Month 24 of 24 · Window 8 · Almost two

Your 24-month-old: milestones and what to expect

Q: What milestones should a 24-month-old have?

Most toddlers do these by 24 months (CDC): 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 · kicks a ball · runs · walks (not climbs) up a few stairs with or without help · eats with a spoon.

Two years. The CDC 24-month checklist includes noticing when others are hurt or upset, looking at your face to see how to react in a new situation, two-word phrases, kicking a ball, running, and eating with a spoon. This is the last month we map, and our articles carry on from here.

Checked against CDC, AAP and NHS guidance · how we fact-check

Most toddlers do these by 24 months (CDC)

What most children this age can do

Social & emotional: 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.

Language & communication: 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.

Movement & thinking: 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 · kicks a ball · runs · walks (not climbs) up a few stairs with or without help · eats with a spoon.

What you might notice

No fussier stretches were described in the research for this window. Many children are adding words, running, and noticing how other people feel. Big feelings and a lot of "mine" and "no" are common around this age, and they vary widely from child to child.

What can help this month

Talk through what you are doing ("We are putting on your shoes"), read together every day, and give simple choices ("red cup or blue cup?"). Offer plenty of safe chances to run, kick a ball, and climb. When feelings get big, stay calm and wait for them to pass.

And you: By two, you have been doing this for a long time. You are allowed to be tired, and you are allowed to ask for help.

Talk with your pediatrician if…

Talk with your doctor

Your baby is missing one or more of the milestones above by 24 months, or has lost skills they once had. That is the CDC's own advice: don't wait, talk with the doctor and ask about developmental screening. And if you're simply worried, that's reason enough to call.

Want the personal version?

This page covers what's typical at 24 months in general. For your own baby's map, including adjusted age for premature babies, run the free forecast.

See my baby's exact forecast

Sources: CDC milestone checklists (2022 revision) · Zubler et al., Pediatrics 2022 · van de Rijt-Plooij & Plooij, 1992 (via KNAW review) · Sadurní & Rostan, 2002. Timing varies a lot between babies, windows, not deadlines.