.

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

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