Toddler

A male Caucasian toddler child

A toddler is a child between the ages of one to three years old. During this period, the child learns a great deal about social roles and develops motor skills.

The toddler developmental timeline shows what an average toddler can do at what age. Times vary greatly from child to child.

If a child is 'behind' in some areas, do not consider it a problem without first consulting with a professional.

Most children are toilet trained while they are toddlers.

Age	Physical	Mental	Emotional
12 - 15 Months	Stand alone well. Drink from a cup (poorly). Turn pages in a book (a few at a time). Play ball by rolling or tossing it.	Use words for parents such as "ma-ma" "da-da" Use one or two other words such as "ball", "cracker", or "cookie" Can follow a simple command with an associated gesture, such as: bringing a cup to you when you point at it and say "Please bring me the cup". Realizes things still exist when they are out of sight, such as a toy block placed into a closed box.	Use gestures or words to convey desires, such as: Pointing a book, raising arms to be picked up, or saying "cup". Mimic actions such as covering eyes while playing peek-a-boo.
15 - 18 Months	Walk well alone. May be able to bend down and stand up without help. Hold a crayon well enough to scribble. Lift cup up to mouth for drinking. Climb onto furniture.	Knows 2 or 3 words. May be able to follow a command without a gesture. Stack 2 blocks.	Greet people with "hi". Mimic parental activities such as cleaning up or talking on a phone.
18 - 24 Months	Feed self with a spoon. Run. Climb into a small chair. Walk up steps.	Speaks 6 words. Knows a few body parts. Stack 3 or 4 blocks. Understands pushing buttons can make things happen.	Wants to be independent at times. Will throw a tantrum or possibly say no. Mimics social behavior such as hugging a teddy bear or feeding a doll.
12 - 24 Months		Sorting toys. Search for hidden objects. Problem solving through experimentation.	Self recognition. Self reference. Displays attachment. Separation anxiety. Knows boys from girls. Can play turn taking games.
2 - 3 Years

Even when toddlers can walk they are often transported in a buggy (pushchair, push-chair), when they are tired, or to increase speed.