Your child is officially a toddler, welcome to the “terrible 2’s”! Your child may demonstrate more independence and defiance compared to before but you’re starting to notice a huge change in growth.
Check out the checklist below to determine if your child is on track with their milestones. Feel free to also print this page as well.
Communication Milestones
- Your child can use up to 50+ words to express wants and needs.
- Your child is starting to use 2 word combinations (e.g. “more ball”).
- Your child can point and identify body parts and familiar people.
- Your child can use negating words (“no juice” or “no go”).
- Your child can point to pictures and familiar objects when named.
- Your child is understood at least 25% of the time.
- Your child can produce the following sounds clearly: /p/, /b/, /m/, /h/, and /w/.
- Your child is imitating your words more.
Movement milestones (Motor)
- Your child can kick a ball.
- Your child may be starting to run.
- Your child can climb on and off of furniture without assistance.
- Your child can walk up and down the stairs with assistance.
Play Milestones
- Your child is noticing others around them during play activities. They may not share their toys but
- Your child demonstrates abstract thinking during pretend play (e.g. spoon for a telephone).
- Your child can match actions to play activities (e.g. singing baby to sleep).
If you notice that your child is not demonstrating some of the milestones above, early intervention is key. Feel free to schedule a consultation to further discuss if your child may benefit from a comprehensive speech-language evaluation.
References:
Parrish, Beth. “Your Child’s Development: 2 Years (24 Months)”. Kidshealth, https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/development-24mos.html. Accessed 26 Jan. 2022.
Healthwise Staff. “Milestones for 2-Year Olds”. University of Michigan Health Medicine, https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/ue5313. Accessed 25 Jan. 2022.
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. “Play Developmental Milestones”. Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, https://www.luriechildrens.org/en/specialties-conditions/pediatric-occupational-therapy/developmental-milestones/play-developmental-milestones/. Accessed 25 Jan. 2022.
Morin, Amanda. “Developmental Milestones for 2-Year Olds”. Understood, https://www.understood.org/articles/en/developmental-milestones-for-typical-2-year-olds. Accessed 25 Jan. 2022.