18 to 23 month milestones
Milestones are reference points for what most children do. We never score or compare.
Feelings & Comfort
- Notices when another person is hurt or upsetBy 24 months
- Looks to an adult’s face for guidance in a new situationBy 24 months
- Shows a range of feelings, and starts to name some with your helpBy 24 months
Limits & Cooperation
- Can wait a short time for something they want, with your helpBy 24 months
- Starts to play a simple game together with another childBy 24 months
- Stops and starts in a ready-set-go game, with remindersBy 24 months
- Moves on to the next thing more easily with a heads-upBy 24 months
- Starts to accept another choice when the answer is no, with your helpBy 24 months
Talking & Understanding
- Uses and understands at least 50 wordsBy 24 months
- Combines two or more wordsBy 24 months
- Uses words to ask for helpBy 24 months
- Uses possessive forms such as “Daddy’s shoe”By 24 months
- Uses gestures beyond waving and pointingBy 24 months
Speaking Clearly
- Says many words, though some aren't clear yet, like “du” for shoeBy 24 months
Early Literacy
- Finishes lines in books they know wellBy 23 months
- Points to a named picture in a bookBy 24 months
- Repeats words and phrases from favorite storiesBy 24 months
Exploring & Discovering
- Tries to use switches, knobs, or buttons on a toyBy 24 months
- Tests what things do, like pouring, filling or dropping into waterBy 24 months
- Explores the natural world, like puddles, leaves or bugsBy 24 months
Logic & Numbers
- Uses a simple tool, like a spoon or stick, to reach a toy after you show howBy 22 months
- Holds something in one hand while using the other, like holding a container and taking the lid offBy 24 months
- Says some number words, often in routines like “one, two”By 24 months
- Does simple shape puzzles, like fitting pieces into matching holesBy 24 months
- Uses words or gestures for size and weight, like big, little or heavyBy 24 months
Pretend & Imitate
- Uses objects in simple pretend playBy 24 months
- Plays with more than one toy at the same time, like putting toy food on a toy plateBy 24 months
- Copies how you do everyday things, like stirring a pot or talking on a phoneBy 24 months
Doing It Myself
- Eats with a spoonBy 24 months
- Joins in simple chores with you, like putting things awayBy 24 months
Knowing Myself
- Points to at least two body parts when askedBy 24 months
- Recognizes themselves in a mirrorBy 24 months
- Looks at you after doing something by themselves, to share itBy 24 months
- Shows what they want to wear, eat or play withBy 24 months
Nara is educational and doesn’t assess or diagnose. If you’re worried, talk to your child’s doctor.
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