Toddler Development

12-24 months

This page describes typical development for this age range

Self-Care Skills

  • Takes off socks and shoes

  • Helps with putting on and taking off shirt

  • Independently drinks from an open cup

  • Feeds self with fork and spoon

Cognition and Language

  • Exploration of toys, simple problem solving

  • Points to pictures; starts to identify words/pictures

  • Cause and effect play

  • Imitates movements

  • Recognizes and points to body parts

  • Follows simple directions

  • Starts to understand and use yes/no

  • Starts to understand prepositions

  • Uses words/approximates sounds to convey wants/needs

  • Becomes more independent – tantrums begin!

Fine Motor Skills

  • Puts toys into containers

  • Pushes/orients toys together

  • Stacks objects

  • Scribbles on paper

  • Starts to imitate circles and lines

  • Turns pages of a board book

  • Strings large beads

Recommended Toys and Activities to Promote Development

  • Mega blocks

  • Smart Max magnetic animals

  • Velcro play food

  • Fat Brain spin again

  • Insert puzzles

  • Shape sorter

  • Board Books

  • First words cards

  • Pull tubes

  • Party necklaces

  • Nosey cup

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Infant Development
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Therapy Adjuncts