DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES

Each child is unique and should be celebrated as such!

Note:

The milestones for 1 – 2 year olds have been split into 12 – 18 months and 18 – 24 months due to the vast differences found in the developmental milestones during these months.

Cognitive & Social

Kick a ball (usually successful)

Step off a low surface and still keep their balance

Scribble (on any surface they can find!)

Push, pull and bang objects

Place rings on a peg

Drink from a cup (still messing a little at times)

Feed themselves (especially finger foods)

Pull off socks and shoes

Enjoy looking at pictures

Pack and unpack cupboards, containers drawers

Enjoy placing objects into containers

Start helping parents to pack away toys or unpack groceries

Show intense feelings for their parents

Imitate adult behaviour in their play

Show their pleasure when they accomplish something and receive praise

Nod or shake their heads to indicate yes or no

Understand simple instructions such as “drink your water”

Use 8 – 12 words that are understood (by 18 months)

Start stringing words together to make a short phrase

Use "my" or "mine" to indicate possession

Start using words such as “gone” and “more” R

Respond correctly when asked “where?” (around 18 months)

Click here to play a visual naming game with your child.

DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES 1 - 2 YEARS
The following list of developmental milestones should be used as a guideline in following your child's overall development. Many children develop faster in some areas and leave other areas lagging behind, only to find a sudden burst of development in these slower areas, later on. No two children develop at the same rate, or in the same order of abilities. This checklist should serve the following two purposes: 1. Use the checklist as a guide of developmental areas you should be stimulating, through play or even through daily activities. 2. Should you find that your child is not developing according to several items on the checklist, it is advised that you consult with a General Practitioner (GP), Pediatrician, Occupational Therapist, etc. for further advice.
Each child is unique and should be celebrated as such!
Note: The milestones for 1 – 2 year olds have been split into 12 – 18 months and 18 – 24 months due to the vast differences found in the developmental milestones during these months.
12 - 18 Months: The one-year old child is learning to take control of his/her world. The toddler’s motor and speech development allows them to interact more meaningfully with the people around. Most 12 – 18 month old toddlers:
Physical	Cognitive & Social	Language
Walk backwards Kick a ball (usually successful) Step off a low surface and still keep their balance Dance to music Scribble (on any surface they can find!) Push, pull and bang objects Place rings on a peg Drink from a cup (still messing a little at times) Feed themselves (especially finger foods) Pull off socks and shoes	Enjoy looking at pictures Pack and unpack cupboards, containers drawers Enjoy placing objects into containers Enjoy an audience Start helping parents to pack away toys or unpack groceries Show intense feelings for their parents Imitate adult behaviour in their play Show their pleasure when they accomplish something and receive praise	Nod or shake their heads to indicate yes or no Understand simple instructions such as “drink your water” Use 8 – 12 words that are understood (by 18 months) Start stringing words together to make a short phrase Use "my" or "mine" to indicate possession Start using words such as “gone” and “more” R Respond correctly when asked “where?” (around 18 months)
18 - 24 Months: This phase depicts a certain maturing of the toddler to become a “little person” who interacts with those around them in a more meaningful manner. Most 18 – 24 month old children:
Physical	Cognitive & Social	Language
Can jump Climbs on large objects Walks up and down stairs using alternate feet Kick a large ball (successfully) Turn pages in a book (2-3 at a time) Build a tower of 3 - 4 blocks Can take off their clothes Try to put on their shoes Open doors Drink from a cup using two hands (less messing) Feed themselves using a spoon	Point to objects in books Play alone and independently Initiate their own play Start with imaginative play (drink pretend juice from an empty cup) Imitate their parents’ actions Show affection Like to help their parents Enjoy exploring new places but still want familiar people Draw creative “pictures” Recognise a familiar picture and know if it is upside down	Says 20-50 words Makes 2 - 3 word sentences such as “more water” / “Mommy nana more” Names familiar / special toys Request items by naming them Understands more than is said Learning about 9 new words a day (from 18 months on) Follow a series of two simple, related instructions Identify hair, eyes, nose and ears by pointing
Click here to play a visual naming game with your child.

DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES

1 - 2 YEARS

12 - 18 Months:

The one-year old child is learning to take control of his/her world. The toddler’s motor and speech development allows them to interact more meaningfully with the people around. Most 12 – 18 month old toddlers:

This phase depicts a certain maturing of the toddler to become a “little person” who interacts with those around them in a more meaningful manner. Most 18 – 24 month old children: