• waves “bye-bye”;
• calls a parent “mama” or “dada” or another special name;
• understands “no” (pauses briefly or stops when you say it);
• puts something in a container, like a block in a cup; looks for things they see you hide, like a toy under a blanket;
• pulls up to stand;
• walks, holding on to furniture; drinks from a cup without a lid, as you hold it;
• picks things up between thumb and pointer finger, like small bits of food.

• 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.

• Make an obstacle course with boxes or furniture that baby can climb over, under, or through.
• Make noisy shakers by filling containers with different sounding objects (and secured with tight fitting lids).
• Cut up safe finger foods and let baby pick them up, feel the textures, and feed themself.
• Make puppets out of a sock or paper bag and have the puppet “talk” to you and encourage baby to talk back.

• moves away from you, but looks to make sure you are close by;
• points to show you something interesting;
• looks at a few pages in a book with you;
• help you dress them by pushing arms through sleeves or lifting up feet;
• tries to say three or more words besides “mama” or “dada”;
• follows one-step directions without any gestures, like giving you the toy when you say “Give it to me”;
• plays with toys in a simple way, like pushing a toy car;
• walks without holding onto anyone or anything; scribbles;
• climbs on and off a couch or chair without help.

• Follow simple commands, first when the adult speaks and gestures, and then later with words alone.
• Get 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 you will name them.
• Name a few common objects and pictures when asked.
• Enjoy pretending (for example, pretend cooking). They will use gestures and words with you or with a favorite stuffed animal or doll.
• Learn about 1 new word per week between 1½ and 2 years.

• Help your toddler play cleanup games and sort objects into piles.
• Give your toddler a small wagon or an old purse for “collecting” things. They can fill and empty it and pull it around.
• Sing action songs like “Itsy Bitsy Spider” and do the actions together.
• Expose your toddler to the joys of playing in water and playing with bubbles.
• Use boxes or buckets for your toddler to throw beanbags or balls into.

Your toddler will start to walk independently.

They’ll be able to build towers using 2 cubes.

Your toddler will be able to say one word at a time, such as “no” or the name of a particular object.

They’ll play alongside other children but not with them. This is called parallel play.

Your child may:

• be easily frightened by loud noises – they may cry if they are startled by a sound like a door slamming
• want your attention and praise
  react to changes in their daily routine
• be able to soothe and comfort themselves as well as getting comfort from you

Your toddler will put 2 cubes into 1 hand to help them take a third cube.

• Copies other children while playing, like taking toys out of a container when another child does
• Shows you an object they like
• Claps when excited
• Hugs stuffed doll or other toy
• Shows you affection (hugs, cuddles, or kisses you)

• Tries to say one or two words besides “Mama” or “Dada,” like “ba” for “ball” or “da” for “dog”
• Looks at a familiar object when you name it
• Follows directions given with both a gesture and words. For example, giving you a toy when you hold out your hand and say, “Give me the toy.”
• Points to ask for something or to get help

• Tries to use objects the right way, like a phone, cup, or book
• Stacks at least two small objects, like blocks

• Takes a few steps without help
• Uses fingers to feed themselves some food

Your toddler will crawl upstairs. Their legs will be stiff when they run.

They’ll be able to build towers using 3 cubes.

Your toddler will have a vocabulary of 5 to 10 words.

They’ll start doing pretend play.

This is when your toddler pretends objects or actions are other make-believe objects or ideas as play. For example, pretending blocks are a house or pretending to talk on a phone.

Your child may:

• enjoy getting praise and attention from you
• get upset when they don’t get something they want
• not want to share toys with other children

Your toddler will find toys hidden under layers.

• Moves away from you, but looks to make sure you are close by
• Points to show you something interesting
• Puts hands out for you to wash them
• Looks at a few pages in a book with you
• Helps you dress them by pushing arm through sleeve or lifting up foot

• Tries to say three or more words besides “Mama” or “Dada”
• Follows one-step directions without any gestures, like giving you the toy when you say, “Give it to me.”

• Copies you doing chores, like sweeping with a broom
• Plays with toys in a simple way, like pushing a toy car

Walks without holding on to anyone or anything
Scribbles
Drinks from a cup without a lid and may spill sometimes
Feeds themselves with their fingers
Tries to use a spoon
Climbs on and off a couch or chair without help