All toddlers have their own timetable, but you can watch for certain developments in your 2-year-old. Celebrate with your child as he reaches or nears these milestones.

CognitiveChild’s 21 to 24 months milestone

  • Completes puzzles of three or four pieces (20)
  • Sorts objects by shape and color (20, 1) 
  • Knows names of body parts (1)
  • Finds things hidden under two or more layers (1)
  • Finishes sentences in familiar books, songs, and nursery rhymes (1)
  • Follows two- and three-part commands (20)
  • Figures out simple mechanical toys (20)

Motor

  • Learns to kick a ball (20) 
  • Jumps (20)
  • Walks up and down stairs with alternating feet, while holding on (20)
  • Pedals a tricycle (20)
  • Throws overhand (1) 
  • May be able to stand on one leg (20)
  • Stacks blocks three or higher (20)
  • Unzips large zippers (20)
  • Turns handles; opens lids (20)
  • Uses a cup with one hand (20)
  • Begins to hold a crayon more like an adult‘s finger positioning (20)
  • Most are potty-trained by age 3 (17)
  • Runs with more coordination (20)

Communication

  • Likely knows 300 words by age 3 (20)
  • Speaks in sentences of three to four or more words (20, 13)
  • Usually speaks without repeating words or syllables (13)
  • Imitates most adult speech sounds but still mispronounces many words (20)
  • Probably chatters continuously (20)
  • Speaks clearly enough to be understood by strangers (20, 13)
  • Tells stories (20)
  • Follows many basic rules of grammar (20)
  • Uses the words “I,” “me,” “mine,” and “you,” though not always perfectly (20)

Social

  • Pretend play mimics real-life emotions 
  • Shows affection for familiar playmates (20) 
  • Plays with other children (for example, chase), rather than just side-by-side play (1)
  • Employs basic turn-taking (20)
  • Understands the concept of possessives (mine, his, hers) (20)
  • Quick to show emotions, especially happiness and frustration (20)
  • Shows defiant behavior (doing things after being told not to) (1)
  • Dislikes major changes in routine (1)
  • Very responsive to people (watching them, imitating)(20,1)
 
Reference:
 
1. Mead Johnson Nutrition Test Batch Story # 51c Section Milestones/inform Source Packet