DEVELOPMENTAL CHECKLIST – 12 TO 24 MONTHS

MOVEMENT

  • Walks alone (12-16 mos.)
  • Pulls toys behind him while walking (13-16 mos.)
  • Carries large toy or several toys while walking (12-15 mos.)
  • Begins to run stiffly (16-18 mos.)
  • Walks into ball (18-24 mos.)
  • Climbs onto and down from furniture unsupported (16-24 mos.)
  • Walks up and down stairs holding on to support (18-24 mos.)

HAND AND FINGER SKILLS

  • Scribbles spontaneously (14-16 mos.)
  • Turns over container to pour out contents (12-18 mos.)
  • Builds tower of four blocks or more (20-24 mos.)

LANGUAGE

  • Points to object or picture when it’s named for them (18-24 mos.)
  • Recognizes names of familiar people, objects, and body parts (18-24 mos.)
  • Says several single words (15-18 mos.)
  • Uses two-word sentences (18-24 mos.)
  • Follows simple, one-step instructions (14-18 mos.)
  • Repeats words overheard in conversations (16-18 mos.)

COGNITIVE

  • Finds objects even when hidden under 2 or 3 covers
  • Begins to sort shapes and colors (20-24 mos.)
  • Begins make-believe play (20-24 mos.)

SOCIAL

  • Imitates behavior of others, especially adults and older children (18-24 mos.)
  • Increasingly enthusiastic about company or other children (20-24 mos.)
  • Demonstrates increasing independence (18-24 mos.)
  • Begins to show defiant behavior (18-24 mos.)
  • Episodes of separation anxiety increase toward midyear, then fade

DEVELOPMENTAL RED FLAGS (12 TO 24 MONTHS)

  • Cannot walk by 18 months
  • Fails to develop a mature heel-toe walking pattern after several months of walking, or walks exclusively on toes
  • Does not speak at least 15 words by 18 months
  • Does not use two-word sentences by age 2
  • By 15 months does not seem to know the function of common household objects (brush, telephone, bell, fork, spoon)
  • Does not imitate actions or words by 24 mos.
  • Does not follow simple one-step instructions by 24 mos.

Downloadable Version

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