13 to 17 month milestones
Milestones are reference points for what most children do. We never score or compare.
Feelings & Comfort
- ClapsBy 15 months
- Shows you affection with hugs, cuddles or kissesBy 15 months
- Hugs a stuffed toy or dollBy 15 months
- Notices when someone is upset, by looking or going quietBy 16 months
- Moves away to explore and checks that a caregiver is nearbyBy 18 months
- Gets upset at separations, and settles again with your helpBy 18 months
Limits & Cooperation
- Helps you when you need it, like picking up something you droppedBy 18 months
- Makes a choice when you offer two thingsBy 18 months
- Calms back down after a tantrum, with you close byBy 18 months
Talking & Understanding
- Uses one or two wordsBy 15 months
- Follows a simple direction with words and a gestureBy 15 months
- Points to ask for something or get helpBy 15 months
- Tells you what they want by pointing, pulling, or making soundsBy 15 months
- Looks at a familiar object when you name itBy 15 months
- Looks around for an object when asked “where”By 18 months
- Follows a one-step direction without a gestureBy 18 months
- Points to share something interestingBy 18 months
- Uses pointing to request, comment, or seek informationBy 18 months
- Shakes head for “no” and nods for “yes”By 18 months
- Understands and uses words for common people, objects, and actionsBy 18 months
- Identifies at least one body partBy 18 months
- Uses gestures when excited or playfulBy 18 months
- Uses at least three words besides parent namesBy 18 months
Speaking Clearly
- Tries to say words, often only part of the word, like “ba” for ballBy 15 months
- Combines long sound strings, syllables, and words with speech-like rhythmBy 18 months
Early Literacy
- Laughs, squeals and babbles while enjoying a favorite bookBy 17 months
- Looks at several book pages with an adultBy 18 months
- Brings you a book to readBy 18 months
- Says some of the words in songs and rhymesBy 18 months
Exploring & Discovering
- Tries to use things the right way, like a phone, cup, or bookBy 15 months
- Hands you a toy for help when it won't workBy 16 months
- Plays with toys in a simple way, like pushing a toy carBy 18 months
- Explores materials with different textures, like sand, water or doughBy 18 months
Logic & Numbers
- Stacks at least two small objects, like blocksBy 15 months
- Keeps trying a hard task after seeing you keep tryingBy 15 months
- Compares amounts, using words or gestures for lots, more or the sameBy 18 months
Pretend & Imitate
- Copies another child’s action during playBy 15 months
- Copies everyday household routinesBy 18 months
- Pretends one simple action, like sipping from an empty cupBy 18 months
Doing It Myself
- Tries to use a spoonBy 18 months
- Drinks from an open cup, with some spillsBy 18 months
- Puts hands out for you to wash themBy 18 months
- Helps with dressing, like pushing an arm through a sleeveBy 18 months
Knowing Myself
- Shows you something they likeBy 15 months
Nara is educational and doesn’t assess or diagnose. If you’re worried, talk to your child’s doctor.
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