Developmental Milestones: 24-36 Months
During the toddler years, development milestones will vary widely from child to child. Unless your toddler lags in several areas or is more than a few months behind in any one area, there is little need for concern. Also remember that premature babies may reach milestones slightly later than a child who is born full-term, and that by age two, they will even out developmentally. Below is a list of general developmental guidelines for an average healthy child between the ages of 24-36 months old.
By month 24
Most toddlers are able to:
- name at least five body parts
- speak understandably more than half the time
- form two to three-word sentences
- dress and undress themselves
Some toddlers are able to:
- walk down stairs without help
- talk about likes and dislikes
- arrange things in categories
A few toddlers are able to:
- jump
- begin to understand concepts (better or worse, etc.)
- understand gender differences
By months 25 and 26
Most toddlers are able to:
- stack six blocks at a time
- walk smoothly from heel to toe
Some toddlers are able to:
- speak using pronouns (I, me, you, etc.)
- wash and dry their own hands
A few toddlers are able to:
- speak clearly most of the time
- draw a vertical line
By months 27 and 28
Most toddlers are able to:
- jump with both feet
- open and close doors
Some toddlers are able to:
- understand descriptions of objects (small, soft, etc.)
- draw a vertical line
A few toddlers are able to:
- start to recognize the ABCs
- balance on one foot
By months 29 and 30
Most toddlers are able to:
- brush teeth with help
- wash and dry their own hands
- draw a vertical line
Some toddlers are able to:
- draw a circle
- balance on one foot
A few toddlers are able to:
- put on a t-shirt
- name at least one color
- name at least one friend
By months 31 and 32
Most toddlers are able to:
- say their own names
- draw a circle
Some toddlers are able to:
- put on a t-shirt
- recognize the ABCs
- brush teeth by themselves
A few toddlers are able to:
- point to objects described by their use
- use a few adjectives
- draw a cross or an X
By months 33 and 34
Most toddlers are able to:
- name at least one color
- name at least one friend
- engage in a simple conversation
Some toddlers are able to:
- go up and down stairs while alternating feet
- speak using prepositions (in, on, etc.)
- speak clearly most of the time
- stack eight blocks at a time
A few toddlers are able to:
- use the potty during the day
- express a wide range of emotions
By months 35 and 36
Most toddlers are able to:
- name at least two actions (running, jumping, etc.)
- describe how more than one object is used
- use at least three words in a sentence
Some toddlers are able to
- hop and skip
- ride a tricycle
- follow more complex directions
A few toddlers are able to
- balance on each foot for several seconds
- get completely dressed on their own
Between months 24 and 36, you will also notice your child improving significantly in the following skills:
- putting together sentences
- following more complex directions
- physical activity (throwing, climbing, jumping, stacking, etc.)
- getting dressed, washing and drying hands, brushing teeth and other physical activities
- walking up and down stairs
- paying attention
- socializing/playing with others
- using the potty
- noticing/awareness of change in routine
- using different words and tones while speaking to different people
- asking questions