Important Milestones at Two Years

Now at their second birthday, there are new milestones to k keep track of your child grows and develops. As always, address any questions or concerns you may have with your child’s doctor. Here’s what most 2-year-olds can do at this age:

SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL MILESTONES

  • Picks up when people around them are sad or hurt, like pausing or looking at someone whose crying

  • Looks at your face in a new situation to for clues as to how to react

LANGUAGE/COMMUNICATION MILESTONES

  • When you ask about something in a book, like, “Where is the cat?” your child points to it

  • Says at least two words together, like “more milk”

  • Can point to at least two body parts when asked to show you them

  • Is giving more gestures than just waving or pointing, such as blowing kisses or nodding yes

COGNITIVE MILESTONES (LEARNING, THINKING, PROBLEM-SOLVING)

  • Holds something in one hand while using the other hand, like taking a lid off a container they’re holding

  • Tries using switches, knobs, buttons

  • Plays with more than one toy at once

MOVEMENT/PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT MILESTONES

  • Can kick a ball

  • Running

  • Walks up stairs with or without help, without climbing

  • Uses a spoon to eat

Remember, you know your child best. Talk with your child’s doctor about any of your concerns and ask about developmental screening.

Looking for tips and activities to do with your child to assist in their learning and development? Visit the CDC’s milestones pages here.

United Way of Central New YorkBabies, Toddlers