Developmental milestones (12-24 months)

Twelve months (1 year)

• Walks along a low table or couch while holding on.
• Takes a few steps while holding you with one hand.
• Has a fine pincer grasp (thumb meets index finger exactly).
• Claps hands.
• Points at something she wants.
• Looks for an object that has fallen out of sight.
• Follows a simple command – if she’s in the mood! (e.g. “Give it to me!” or “Come with me!”)

Eighteen months

• Walks independently, falling infrequently unless trying to run.
• Climbs on a low object like a chair or sofa.
• Kicks a large ball.
• Walks up stairs while holding a hand.
• Uses the tip of a crayon to mark paper.
• Turns pages in a board book alone.
• Gets food to her mouth with a spoon with quite a bit falling on the floor.
• Speaks a handful of words (5 to 10 words).
• Understands many of your sentences and words.
• Points to indicate her wants and needs.
• Copies your activities (e.g. wiping up a spill or brushing hair).

Twenty-four months (2 years)

• Runs fairly well, stopping without falling most times.
• Walks downstairs while holding a hand.
• Gets a spoon to her mouth without spilling much.
• Uses a turning motion to turn knobs, wind-up toys, or put lids on.
• Stacks several blocks.
• Uses two-word phrases that may be hard for strangers to understand.
• Pretend plays (e.g. rocks a doll to sleep).