For parents, witnessing their child's progression through different phases of development is nothing short of magical. Whether it's the first steps they take or their maiden attempt at uttering a word, each milestone leaves you spellbound. This awe-inspiring journey from infancy to toddlerhood is filled with numerous cherished moments of growth and learning that lay the foundation for your child’s future.
However, it's also natural for parents to have concerns and questions about these transitions, especially when navigating the critical period of growth and development from 12 to 24 months. You may find yourself wondering if your child is developing at an optimal pace or if there are steps you could be taking to support their growth more effectively. Rest assured, you are not alone in this quest. Most parents grapple with similar thoughts and anxieties.
In this post, we'll delve into the intricate world of ages and stages child development during this significant period of your child's life. We will discuss physical, cognitive, language, social-emotional development and self-help skills that toddlers typically acquire between 12 to 24 months of age. By understanding these milestones better, you can equip yourself to nurture your child’s growth and developmental needs more confidently.
An Overview of Toddler Development
Raising a toddler can be an exhilarating experience. It's a time when they begin asserting their independence and curiosity about the world around them starts blossoming. During this stage, children undergo rapid physical transformations coupled with significant advancements in cognitive abilities.
Physical Development
Between the ages of one and two years, toddlers transition from crawling and standing unsteadily on their feet to confidently walking around the house exploring every nook and corner.
They begin to develop hand-eye coordination and gradually learn to hold objects, throw them, and even retrieve them. As their motor skills improve, they engage in activities such as climbing steps one at a time, scribbling with pencils or crayons, and squeezing, sliding, pushing and pulling objects.
Cognitive and Language Development
This stage also marks considerable cognitive advancements. Toddlers begin to understand the cause-effect relationship and tend to experiment more with objects around them. They start recognizing familiar objects and can follow simple instructions. Their speaking vocabulary expands significantly with two-word sentences becoming common.
Social-Emotional Development
In social-emotional development, toddlers typically experience stranger anxiety but also begin interacting simply with others. They test their boundaries, strive for independence, and may exhibit egocentric behaviors - thinking everything belongs to them ("mine").
Self-Help Skills
When it comes to self-help skills, toddlers are still refining their ability to feed themselves and are starting to want to do things independently.
Key Developmental Milestones for Toddlers
Developmental milestones provide a snapshot of what average children can do at each age. Let's take a closer look at some major developmental milestones your toddler will likely reach between 12 to 24 months:
Age: 12 Months
- Begins to walk without support.
- Starts imitating speech sounds.
- Responds to simple verbal requests.
Age: 18 Months
- Walks independently.
- Can say several single words.
- Shows interest in interacting with other children.
Age: 24 Months
- Begins running.
- Speaks two to four-word sentences.
- Follows simple instructions.
Supporting Healthy Brain Development in Toddlers
As parents, you play a critical role in nourishing your child’s brain development during this essential phase. Here are some strategies you can adopt:
Encourage Safe Exploration
One of the best ways to support your toddler's development is by providing a safe environment for exploration. This allows them to learn through discovery and trial-and-error experiences which enhances both their physical coordination skills and cognitive understanding of the world around them.
Tools like puzzles, blocks, stacking toys encourage fine motor skill development while outdoor play or dancing enhances gross motor skills.
Foster Language Development
Language acquisition is a crucial component of your toddler's cognitive development. Reading books together, singing songs, playing word games and expanding on your child's words are all excellent ways to enrich their vocabulary.
Consistently Set Limits and Give Choices
Setting consistent boundaries helps children understand expectations and develop self-control. At the same time, providing them with choices fosters independence and decision-making skills.
Promote Healthy Habits
Instilling good health habits early on, such as regular dental hygiene, is important for your toddler's overall development. Also, maintaining routines provides a sense of security and predictability for toddlers.
Understanding Milestones in Toddlerhood and Monitoring Progress
Understanding developmental milestones can provide valuable insights into your toddler’s growth journey. However, remember that children develop at their own pace. If they're not hitting a particular milestone right on schedule, it doesn't necessarily indicate a problem.
Physical Development Milestones
Between 12 to 24 months, most toddlers will have mastered the art of walking independently. They might start running and climbing steps with assistance around 18 months and can probably kick a ball by the time they turn two.
Cognitive Development in Toddlers
In terms of cognitive development, one-year-olds typically understand simple instructions and can point to body parts when named. By age two, many toddlers can identify pictures in books or find hidden toys under several covers.
Language Development in Toddlers
At the age of one, most toddlers will be able to say a few simple words like "mama" or "dada." By two years old, they usually speak in short sentences and have a vocabulary of about 50 words.
Common Concerns in Toddlerhood
Parenthood is often accompanied by concerns regarding your child's development. Here are some common ones:
Delayed Walking: If your little one is not walking independently by 18 months, you might want to consult your pediatrician for advice. Delayed walking can be due to various reasons, including muscle tone issues or a simple preference for crawling. Early intervention and guidance from a healthcare professional can help ensure your child receives the necessary support.
Separation Anxiety: Many toddlers experience separation anxiety, but it's a normal phase of development that usually passes by the age of two. This anxiety often peaks between 10 to 18 months and can be challenging for both the child and parents. Consistent routines, reassurance, and gradually increasing the duration of separations can help ease this anxiety over time.
Tantrums: Toddlers may sometimes express frustration through tantrums. Remember, this is a normal part of their emotional development, and they'll gradually learn to handle their emotions better over time. Tantrums can be triggered by a variety of factors, such as hunger, tiredness, or an inability to communicate needs effectively. Providing a calm response, setting clear boundaries, and teaching simple words for feelings can help mitigate tantrums.
Picky Eating: It's common for toddlers to become selective about their food choices. This can be worrying for parents concerned about their child's nutritional intake. Offering a variety of healthy foods without pressuring the child to eat and maintaining regular meal routines can help encourage a balanced diet.
Sleep Issues: Toddlers often experience sleep disturbances, including trouble falling asleep, frequent night wakings, or resisting bedtime. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine, creating a calming sleep environment, and ensuring the child gets adequate daytime physical activity can improve sleep patterns.
Language Delays: While children develop language skills at their own pace, if a toddler shows significant delays in speaking or understanding language, it may be helpful to consult a speech-language pathologist. Early support can enhance communication skills and address any underlying issues.
Toilet Training: This is another milestone that can cause concern. While some toddlers may be ready to start toilet training between 18 months and 3 years, others may take longer. Patience, positive reinforcement, and watching for signs of readiness can make this process smoother.
As you traverse this beautiful journey from 12 to 24 months with your child, embrace every moment with love and patience. Remember, every child is unique and develops at their own pace. Focus less on how quickly they accomplish milestones and more on nurturing their overall growth in a loving environment.
At we're dedicated to supporting parents with scientifically-backed programs like the Prodigy Framework™. As part of our community, you'll gain access to expert guidance, a supportive parent network and daily activities designed to enhance your child's development in a screen-free manner. Together, let's make the most of these precious years!
