Your Baby’s Amazing Journey: Developmental Milestones

Physical Development:

• Walks and runs with improved coordination.
• Begins to climb on furniture and stairs (with or without help).
• Kicks a ball and may attempt to jump with both feet.
• Starts using hands more precisely—can build towers of 4+ blocks.

Senses:

• Fully alert to sights and sounds.
• Enjoys exploring different textures, colors, and sounds.

Feeding:

• Feeds self with a spoon or fork, though may still spill.
• Drinks from a cup without help.
• May have strong preferences for certain foods.

Social and Emotional Development:

• Shows defiant behavior (“no” stage).
• Begins to show empathy and concern for others.
• Seeks comfort when upset.
• Engages in parallel play (playing beside—not with—other children).

Communication:

• Uses 50 or more words, combining 2–3 words into simple sentences.
• Names common objects and familiar people.
• Follows simple two-step directions.
• Repeats words heard in conversation.

Cognitive Development:

• Begins to sort shapes and colors.
• Imitates actions and routines from daily life (e.g., sweeping, phone use).
• Engages in pretend play (e.g., feeding a doll).
• Understands object permanence and basic problem-solving.

Things you can do to support development:

• Give your child choices when possible (“Do you want the blue cup or the red one?”).
• Read simple books and point to pictures as you name them.
• Provide safe spaces for climbing, jumping, and movement.
• Encourage pretend play with dolls, animals, or toy kitchen items.
• Be patient and responsive, this is a big time for emotional development.