Toddler milestones: what should my kid be doing and when?

That's definitely one of the questions we get asked most here at Caribbean Moms, and it's hardly surprising as to why.

It seems like one minute you have a newborn, then you blink and you have a fully-grown, tantrum-throwing threenager!

The toddler years are key for mastering critical skills, developing independence, and developing a unique personality.

That obviously brings with it a lot of anxiety for moms who think their child isn't developing as quickly as others of the same age.

But don't worry, every child is unique, says Rallie McAllister - a family physician in Kentucky in the US, and co-author of The Mommy MD Guide to Your Baby’s First Year.

“Kids don’t meet milestones on the clock,” she explained. “If your child doesn’t walk when a website chart suggests they ‘should,’ don’t stress out over it.

"Sometimes people pressure you to treat meeting milestones like a competition - like a misguided baby Olympics. Support your child and savor their individual developmental pace.”

Toddler milestones: what should my kid be doing and when?

In fact, to account for the wide age ranges for meeting milestones, the Centers for Disease Control and Development (CDC) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated their milestones guidelines in February 2022.

It's also important to remember that babies born during the COVID pandemic may meet traditional milestones a little later because of limited interaction with people outside of the home.

If you are worried about your toddler's development, you should speak with your doctor because you know best!

Here’s an overview of when your child might meet certain toddler developmental milestones.

Check out this cool toddler milestone checklist so you can keep track of your child's development.

12 months

At 12 months, your toddler may start saying their first words (usually ‘mama’ and ‘dada’).

They might soon start to:

Use simple gestures like waving or shaking their head
Play games like peek-a-boo
Explore objects by putting things into containers and shaking things
Start using cups and other items correctly
Stand on their own
Cruise by holding onto furniture
Use sounds or actions to get your attention
Play favorites with people and things

15 months

Often, 15 months is the stage when your toddler starts to take a few wobbly steps and begins showing affection with hugs, kisses and cuddles.

Other milestones to look out for over the coming months include:

Following simple directions
Copying other kids while playing
Clapping to show excitement
Pointing at things to ask for something or to get help

18 months

The 18-month-stage is a big one, and while a lot of fun, it can also be exhausting and demanding coping with tantrums.

At this age, your toddler may be:

Walking
Helping to dress themselves
Drinking from a cup and using a spoon
Scribbling
Follows simple commands
Engaging in simple pretend play, like feeding a baby
Copying what you do around the house
Saying a few more words other than “mama” and “dada”

2-year-old toddler milestones

There's no easy way to say this but yes, you’re entering the terrible two's and you need to be prepared!

There'll be lots of defiance, meltdowns, and temper tantrums, but there'll also be lots of fun and love. So stay strong!

And it's important that you help your toddler develop by playing with them and supporting them if they're struggling with a task.

Changes you may notice are them:

Showing concern
Getting more independence, including a little defiance
Saying the names of familiar people and body parts
Putting together sentences using at least two words
Kicking and throwing a ball
Repeating the words you say
Using gestures other than waving and pointing, like blowing a kiss
Running and standing on their tiptoes
Building towers of four or more blocks

30 months

By two-and-a-half, your little one may be speaking quite fluently, or be fully potty trained.

But don’t worry if they’re not; remember, every child is different!

Other milestones they'll soon hit include:

Playing alongside, and even with, other kids
Following simple routine and two-step instructions
Using objects for pretend play, like feeding a block for a doll
Playing make-believe games
Turning book pages one at a time
Sorting shapes and colors
Saying around 50 words
Using words like “I,” “me”, or “we”
Jumping off the ground using both feet
Partially dressing and undressing themselves.

3-year-old toddler milestones

Once your child enters preschool, it’s tempting to compare your child’s development to other kids.

But take our advice - don't do it!

There is no conclusive evidence that children who reach developmental milestones early are more likely to have a more favorable developmental outcome or be smarter later in life.

Milestones your toddler may soon hit are: