What usually appears
Motor: runs, kicks a ball, walks up and down stairs holding on, throws a ball overhand, opens doors, stacks 6 blocks, starts undressing alone.
Language: 50 or more words by 24 months and growing daily, two-word sentences (“want milk”, “daddy go”), says their own name, follows two-step commands, about half of speech is understood by strangers.
Social-emotional: pretend play (feeding a doll), starts playing with other children briefly, shows shyness and pride, fiercely independent, “me do it!”, and tantrums are still frequent.
Cognitive: sorts shapes and colours, finds objects hidden in two places, imitates a straight line, points to named pictures, understands “one” and “many”.
How to support it
Expand their sentences (“want milk” becomes “you want warm milk”), read short stories, let them try alone even if it takes longer, set calm and consistent limits. A good time to introduce a toothbrush with a rice-grain of fluoride toothpaste.
When to be alert
At 24 months: no two-word sentences, fewer than 50 words, does not imitate actions or words, does not follow simple commands, walks unsteadily, does not know what common objects are for (spoon, comb), or loses skills.
CDC milestones at 18 months
The CDC "Learn the Signs. Act Early." checklist (2022 revision) for 18 months, grouped by area.
Social/Emotional
- 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
Language/Communication
- 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.”
Cognitive
- Copies you doing chores, like sweeping with a broom
- Plays with toys in a simple way, like pushing a toy car
Movement/Physical
- 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
