Developmental milestones: toddlers, 14 to 36 months

By the end of month 20 a child typically:

• Walks up steps
• Speaks between six and 50 words
• Refers to him/herself by name
• Shows interest in caring for him/herself
• Builds a tower of two to four bricks
• Points to one or more body parts when asked
• Points out pictures in a book
• Removes some clothing

By the end of month 24 a child typically:

• Jumps and runs well
• Kicks and throws a ball
• Goes up and down stairs by him/herself
• Builds tower using six bricks
• Identifies two to four pictures in a book by pointing
• Identifies one item in a book with words
• Speaks around 50 words (some variation is normal)
• Can be understood half the time when speaking
• Uses some two-word combinations
• ’Feeds’ dolls
• Identifies some body parts
• May brush teeth (with help)
• Puts on a piece of clothing

By the end of month 30 a child typically:

• Points to four identified pictures
• Uses more than 50 single words
• Combines words often
• Follows a two-step verbal command
• Names six body parts
• Identifies one to four pictures verbally

By the end of 36 months a child typically:

• Alternates feet when walking up and down steps
• Dresses and undresses self (with marginal success)
• Uses a pedal tricycle
• Follows a two- or three-part command
• Communicates with four- or five-word sentences
• Uses pronouns
• Most spoken words are comprehensible to others
• Understands most speech
• Interested in ‘pretend’ play
• Socialises well with others
• Is often ready to begin toilet training