For the first year of your child’s life, it can feel like there’s a new
leap forward every day. As they become a toddler (between 1 and 3 years old), growth begins to slow, but there are still significant milestones
intellectually, emotionally, and socially.

If your child is in this exciting phase of young life, here’s what to watch
for and expect as they head towards their preschool years:

Approaching toddlerhood

As your child is entering toddlerhood, they should have already
demonstrated some

important skills. Mentally, a toddler should be able to recognize their parents and give
them a special name like “mama,” wave goodbye, understand the word “no,”
play basic games, and be able to look for things they see someone hide.

Physically, a one-year-old can pull themselves up to stand and should be
able to walk while holding on to things. They are also able to drink from a
cup with some help and pick up small things such as pieces of food.

12 to 18 months

As a one-year-old,

your toddler will start to communicate more clearly. At 15 months, toddlers can usually point and ask for things, look at
objects when they’re named, and follow directions when they’re given using
both words and gestures (with the need for gestures disappearing by 18
months). Language also increases with 1 – 2 words in addition to “mama” and
“dada” at 15 months

and 3 or more words by 18 months.

Mental milestones include showing affection for people and things and
showing excitement. By 18 months, this will include pointing to things they
like, and moving away from you while keeping an eye on you. They will also
start engaging more, including copying the play of other children, and
eventually copying the way you do things, (such as chores), helping to get
dressed themselves, washing their hands, stacking blocks, and playing with
toys.

Physically, you’ll see significant progress in walking from a few steps at
15 months to being able to walk on their own and climb off a chair. Motor
control also increases so the toddler can use their fingers to feed
themselves, scribble, and drink from a cup with a lid.

24 to 30 months

By the time a child hits two, they’re already looking at book pages with you and copying much of what
you do. Halfway through the “terrible twos,” your child should be able to
say around 50 words, including using words together and saying things like
“I” or “we.” By age two, a toddler should be able to name things when you
point to them. By 30 months, a toddler should be able to

ask where something is.

Physical development includes the ability to jump with both feet and using
their hands to twist things and turn book pages. They should also be able
to eat with a spoon at 24 months and take off some clothes themselves at 30
months.

Mental progress during this period begins with using gestures, playing with
multiple toys together, and noticing emotions in others. By 2.5 years,
they’ll begin playing with other children, following routines, and showing
off their abilities. You’ll also notice the beginning of problem-solving
behaviors, such as pretending, using basic tools, following instructions,
and knowing at least one color.

As your little one leaves toddlerhood at

three years, they should be able to say their name when asked, have a basic
conversation (including asking questions), and describe what’s happening in
photos. Physically, they should be able to string things together (like
macaroni or beads), put on some of their own clothes, use a fork, draw a
circle, and avoid touching hot objects.

Children who are born premature may lag in reaching some of these
milestones. It’s also important to note that all children are different and
may reach certain milestones at different times. Remember, you know your
toddler best and should contact their pediatrician if you are concerned in
any way about your child’s physical or mental development.