The Growing Child: 1-Year-Olds 

Takes a few steps on their own by 15 months

Walks alone by 18 months, then starts to run

Climbs stairs and then walks up a few stairs with or without help by 24 months

Climbs on and off a couch or chair

Dances with music

Plays with toys, like pushing a toy car by 18 months

Plays with more than one toy at a time, like putting toy food on a toy plate, by 24 months

Can build towers out of blocks

Kicks a ball by 24 months

Scribbles with crayon or pencil and may imitate drawing a straight line or circle

Mostly feeds self with fingers

Starts to feed self with spoon

Drinks well from cup

First molar (back) teeth appear

Takes one afternoon nap

May sleep 10 to 12 hours at night

Imitates animal sounds and noises

At 15 months, tries to say one or two words besides “mama” or “dada,” like “ba” for ball or “da” for dog

At 18 months, says three or more words besides “mama” or “dada”

By 24 months, uses simple phrases or two-word sentences such as "Mommy up"

By 24 months, uses more gestures than just waving and pointing, like blowing a kiss or nodding yes

Looks at a familiar object when you name it

By 18 months, understands one-step questions and directions such as "Where is the ball?"

By 24 months understands two-step questions and directions such as "Go to your room and get your shoes."

Tries to use things the right way, like a phone, cup, or book

Understands object permanence. This means that a hidden object is still there.

Points to things in a book when you ask, such as “Where is the bear?”

By 24 months, can point to at least two body parts when asked, such as nose, hair, eyes

Starts to understand use of certain objects such as the broom is for sweeping the floor

May ask for parent's help by pointing

Plays alongside others without interacting. This is called parallel play.

May start clinging to parents around 18 months

May start to say "no" more often to commands or needs

May have temper tantrums

May use a blanket or stuffed animal as a security object in place of the parent

Give your child toys that can be filled and emptied, and toys for imaginary play.

Help your child with simple 2- to 6-piece puzzles with shapes, colors, and animals.

Help your child build towers of blocks.

Give simple choices. Let your child choose between two things. For example, when dressing, ask them if they want to wear the red or blue shirt.

Encourage your child to "help" you with household tasks.

Give your child paper and large crayons so they can scribble and draw.

Talk to your child with clear simple language about what you are doing.

Use the correct names for objects, even if your child does not. For example, your child might say "wa-wa," and you say, "Water, that's right."

Expand your child's sentences. If your child says, "Want cookie," you say, "Do you want another cookie?"

Read to your child every day using picture and story books.

Feed your child at family mealtimes.

Expect tantrums. They are normal at this age and should become shorter and happen less often as your child gets older. You can try distractions, but it’s OK to ignore the tantrum. Give them some time to calm down and move on.

Limit screen time (TV, tablets, phones, etc.) to video calling with loved ones. Screen time is not recommended for children younger than 18 months of age. Children learn by talking, playing, and interacting with others. Children 18–24 months of age can learn from high-quality educational media if their parents play or view with them and reteach the lessons. Limit your own screen time when you are with your child so you are able to respond to their words and actions.