Every child is different and their development is as unique as they are.  These guidelines are meant as a general overview of milestones children achieve at specific ages.

Every child is different and their development is as unique as they are.  These guidelines are meant as a general overview of milestones children achieve at specific ages.

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Your Toddler Will:

• Begin to pretend play
• Begin to walk without help
• Have the ability to recall someone’s earlier action and repeat it.
• Imitate other’s expressions
• Push and pull things
• Remember where something is hidden and find it, even if it has been completely covered up
• Say about 8 to 20 words
• Understand simple one-step directions ("Get your shoes.")

Brain Development Tips

Interacting with your child is the best way to stimulate and develop your child’s brain.

• Allow your child to pick a book to read.
• Let your child name the objects he sees in books.
• Make reading a part of your daily routine.
• Make regular trips to the library.
• Play frequently with your toddler.
• Provide toys or objects of different sizes, shapes and colors.
• Read out loud to your toddler.
• Sing and recite rhymes.
• Surround your toddler with board books or soft books.

Concerns

• Every child is different and they develop uniquely, too.
• These guidelines are meant as a general overview.
• Please contact your child's pediatrician if you have development concerns.
• You can also call the Minnesota Children With Special Health Needs (MCSHN) at 1-800-728-5420 or visit: www.health.state.mn.us

More

• Screenings and assessments—These can help you better understand and support your child's development.
• Resources—Find parenting and family tipsheets, game ideas, recipes, community resources and more.

Sources: Born Learning (www.bornlearning.org), Minnesota Early Childhood Indicators of Progress, American Academy of Pediatrics (www.aap.org)