Child Development
Your Child's Development: 1 to 2 Years
The year between 12 and 24 months is one of the most exciting periods of development. Your toddler is becoming mobile, starting to communicate, and developing a sense of self.
Movement & Physical Development
12-15 months
- Pulls up to stand and cruises along furniture
- Takes first independent steps (typically 12-15 months)
- Sits down without help
- Picks up small objects with thumb and finger (pincer grip)
- Puts objects into containers and takes them out
- Begins to use a spoon (messily!)
15-18 months
- Walks independently with increasing confidence
- Begins to run (stiffly)
- Climbs onto low furniture
- Stacks 2-3 blocks
- Turns pages of a board book (several at a time)
- Drinks from a cup with help
18-24 months
- Walks confidently and runs
- Kicks a ball forward
- Walks up stairs with hand held
- Stacks 4-6 blocks
- Begins to scribble with crayons
- Turns pages one at a time
- Takes off shoes and socks
Language & Communication
12-15 months
- Says 1-3 words besides "mama" and "dada"
- Understands simple instructions ("Give me the ball")
- Points to things they want
- Uses gestures — waves bye, shakes head for "no"
- Babbles with expression (sounds like real conversation)
15-18 months
- Vocabulary grows to 5-20 words
- Points to familiar objects when named
- Follows simple directions
- Tries to say words you say
- Points to body parts when asked
18-24 months
- Vocabulary explodes — 50+ words by age 2
- Begins combining 2 words ("more milk", "daddy go")
- Names familiar objects and pictures
- Understands much more than they can say
- Follows 2-step instructions ("Pick up the cup and bring it here")
- Starts to use "mine" and "me"
Social & Emotional Development
12-15 months
- Shows affection — hugs, kisses
- May have separation anxiety (peaks around 12-18 months)
- Plays alongside other children (parallel play)
- Shows preferences for certain people and toys
- May be wary of strangers
15-18 months
- Imitates what others do (sweeping, talking on phone)
- Shows possessiveness over toys
- Brings a book to you to read
- Explores independently but checks back with caregiver
- May have first tantrums as they struggle with big emotions
18-24 months
- Shows defiance and says "no" (a healthy sign of independence!)
- Engages in pretend play (feeding a doll, driving a car)
- Shows empathy — may comfort a crying child
- Tantrums are common as emotions outpace language
- Becomes more aware of self — recognises themselves in a mirror
- May show interest in other children
Cognitive & Problem-Solving
12-15 months
- Explores objects in different ways (shaking, banging, throwing)
- Finds hidden objects easily
- Looks at the correct picture when it's named
- Copies simple actions
- Understands cause and effect (push button → music plays)
15-18 months
- Knows what ordinary things are used for (phone, cup, brush)
- Points to get attention
- Begins simple pretend play
- Completes simple puzzles (shape sorters)
- Follows simple directions
18-24 months
- Sorts shapes and colours
- Completes sentences and rhymes in familiar books
- Plays simple make-believe games
- Begins to understand concepts like "big" and "small"
- Problem-solves by trial and error
- Remembers where things belong
How to Support Your 1-2 Year Old
📚 Read Together
Read to your child every day. Let them turn pages, point to pictures, and fill in words they know. Board books with simple, repetitive text work best.
🗣️ Talk and Narrate
Describe what you're doing throughout the day. "Now we're putting on your shoes. One shoe, two shoes!" This builds vocabulary and understanding.
🎵 Sing Songs
Nursery rhymes and action songs help with language, memory, and coordination. Repetition is key — they'll want to hear the same songs over and over.
🌳 Explore Outdoors
Nature play is incredible for development. Let them walk on grass, feel sand, splash in water, collect leaves. Unstructured outdoor play builds confidence and curiosity.
😤 Handle Tantrums Calmly
Tantrums are normal and not manipulative. Stay calm, acknowledge their feelings ("I know you're frustrated"), and offer comfort. They're learning to regulate big emotions.
🎨 Messy Play
Water play, sand, playdough, finger painting — messy play develops fine motor skills, creativity, and sensory processing. Embrace the mess!
When to Seek Advice
Talk to your GP, child health nurse, or paediatrician if your child:
- Isn't walking by 18 months
- Doesn't use at least 6 words by 18 months
- Doesn't point to show you things
- Doesn't seem to understand simple instructions
- Loses skills they previously had
- Doesn't make eye contact or respond to their name
- Isn't interested in other children at all
Early intervention makes a real difference. Trust your instincts — you know your child best.