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By Ciprian H. · checked against CDC, AAP and NHS guidance · how we fact-check

Published 3 min read

Almost two: what to expect at 19 to 24 months (weeks 78 to 104)

Window 8 of the Fussy Phase Forecast · Last verified: October 24, 2026

The short answer

By 24 months, most children put two words together, run, kick a ball, and notice when someone else is upset. They also look at your face to decide how to react to something new. That is a milestone on the official list, and it says something nice about who they trust.

Illustration of a ball with little motion lines

Two words together

The CDC 24-month checklist lists at least two words together, like “More milk” (CDC milestone checklist). It also lists pointing to things in a book when you ask (“Where is the bear?”), pointing to at least two body parts, and using more gestures than waving and pointing, like blowing a kiss or nodding yes.

Gestures are language. A child who nods yes and blows a kiss is communicating a lot, even on a quiet day for words.

Running, kicking, stairs

The movement column at 24 months: kicks a ball, runs, walks (not climbs) up a few stairs with or without help, and eats with a spoon. The fine-motor side adds holding something in one hand while using the other, like holding a container and taking the lid off.

Noticing other people

Two social items stand out. Your child notices when others are hurt or upset, like pausing or looking sad when someone is crying. And they look at your face to see how to react in a new situation.

That second one has been studied. In one lab study of toddlers (17 to 25 months), parents gave scripted messages about a new toy, such as “Scary toy!”, when the child looked at them. In the group that heard scary messages, toddlers backed away from the toy more when their parent used more fearful gestures (Kim, Walden & Knieps, 2010). The study was small, the messages were scripted, and the link was a correlation. It cannot tell you what a single startled gasp does. What it does show is that toddlers pay attention to how you react.

Switches, knobs, and two toys at once

The thinking column at 24 months: tries to use switches, knobs, or buttons on a toy, and plays with more than one toy at the same time, like putting toy food on a toy plate. Your remote control has probably noticed.

About big feelings

The CDC checklists do not list tantrums, and timing varies a lot between children. Many parents notice bigger feelings and a lot of “mine” and “no” around this age. What helps is the same as ever: stay close, stay calm, and say what you see (“You are upset that the park is over”).

The 24-month screening

The AAP recommends autism-specific screening at 18 and 24 months, and general developmental screening at 9, 18 and 30 months (screening schedule, as summarized by Michigan Medicine). Ask about it at the 24-month well-child visit if it has not come up.

What most children do by 24 months

The full CDC list (CDC, scientific basis in Zubler et al., Pediatrics 2022):

  • Notices when others are hurt or upset, like pausing or looking sad when someone is crying
  • Looks at your face to see how to react in a new situation
  • Points to things in a book when you ask, like “Where is the bear?”
  • Says at least two words together, like “More milk.”
  • Points to at least two body parts when you ask them to show you
  • Uses more gestures than just waving and pointing, like blowing a kiss or nodding yes
  • Holds something in one hand while using the other hand, like holding a container and taking the lid off
  • Tries to use switches, knobs, or buttons on a toy
  • Plays with more than one toy at the same time, like putting toy food on a toy plate
  • Kicks a ball
  • Runs
  • Walks (not climbs) up a few stairs with or without help
  • Eats with a spoon

Born early? Keep counting from the due date. The adjusted age is used through the first two years.

When to call your pediatrician

Talk with your doctor

The CDC's advice holds at every age: if your child is missing one or more of these milestones by 24 months, or has lost skills they once had, do not wait and see. Talk with the doctor and ask about developmental screening.

And your own concern is reason enough to call.

Keep reading

Sources

Peanutbean provides general information for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Every child develops at their own pace. Always talk to your pediatrician about your child’s health.

Common questions

How many words should a 2-year-old say?

The CDC 24-month checklist lists saying at least two words together, like more milk, pointing to things in a book when you ask, and pointing to at least two body parts. Gestures such as blowing a kiss or nodding yes count as communication too.

Why does my toddler look at my face when something new happens?

It is on the CDC 24-month checklist: looks at your face to see how to react in a new situation. Toddlers use the people they trust to decide how to feel about something unfamiliar.

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Peanutbean provides general information for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Every baby develops at their own pace. Always talk to your pediatrician about your child's health.