Toddler Milestones
All children develop at different rates, but they usually are able to do certain things at certain ages. Here are some general toddler developmental milestones we’d like to share with you from our years of experience at Westchester Health Pediatrics, but keep in mind that these are only guidelines.
Remember: If you have any questions or concerns about your toddler’s development, ask your child’s pediatrician. Even when there are delays, early intervention can make a big difference.
By their 1st birthday, most babies will be able to:
- Look for and be able to find where a sound is coming from
- Respond to their name most of the time when you call it
- Wave goodbye
- Look where you point when you say, “Look at the _________”
- Babble with intonation (voice rises and falls as if they are speaking in sentences)
- Take turns “talking” with you: listen and pay attention to you when you speak and then resume babbling when you stop
- Say “da-da” to dad and “ma-ma” to mom
- Say at least 1 word
- Point to items they want that are out of reach or make sounds while pointing
Between 1 and 2 years, most toddlers will be able to:
- Follow simple commands, first when the adult speaks and gestures, then later with words alone
- Retrieve objects from another room when asked
- Point to a few body parts when asked
- Point to interesting objects or events to get you to look at them too
- Bring things to you to show you
- Point to objects so that you will name the
- Name a few common objects and pictures when asked
- Enjoy pretending (cooking, digging, building) using gestures and words, either with you or a stuffed animal or doll
- Learn 1 new word per week between 1½ and 2 years
By their 3rd birthday, most toddlers will be able to:
- Point to many body parts and common objects
- Point to some pictures in books
- Follow 1-step commands like “Put your cup on the table”
- Be able to say 50-100 words
- Say several 2-word sentences and phrases like “Daddy go,” “Doll mine” and “All gone”
- Be understood by others (or by adults) about half of the time
For our advice, tips and guidance on raising infants and toddlers, CLICK HERE.
Please contact us to discuss any of these topics. Whenever, wherever you need us, we’re here for you.