Developmental Milestones for Pre-Toddlers (12–24 Months) | Coral Care Developmental Guides

Developmental Milestones for Pre-Toddlers (12–24 Months)

Interactive Milestone Checklist

Check off the milestones your child has reached. Every child is different — this is a guide, not a diagnosis.

12–14 Months

• ✓ Takes first independent steps
• ✓ Says 1–3 words with meaning
• ✓ Points to objects they want
• ✓ Understands simple instructions
• ✓ Uses a spoon or fork (messily)
• ✓ Stacks two blocks
• ✓ Waves bye-bye consistently
• ✓ Shows affection to familiar people

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"When our 15-month-old wasn’t walking or saying any words, everyone said ‘give it time.’ Coral Care’s screener helped us understand it was worth looking into — and our daughter started PT within a week." — Parent of a 15-month-old, Illinois

Your child has entered the second year of their life, and they're starting to do more every single day. At the end of their first year, they were beginning to add words to their arsenal besides "mama" and "dada" (although those are still likely to be your favorites), started walking — albeit with support from furniture or your hands — and they enjoy playing pat-a-cake or looking for toys that you've hidden under a blanket.

From 12 to 24 months, their development will seem to explode. Over these next few months, they'll perfect walking and progress to climbing and running, which also means they'll start getting into everything.

During this time, your child will add dozens of words to their vocabulary and start stringing them together into simple sentences. They'll also begin to understand and follow instructions. Still, as they near their second birthday and their independence grows, they may become more defiant as they test your boundaries.

The 12 to 24-month stage is full of fun and challenges as a parent, but their development is nevertheless something exciting to watch. We've created a milestones checklist for 12 to 24 months so that you can follow along and see what is to come.

13-15-Month-Old Pre-Toddler Milestones

13- 15 months is a time for copycatting. Your pre-toddler can now recognize what some everyday objects are used for, and they're beginning to mimic this. This may include holding a phone up to their ear or stirring with a wooden spoon. They'll also copycat when playing with you, but this is good as your playtime together will help them learn how to play.

Here's a list of the developmental milestones for a 13-15-month-old:

Speech and Language

• Tries to say one or two words in addition to "mama" or "dada"
• Will look at a familiar object when you say its name
• Follows directions given using gestures and words (e.g., gives you the when you say, "Give me the ball" and hold out your hand)

Movement

• Takes a few steps on their own
• Climbs on furniture (and maybe even out of the crib)
• Toddles about (independently or cruising along furniture)
• Throws things

Sensory

• Shows affection by cuddling, hugging, or kissing
• Hugs a stuffed doll or another toy

Feeding

• Uses their fingers to feed themselves food
• Has started drinking whole milk (although amount should be limited to 16-24 ounces a day)
• Can drink liquids from a cup instead of a bottle

Strength

• May be running or walking backward
• Can kneel down without assistance

Independence and Self-Help

• Points to ask for something or for help
• Tries to use things the right way, like a book, phone, or cup
• Wants to participate with you (e.g., sweeping with you or stirring while you cook)
• Starts having tantrums

Play and Behavior

• Copies other children while playing (e.g., taking toys out of a container after watching another child do that)
• Shows you an object or toy that they like
• Claps when excited
• Hugs stuffed animals or other toys
• Stacks at least two small objects, like blocks

13-15-Month-Old Developmental Red Flags

Early detection and intervention are crucial for your child's development. Speak to their pediatrician if you notice any of the following:

• Doesn't babble or try to say words
• Struggles to stand and/or shows no signs of walking
• Avoids eye contact
• Does not gesture or point
• Is not comforted when you return (if they experience separation anxiety)
• Gets overly attached to strangers
• Doesn't seem to understand what people say

16-18-Month-Old Toddler Milestones

Between 16-18 months, your toddler is becoming more independent and developing stronger language and motor skills. They're saying more words and understanding more of what you say. They're also walking and running with more confidence.

