Your Toddler’s Development Journey: Skills They Will Develop and When

Toddlers develop in many different ways; it is remarkable how they change from day to day. There are developmental visible changes in the physical, thinking and speaking skills as they learning new things and start to say more. Understanding these three areas of development will help you more clearly understand what to expect and guide your toddler’s learning.

Toddlers really are great at putting all of the toes to work. Each day, they are learning, investigating and exploring what they are capable of doing alone. This is a period of determining what they can do, and how they fit into or belong to the world.

Every child IS unique, do not compare your young child to other children, if they reach their milestones a little early or later than other kids, that is normal, every child develops at their own pace. However, by knowing what skills your child will have (and how it looks) at a specific age, gives you the opportunity to help support your child in a way that she or he is best adapted to.

Physical Development

Toddlers are full of energy, aren’t they? Their bodily movements develop rapidly as they learn to move about, balance, and use hands.

1. a) At 12 months: Most children can stand by themselves and hold on to nothing. Many will walk from 12 to 15 months, but some need a little more time.
2. b) By 16 to 18 months: Your toddler will likely be experimenting with new tricks. They may be walking backward, ascending stairs with assistance, or even taking off in a shuffle run.
3. c) By 24 months: Your toddler will be jumping up and down and scribbling with a crayon. They will also insist on feeding themselves with a spoon, most of which will land on the floor.
4. d) By 36 months: Your child can ride a tricycle, stand for a short time on one foot, and climb at age 3.

These milestones show how your child’s large muscles (gross motor skills) and small muscles (fine motor skills) are developing.

Language Development

Your child’s language development is getting better and better. They’ll move from speaking a few words to speaking short sentences.

1. a) 12 to 15 months: Your child is probably going to utter two or three words other than “mama” or “papa.” They will point to something they desire and even respond when you call them by name.
2. b) 14 to 16 months: They begin linking words with tasks. Straightforward instructions like “bring it to mummy” become comprehensible.
3. c) At 18 to 24 months: Your toddler recognizes pictures of animals or objects and can identify body parts on demand.
4. d) By 36 months: Your 3-year-old child will have knowledge about his or her own gender and age. Your child can follow a two- or three-step command, like “get your toy and put it in the box.”

Cognitive Development

Cognitive skills in your toddler are all about how they are thinking, learning, and understanding the world.

1. a) 12 to 18 months: You may notice them using simple tools like spoons which indicate that they are understanding how things work.
2. b) 12 months: They know objects and people continue to exist even when they can’t see them (this is why children never tire of peek-a-boo!).
3. c) 24 months: They may sort blocks by shape or colour and are beginning to see patterns as they solve problems independently.
4. d) 36 months: Their memory and attention are extended, and the toddler may be able to follow 2 or 3 instructions easily. Social and Emotional Development

Toddlers are full of big feelings because they are discovering independence but are still looking for comfort.

1. a) 12 to 15 months: They are starting to point to indicate their desires, i.e., pointing to cup for drink.
2. b) 18 months: They will displace their upsets or frustrations on you, a sign of trust.
3. c) 18 to 24 months: They can sometimes assist with minor chores, interact with picture books, or talk about current events.
4. d) 24 to 36 months: Pretend play cooking with toy stove or talking on a toy mobile.

Behavior and Discipline

Toddlers are innate investigators, and that involves testing boundaries as well.

Tantrums and stubbornness are a byproduct of frustration. Firm limits show them what is okay. Positive reinforcement praising and hugging for good behavior—works magic, but screaming or spanking just baffles them. Time-outs, even brief ones, teach them to calm down and learn boundaries without punishment.

Safety Tips: Keeping Your Toddler Safe

Safety is an important issue as toddlers become more energetic.

Childproof your home using gates and door locks. Use latches on cabinets and plugs. Try and keep cleaning supplies and medications out of reach. Never leave a toddler unattended near pools, in tubs, or even near open toilets.

General Developmental Red Flags in Toddlers (1–3 years)

Although every child grows at their own rate, some indicators mean it’s time to visit a pediatrician.

1. a) By 12 months, red flags are failure to crawl or bear weight on legs, no babbling, failure to respond to name call, no gestures like waving or pointing, or indifference to games like peek-a-boo.
2. b) By 18 months, the concerns are failure to walk alone, no words that are functional, not pointing to show interest, no imitating simple things like clapping, poor eye contact, or seeming withdrawn and cranky.
3. c) At 24 months, worry if your child knows fewer than 50 words, is not yet putting two words together to form a sentence, is not following simple directions, is not climbing or running, or is losing abilities that they had.
4. d) Red flags at 36 months are failure to use single sentences, parent-reportable unintelligible speech, failure to walk upstairs using alternate feet, failure to pretend, or failure to respond to others’ emotions. Persistent toe-walking or clumsy movements also signify concern.
5. e) At any age, regression of skills, poor eye contact, refusal to respond to sound or visual stimuli, rigid or floppy muscles, or severe feeding issues should be pursued because they may be signs of disorders like motor delay or autism spectrum disorder.

It’s thrilling and shocking to see your toddler grow. You might see them take their first step, say their first word, and experience big feelings that are unexpected. There’s a range of appropriate development in all areas. Milestones are great indicators, but listening for red flags provides the opportunity to step in sooner if necessary. Everything your toddler does, is part of creating awareness, of themselves, and of the world, in which your love and guidance ultimately make it safe and fun.

FAQs for Your Toddler’s Developmental Journey: The Skills They Will Master and At What Age

1. When should I be concerned about developmental delays in my toddler?

If your toddler repeatedly misses milestones, is having trouble moving, talking, or relating socially, see a pediatrician.

2. How do toddlers develop attention span?

Toddlers learn attention span with time through interactive games, play, and routine tasks.

Dr. Sujatha Thyagarajan

Lead & HOD – Pediatric Intensive Care and Pediatric Emergency