Between 19 and 24 months, your toddler has faster feet, more words to string together, and bigger feelings to work through, all while their independent streak keeps growing.
Toddlers develop strength and coordination in different ways. Some run early, while others focus on climbing first. If you are concerned about development or your toddler loses a skill, speak with your toddler's healthcare professional. For toddlers born early, ask how corrected age applies.
Your toddler is running, climbing higher, and venturing further from your side. Stay within arm's reach during active play, secure furniture and stairs, and keep small objects and other hazards out of reach.
Running, Climbing & Reaching with Confidence
At this stage, toddler may run with more confidence, climb higher, and go up and down stairs with less help. They may also enjoy kicking or throwing a ball.
How you can help
Give your toddler plenty of open space to run, climb, and jump safely. Stay close on stairs and during climbing, but give them room to practice. Kicking a ball, playing chase, or playing “ready, set, go” can help build these skills.
Small hands, big skills
Growing hand control may help toddlers stack blocks, scribbling with a crayon, and using a spoon to feed themselves. They may also start helping with simple tasks, like taking off simple clothing or turning pages in a book. Every toddler's fine motor skills develop at their own pace. Some love building and stacking, while others are drawn to scribbling first.
How you can help
Offer blocks, crayons, and chunky puzzles for hands-on practice. Let your toddler try using a spoon on their own, even if it's messy. Give them simple ways to help, like turning book pages or putting toys in a basket. Follow their interest rather than pushing a specific skill.
Words taking off
New words may start coming quickly. Toddlers may learn new words quickly and start putting two words together, such as “more milk” or “big dog.” They may understand more than they can say and use words, sounds, or gestures to communicate.
How you can help
Keep talking about what you see and do together. When your toddler says a word, build on it with a little more language. Ask simple questions and give them time to respond. Let them lead the conversation and follow their interests.
Make-believe & Figuring things out
Pretend play may start to bloom. Toddlers may start pretending to feed a stuffed animal, talk on the phone, or “cook” in a toy pot. They may also work out simple problems, like stacking blocks or fitting shapes into a slot.
How you can help
Follow your toddler’s lead in pretend play and let them decide what happens next. Offer open-ended toys like play food, dolls, or blocks. When they face a small challenge, give them time to try before stepping in.
Big feelings, bigger "me"
As independence grows, toddlers may insist on doing things “myself,” say “no” more often, or have big reactions when things don't go their way. This growing independence is a normal part of learning who they are.
How you can help
Name your toddler’s feelings to help them build words for big emotions. Offer small choices when you can, like which shirt to wear, and stay calm and close during meltdowns. Your steady presence can help them settle when reasoning or distraction isn't working.
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