Additionally, your 16-18-month-old is becoming more interested in playing with others and is developing stronger social skills. They're also becoming more self-aware and are starting to understand the concept of "mine."

Here's the checklist of milestones for a 16-18-month-old toddler:

Speech and Language

• Uses a few words besides "mama" or "dada" (like "up" or "bye bye")
• Understands simple questions or commands like "Where's your shoe?" or "Come here"
• Looks for things when told where they are (e.g., if you say the toy is in the closet)

Movement

• Walking and running with more confidence (though they may still stumble)
• Can walk up and down stairs with support
• Can walk backwards and sideways
• Climbs on furniture (and maybe out of the crib!)
• Kicks a ball forward

Sensory

• Shows strong preferences for certain toys and foods
• Points to things they want or to share excitement with you
• Follows your gaze when you look at or point to something

Feeding

• Uses a spoon or fork (though messily)
• Drinks from a cup without much spilling
• Uses hands to feed themselves most foods

Strength

• Can stand alone for brief periods
• Can bend over to pick something up

Independence and Self-Help

• Can help with dressing (e.g., pushing their arm through a sleeve)
• Begins to show understanding of routines (e.g., knows that shoes go on before going outside)
• Washes hands with your help

Play and Behavior

• Enjoys games like peek-a-boo and patty-cake
• Points to objects or pictures when asked "Where is the...?"
• Plays alongside other children (but not necessarily with them)
• Shows affection by hugging and kissing
• May display defiant behavior
• Enjoys simple pretend play (e.g., feeding a doll)

16-18-Month-Old Developmental Red Flags

If you notice any of these things in your 16-18-month-old, bring them up with a pediatrician:

• Doesn't use at least 5 words
• Doesn't seem to understand simple words
• Isn't walking yet
• Has difficulty with balance when walking
• Has lost skills they once had
• Shows no interest in playing with toys
• Shows extreme tantrums or rigidity
• Avoids eye contact or social interaction

19-21-Month-Old Toddler Milestones

Your 19-21-month-old is becoming increasingly independent and developing stronger language skills. They're combining words together and are beginning to understand more complex instructions. They're also developing stronger motor skills and becoming more coordinated.

At this age, your 19-21-month-old is also becoming more interested in playing with other children and may be starting preschool or daycare. They're developing stronger social skills, though they may still struggle with sharing and turn-taking.

Here's the checklist of 19-21 month developmental milestones:

Speech and Language

• Uses 10-25 words
• Follows two-step directions (e.g., "Get your shoes and put them by the door")
• Points to and names familiar objects
• Begins to use "me" or "mine"
• Uses some action words or verbs (e.g., "go," "eat," "play")

Movement

• Walks smoothly and can change direction
• Climbs on and off furniture without help
• Kicks a ball when asked
• Picks up small objects using thumb and forefinger
• Begins to run, jump (though not very high), and climb stairs with help

Sensory

• Points to show you interesting things
• Recognizes familiar people from a distance
• Points to familiar objects when named

Feeding

• Uses a spoon somewhat effectively (though it's still pretty messy)
• Drinks well from a cup
• Eats many different foods (proteins, fruits, vegetables, grains)

Strength

• Can carry a toy while walking
• Can stand and kick a ball

Independence and Self-Help

• Shows interest in helping with routines (e.g., trying to wash their hands)
• Begins to understand simple rules
• Can follow 1-2 step instructions

Play and Behavior

• Enjoys playing near (and sometimes with) other children
• Pretend play is becoming more complex (e.g., feeding a doll with a spoon)
• Shows more interest in books and pictures
• Gets excited when you praise them

19-21-Month-Old Developmental Red Flags

Speak to your pediatrician if your 19-21-month-old:

• Isn't using at least 5-10 words
• Doesn't understand simple words or instructions
• Isn't walking well or stumbles constantly
• Isn't interested in playing with toys or other children
• Has lost language or motor skills
• Shows extreme behavior or emotions
• Avoids eye contact

22-24-Month-Old Toddler Milestones

By 24 months, your toddler is developing rapidly. They're using more words and combining them into simple phrases, and they're understanding much of what you say to them. They're also more independent and can do some things on their own, like feeding themselves and beginning to help with getting dressed.

