Babies grow at their own pace — this covers around 24 months.

Your baby this month

By 2 years, most toddlers can kick a ball.

Most toddlers this age point to things in a book when you ask.

You this month

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

Simple play like playdough, a tricycle, and dress-up all suit this age.

Your baby at 25 months

Milestones and care guidance below are for around 24 months, the nearest CDC checkpoint.

Typical milestones (a guide, not a test)

Cognitive (learning/thinking)

  • Holds something in one hand while using the other hand; for example, holding a container and taking the lid offCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Tries to use switches, knobs, or buttons on a toyCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Plays with more than one toy at the same time, like putting toy food on a toy plateCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Language & Communication

  • Points to things in a book when you ask, like "Where is the bear?"CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Says at least two words together, like "More milk."CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Points to at least two body parts when you ask him to show youCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Uses more gestures than just waving and pointing, like blowing a kiss or nodding yesCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Movement & Physical

  • Kicks a ballCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • RunsCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Walks (not climbs) up a few stairs with or without helpCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Eats with a spoonCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Social & Emotional

  • Notices when others are hurt or upset, like pausing or looking sad when someone is cryingCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Looks at your face to see how to react in a new situationCDC 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

  • Limit packaged snacks and sugary drinksSource: NHS — Baby's first solid foods
  • 11-13 hours total. 1 nap, some toddlers begin dropping it.Source: National Sleep Foundation / AASM pediatric sleep duration recommendation
  • Continue bilingual or trilingual conversations at homeSource: AAP — HealthyChildren.org, Young Children Learning Multiple Languages: Parent FAQs
  • Try regional thalis with small portions of each itemSource: WHO — Infant and young child feeding (fact sheet)
  • Visit a local park or garden regularlySource: WHO Guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under 5 years of age (2019)
  • Keep a picture book collection in the home languageSource: AAP — HealthyChildren.org, Young Children Learning Multiple Languages: Parent FAQs