Walks alone by 15 months, then starts to run

Can stop, squat, then stand again

Sits down on small stool or chair

Climbs stairs while holding on

Dances with music

Plays with push and pull toys

Can build towers out of blocks

Throws a ball overhand by 18 to 24 months

Puts 2- to 3-piece puzzles together

Scribbles with crayon or pencil and may imitate drawing a straight line or circle

Mostly feeds self with fingers

Starts to feed self with spoon

Drinks well from cup

Can help with dressing and may be able to undress simple clothes (such as clothes without buttons or zippers)

First molar (back) teeth appear

Takes one afternoon nap

May sleep 10 to 12 hours at night

Imitates animal sounds and noises

At one year, says 4 to 6 simple words

At 18 months, says 10 to 15 words

By 18 to 24 months, uses simple phrases or 2-word sentences such as "Mommy up"

By 2 years, says 100 or more words

Asks "What is…?"

Uses negative phrases such as "No want"

Waves bye-bye and plays pat-a-cake

By 18 months understands 1-step questions and commands such as "Where is the ball?"

By 24 months understands 2-step questions and commands such as "Go to your room and get your shoes."

Understands object permanence. This means that a hidden object is still there.

Understands the cause and effect relationship better

Likes to explore drawers and boxes to see what is inside

Make-believe play increases. For example, the child may imitate housework or feed a doll.

Recognizes own face in mirror

Can point to body parts such as nose, hair, eyes when asked

Starts to understand use of certain objects such as the broom is for sweeping the floor

May ask for parent's help by pointing

Plays along side others without interacting. This is called parallel play.

May start clinging to parents around 18 months

May start to say "no" more often to commands or needs

May have temper tantrums

May use a blanket or stuffed animal as a security object in place of the parent

Give your child toys that can be filled and emptied and toys for imaginary play.

Give your child simple 2- to 6-piece puzzles and balls of all sizes.

Help your child build towers of blocks.

Encourage your child to "help" you with household tasks.

Give your child paper and large crayons to scribble and draw.

Talk to your child with clear simple language about what you are doing.

Use the correct names for objects, even if your child does not. For example, your child might say "wa-wa," and you say "Water, that's right."

Expand your child's sentences. If your child says, "Want cookie," you say, "Do you want another cookie?"

Read to your child every day using picture and story books.

Feed your child at family mealtimes.

Provide consistent firm, appropriate discipline without yelling or hitting.