Babies grow at their own pace — this covers around 15 months.

Your baby this month

By 15 months, most toddlers take a few steps on their own.

Most toddlers this age try one or two words beyond 'mama' or 'dada'.

You this month

Babyproofing helps now. Cover outlets and use stair gates. Anchor heavy furniture too.

Simple play like shape sorters, push toys, and big crayons all suit this age.

Your baby at 17 months

Milestones and care guidance below are for around 15 months, the nearest CDC checkpoint.

Typical milestones (a guide, not a test)

Cognitive (learning/thinking)

  • Tries to use things the right way, like a phone, cup, or bookCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Stacks at least two small objects, like blocksCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Language & Communication

  • Tries to say one or two words besides "mama" or "dada," like "ba" for ball or "da" for dogCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Looks at a familiar object when you name itCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Follows directions given with both a gesture and words. For example, he gives you a toy when you hold out your hand and say, "Give me the toy."CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Points to ask for something or to get helpCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Movement & Physical

  • Takes a few steps on his ownCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Uses fingers to feed herself some foodCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Social & Emotional

  • Copies other children while playing, like taking toys out of a container when another child doesCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Shows you an object she likesCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Claps when excitedCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Hugs stuffed doll or other toyCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Shows you affection (hugs, cuddles, or kisses you)CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Feeding

  • Avoid whole nuts, whole grapes, popcorn, hard raw vegetables, chunks of meat/cheese (choking). — modify texture <4 years
  • Family foods + continued breastfeeding — Full family diet (appropriately textured). Cow's milk can become a drink after 12 months. Continue breastfeeding to 2 years and beyond.
  • Introduce common allergens (peanut, egg) from ~6 months in age-appropriate form — early introduction reduces allergy risk (LEAP/EAT). — INTRODUCE from ~6 months

Play & bonding

Keeping baby safe

  • Babyproof: cover outlets, secure cabinets/heavy furniture (anchor to wall), use stair gates., Poison: store medicines, cleaners, and detergents locked and out of reach; keep Poison Control number handy., Choking: avoid whole grapes, nuts, popcorn, hard candy; cut foods small., Water: fence pools; supervise near any water at all times., Car seat: rear-facing until at least age 2 (or seat max).

Sleep

  • Ranges are per 24 hours and, for children through preschool, include naps. Individual needs vary. — 11-14

Part of Toddler: 1 to 3 years.

educational reference only; milestones are general guides — discuss any concerns with a pediatrician. Not a diagnostic tool.

Tips for this stage

  • Keep sugary snacks and drinks occasionalSource: NHS — Baby's first solid foods
  • 11-14 hours total. 1 nap, bedtime routine still important.Source: National Sleep Foundation / AASM pediatric sleep duration recommendation
  • Attend family functions with short outingsSource: WHO/UNICEF/World Bank Group — Nurturing Care Framework for Early Childhood Development (2018)
  • Try soft fruit like banana, papaya, and mangoSource: ICMR–National Institute of Nutrition — Infant Feeding
  • Keep festival sweets occasional and in small portionsSource: WHO — Infant and young child feeding (fact sheet)