18-24 Months: Toddler Talk -- Milestones

Children this age are very interested in understanding words and following directions. They can now understand simple questions and even provide simple one-word answers with an appropriate nod of the head for yes and no. They understand a caregiver's explanations of events that are taking place and can understand when told that something can't happen until later in the day, or even tomorrow. They can find an object when asked to go get it. For example:

Developing as expected, they might:

• point to several body parts as you name them
• point to the appropriate picture in the book when you ask for it
• respond to requests, such as, "Please close the door"
• find their special truck in the other room or on the shelf when asked where it is
• respond to directions, such as, "It's time to wash hands for lunch"
• go over to the refrigerator door or the snack table when asked if they want juice
• put their blocks back on the correct shelf when you are helping them clean up and you ask, "Which shelf do these go on?"
• say, "Hot! No-no!" when you tell them not to get near the stove when it's hot
• put their wet boots on the mat after being reminded

Needing development, they might:

• remain unengaged in family discussions at the dinner table
• go to get a diaper for the baby in the other room, and then forget what you wanted and start to play with the toys
• point to their eyes when asked to show several body parts, but won't respond to any more questions
• ignore suggestions that it's time to go in and wash up for lunch

2. Uses a growing number of words and puts several words together.

Toddlers move at their own pace in how and when they use words and language. Children this age display a wide span of development in their production of words, ranging from just beginning to label objects to talking in sentences. The words toddlers do use can usually be understood, but some words still run together. Toddlers' vocabulary develops from their daily experiences so that in different cultures and different settings children use different words and phrases they hear. As toddlers' language abilities develop, they move from simple labels to using words that show intent, such as, "No!" or "Mine!" For example:

Developing as expected, they might:

• name pictures in their picture book
• jabber to themselves as they make different shapes with the play dough
• say their word for shirt as they pick out one that is red
• put several words together, such as, "More cookie" or "Go out now"
• use language with increasing specificity to ask for what they want
• start asking questions related to the story you are reading, or the things they see as you go on walks together
• respond to something that just happened, such as, "Kitty gone?"
• look at Daddy getting ready to go out and say, "Juan go?"

Needing development, they might:

• continue to use gestures rather than words to communicate
• cry or stamp their feet when you don't understand what they want
• try to tell you about something, but their babbling sounds don't make sense
• point to the juice, but use sounds that are not distinguishable as words