Developmental Milestones - 19 through 24 Months
Physical Development
- Walks well.
- Walks up steps with help.
- Takes steps backwards.
- Likes to run but can't always stop and turn well.
- Can stack two to four blocks.
- Helps wash hands.
- Bends over to pick up a toy without falling.
- Drink with a straw.
- Feeds himself with a spoon.
- Tosses or rolls a large ball.
- Enjoys sitting on and moving small-wheeled riding toys.
- Opens cabinets, drawers and boxes.
- Begins to gain some control of bowels and bladder, but complete control may not be achieved until around age 3. (Boys often do not complete toilet training until age 3 and a half)
Intellectual Development
- Has a rapidly growing vocabulary including names of toys.
- Uses 2- to 3 sentences.
- Echoes single words that are spoken by someone else.
- Talks to himself and jabbers expressively.
- Uses the words "please" and "thank you" if prompted.
- Shows preferences between toys.
- Likes to choose between two objects.
- Hums or tries to sing.
- Enjoys singing familiar songs.
- Listens to short rhymes or finger plays such as "Itsy Bitsy Spider."
- Enjoys looking at picture books.
- Likes simple pretend play such as wearing hats and talking on the phone.
Developmental milestones associated with feeding
- Can use a straw.
- Chews food with mouth closed and shifts food in mouth.
- Distinguishes between finger and spoon foods.
- Holds small glass in one hand; replaces glass without dropping.
- Uses spoon correctly but with some spilling.
Additional guidelines
The Early Learning Guidelines for Ages Birth to Three
This exciting new resource is being written to assist early childhood caregivers/teachers, parents and other adults with information about supporting the learning and development of young children. The Guidelines provide information related to seven domains or areas of learning and development:
