Developmental Milestones: 24 to 36 Months

During the toddler years, development milestones will vary widely from child to child. Unless your toddler lags in several areas or is more than a few months behind in any one area, there is little need for concern. Also remember that premature babies may reach milestones slightly later than a child who is born full-term, and that by age two, they will even out developmentally. Below is a list of general developmental guidelines for an average healthy child between the ages of 24 and 36 months old.

By month 24

• name at least five body parts
• speak understandably more than half the time
• form two to three-word sentences
• dress and undress themselves

• walk down stairs without help
• talk about likes and dislikes
• arrange things in categories

• jump
• begin to understand concepts (better or worse, etc.)
• understand gender differences

By months 25 and 26

• stack six blocks at a time
• walk smoothly from heel to toe

• speak using pronouns (I, me, you, etc.)
• wash and dry their own hands

• speak clearly most of the time
• draw a vertical line

By months 27 and 28

• jump with both feet
• open and close doors

• understand descriptions of objects (small, soft, etc.)
• draw a vertical line

• start to recognize the ABCs
• balance on one foot

By months 29 and 30

• brush teeth with help
• wash and dry their own hands
• draw a vertical line

• draw a circle
• balance on one foot

• put on a t-shirt
• name at least one color
• name at least one friend

By months 31 and 32

• say their own names
• draw a circle

• put on a t-shirt
• recognize the ABCs
• brush teeth by themselves

• point to objects described by their use
• use a few adjectives
• draw a cross or an X

By months 33 and 34

• name at least one color
• name at least one friend
• engage in a simple conversation

• go up and down stairs while alternating feet
• speak using prepositions (in, on, etc.)
• speak clearly most of the time
• stack eight blocks at a time

• use the potty during the day
• express a wide range of emotions

By months 35 and 36

• name at least two actions (running, jumping, etc.)
• describe how more than one object is used
• use at least three words in a sentence

• hop and skip
• ride a tricycle
• follow more complex directions

• balance on each foot for several seconds
• get completely dressed on their own

Between months 24 and 36, you will also notice your child improving significantly in the following skills:

• putting together sentences
• following more complex directions
• physical activity (throwing, climbing, jumping, stacking, etc.)
• getting dressed, washing and drying hands, brushing teeth and other physical activities
• walking up and down stairs
• paying attention
• socializing/playing with others
• using the potty
• noticing/awareness of change in routine
• using different words and tones while speaking to different people
• asking questions