At this age, your 22-24-month-old is also becoming more interested in playing with others and is developing stronger social skills. They're also becoming more aware of other people's emotions and may show empathy.

Here's the checklist of milestones for a 22-24-month-old toddler:

Speech and Language

• Uses 50-300 words
• Combines 2 words (e.g., "more milk", "mommy down")
• Follows two-step instructions (e.g., "Get your shoes and put them on")
• Asks simple questions using rising intonation (e.g., "Mommy up?")
• Enjoys songs, stories, and rhyming games

Movement

• Runs, jumps, and climbs with increased confidence
• Climbs stairs using one foot per step
• Walks up and down stairs with a hand held
• Can balance on one foot for a few seconds
• Throws a ball overhand

Sensory

• Points to body parts when asked
• Identifies and names familiar objects and people
• Enjoys mirrors and looking at themselves

Feeding

• Uses a spoon and fork (though still somewhat messily)
• Drinks from a cup without a lid
• Eats with hands and utensils

Strength

• Can carry toys or stuffed animals around the house
• Builds with blocks (at least 2-3 blocks stacked)

Independence and Self-Help

• Begins to show understanding of rules (though they may not always follow them)
• Helps with simple tasks (e.g., putting toys in a box)
• Can wash hands with help

Play and Behavior

• Tries to use knobs, switches, or buttons on a toy
• Plays with two or more toys at a time (e.g., putting toy food in a toy bowl)
• Likes to copy adults and other children
• Gets excited when with other children
• Plays simple games of make believe
• Builds towers with four or more blocks

22-24-Month-Old Developmental Red Flags

Every child develops differently, but speak to your pediatrician if your two-year-old:

• Doesn't use two-word phrases
• Doesn't know how to use common objects
• Doesn't follow basic directions
• Doesn't copy actions or repeat words
• Loses skills they once had
• Can't walk steadily

Frequently Asked Questions

What words should a 12–24-month-old know?

By 12 months, most children say 1–3 words beyond 'mama' and 'dada.' By 18 months, most say 10–25 words. By 24 months, most use 2-word phrases like 'more milk' or 'daddy go.' If your child isn't meeting these benchmarks, a speech-language pathology evaluation is a good next step.

When should my toddler be walking?

Most children take their first independent steps between 9 and 12 months and walk steadily by 14–15 months. Walking later than 18 months, persistent toe-walking, or frequent falls can be worth discussing with your pediatrician — a physical therapy evaluation can clarify if support is needed.

Is it normal for an 18-month-old to not be talking yet?

By 18 months, most children say at least 10 words and understand simple instructions. If your child isn't using words yet, or stopped using words they previously had, this warrants early evaluation. Early support for speech delays is most effective when started as soon as possible.

How do I know if my toddler needs occupational therapy?

Signs a 12–24-month-old may benefit from OT include: difficulty with feeding (extreme food refusal, gagging), sensory sensitivities (strong reactions to textures or sounds), delays in fine motor skills like picking up small objects, or trouble with daily transitions.

What does a 24-month developmental evaluation look at?

A 24-month evaluation typically covers language (vocabulary, 2-word phrases), gross motor skills (running, climbing stairs), fine motor skills (stacking blocks, using a spoon), social skills (parallel play, following 2-step directions), and self-care. Coral Care's free screener can help you identify which areas are worth exploring.

Is Your Child Hitting Their Milestones?

Every child develops at their own pace — but if something doesn't feel right, early support makes a meaningful difference. Coral Care connects families with in-home pediatric therapists — speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists — who come directly to your home.

Not sure if your child would benefit from therapy? Take our free 5-minute screener — designed by pediatric specialists to help you understand your child's development and whether an evaluation makes sense.