Year Two Developmental Milestones
Your toddler’s second year is an exciting time filled with exploration, independence, and rapid skill development. From expanding their vocabulary to refining movement and social interactions, every day brings new milestones. While every child progresses at their own pace, recognizing these key developmental markers can help you support their growth.
This section covers the major developmental milestones typically observed in the second year of life, broken down by age and skill area. You’ll also find helpful at-home activity suggestions and tips for identifying when it may be time to reach out for support.
At 15 Months: The Joy of Discovery
At 15 months, toddlers become little explorers, eager to test their abilities and interact with the world around them.
Language Development
- Uses gestures to request items, demonstrating early communication skills
- Recognizes familiar objects when named
- Understands and follows simple gestures and verbal directions
- Expands vocabulary beyond “mama” and “dada” and may use one or two additional understandable words, like “ball’”
Cognitive Skills
- Stacks two small objects, strengthening hand-eye coordination
- Begins imitating daily activities, like talking on the phone or pretending to prepare a meal
Social Growth
- Shows you objects they are interested in
- Shows affection through hugs for loved ones and favorite toys
- Observes and imitates actions of other children
Movement Milestones
- Begins taking independent steps
At 18 Months: Growing Independence
By 18 months, toddlers gain confidence in exploring their surroundings and begin engaging in more complex interactions.
Language Development
- Follows simple one-step directions
- Tries to say three or more words besides names like “mama” or “dada”
Cognitive Skills
- Plays with toys in a simple way, like pushing a toy truck
- Imitates household tasks like sweeping or stirring a pretend pot
Social Growth
- Explores independently but still seeks reassurance from caregivers
- Sits to look at a few pages of a book with you
- Helps you dress them by raising arms or feet
Movement Milestones
- Walks steadily without support
- Climbs onto chairs or couches and safely gets down
- Makes marks with crayons
- Sits upright in a booster seat for meals
Feeding Skills
- Uses fingers or utensils to self-feed (with some spills)
- Drinks from a sippy cup or straw
- Chews food more efficiently, handling different textures
Two Years Old: Pushing Forward
As your child turns two, their personality shines, and their physical, social, and cognitive skills continue to flourish.
Language Development
- Forms two- to three-word sentences like “want cookie”
- Identifies at least a few body parts when asked
- Responds to simple questions with nods or shakes of the head
- Points to the correct objects in books or around the room when prompted
Cognitive Skills
- Manipulates age-appropriate knobs and buttons on toys
- Can hold toys with one hand and use the other to play
- Engages in more elaborate pretend play, such as feeding a doll or acting out scenes with toy cars
Social Growth
- Observes how you react to new situations
- Demonstrates early signs of empathy and responds to others’ emotions
Movement Milestones
- Kicks a ball forward with increasing control
- Runs short distances with improved balance
- Walks up stairs using handrails but may still prefer to crawl down
Feeding Skills
- Uses a spoon with more precision and spills less
- Drinks from an open cup with minimal mess
Everyday Activities to Support Development
Helping your toddler reach these milestones is as simple as incorporating fun, interactive activities into your daily routine.
Language and Communication
- Narrate daily activities: “We’re putting on shoes now.”
- Read picture books together and point to objects while naming them.
- Sing songs and rhymes to build language rhythm and memory.
Cognitive and Problem-Solving Skills
- Stack blocks, sort colors, or play hide-and-seek to encourage problem-solving.
- Provide toys with buttons, levers, or moving parts to stimulate curiosity.
Social and Emotional Growth
- Encourage turn-taking games with siblings or friends.
- Model positive social behavior, such as saying “please” and “thank you.”
- Offer reassurance and praise for attempts at independence.
Physical and Motor Development
- Provide daily opportunities for movement: climbing, running, and dancing.
- Use playdough or child-safe scissors to develop fine motor skills.
Encouraging Self-Feeding
- Offer a variety of finger foods with different textures.
- Allow your child to practice using spoons and cups independently.
Is Your Child Meeting These Milestones?
If your child is struggling with movement, speech, or social interactions, early support can be incredibly beneficial. Signs that your child may need additional guidance include:
- Limited attempts at communication.
- Difficulty with balance or coordination.
- Avoiding eye contact or struggling to engage with others.
If you notice any of these signs, start by observing their play and interactions. Keep track of behaviors that seem delayed and talk to your pediatrician about your observations. Early support can make a big difference. Don’t wait to reach out for guidance if you have concerns about your child’s development.
How Tender Ones Therapy Services Can Help
If you’re unsure if your child is meeting expected milestones appropriately, or if you have any questions, partner with TOTS for your child’s best start! You can schedule your free screening online, call 770-904-6009 or fill out our contact form to begin your child’s journey to success.