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2 year milestones
Here are the CDC milestones most toddlers reach around 2 years.
Social and emotional
- Notices when others are hurt or upset.
- Looks at your face to see how to react in a new situation.
Language and communication
- Points to things in a book when you ask.
- Says at least two words together, like "more milk".
- Points to at least two body parts when you ask.
- Uses more gestures than just waving and pointing, like blowing a kiss or nodding yes.
Cognitive
- Holds something in one hand while using the other, like holding a container and taking the lid off.
- Tries to use switches, knobs, and buttons on a toy.
- Plays with more than one toy at the same time.
Movement and physical
- Kicks a ball.
- Runs.
- Walks up a few stairs with or without help.
- Eats with a spoon.
Common questions
What should a 2 year old baby be doing?
Around 2 years, most babies: notices when others are hurt or upset; points to things in a book when you ask; holds something in one hand while using the other, like holding a container and taking the lid off; kicks a ball. Every baby grows at their own pace, within a range of time.
What if my baby was born early?
Most pediatricians count milestones from the due date, not the birth date, until about 2 years. That is called corrected age, and it is how Bobbychips counts milestones too.
What if my baby is not doing these things yet?
Most children reach each milestone within a range of time, so one missing item is not a verdict. If you have questions, or your baby has lost a skill they once had, talk to your pediatrician. The CDC's advice is to act early rather than wait.
The day at this age, in numbers: 12 month old schedule.
Every baby grows at their own pace, and these are general guides, not medical advice. If you ever have questions about how your baby is growing or developing, your pediatrician is the best person to ask.
Sources: the CDC's Learn the Signs. Act Early. milestone checklists and the World Health Organization's infant and young child feeding guidance.
A guide like this, on the day
Bobbychips emails a guide like this one when your baby reaches each of these ages, counted from the due date for a baby born early, and keeps a checklist of the milestones in the app.