Baby development
Toddler development at 18–24 months
Many children have a “word explosion” now: new words every day, then the first two-word phrases like “mama go” or “more water”. Children growing up with two or three languages may talk a little later and mix them — that is normal.
The toddler runs, kicks a ball, climbs stairs holding on. Pretend play begins: feeding a teddy bear, putting a doll to bed, talking on a toy phone.
Play
Pretend games, play dough, drawing, building towers, reading the same favourite book again and again.
Languages
If the family speaks two languages, each adult can keep to their own. The child will sort them out.
Screens
Before age two, video calls with grandparents are fine; other screen time is best kept to a minimum.
Talk to a doctor if
by 2 years the child uses fewer than about 50 words or no two-word phrases, does not copy actions or words, or does not follow simple instructions.
This is general information about typical development, not medical advice. Every child develops at their own pace. If something worries you, talk to your paediatrician.
Month by month in the Oror guide
In the app, the right card opens by itself every week, and you can tick what you have tried.
- Month 20
Running and climbing
Your child tries to run and climb onto the sofa and up steps. Lots of energy — help them use it safely.
Try this
- Play outdoors every day
- Roll and throw a big ball
You may notice
- Tries to run
- Climbs stairs holding on
Good to know
- Hold their hand on stairs
Talk to a doctor if
- Falls a lot and can’t run
- Month 21
Two words together
Soon your child will put two words together: “mummy give”, “more water”.
Try this
- Stretch their phrase: “Water? You want water”
- Offer choices: “apple or pear?”
You may notice
- Knows 15–20 words
- Tries to join two words
Good to know
- Give them time to answer — don’t rush to say it for them
Talk to a doctor if
- Doesn’t copy your words
- Month 18
Eighteen months
Many children walk confidently, have a few words and copy household chores. Doctor’s visit as scheduled.
Try this
- Give a small broom or cloth to “clean”
- Read and ask about the pictures
You may notice
- Says at least three words
- Walks alone
Good to know
- No screens before 18 months, except video calls
Talk to a doctor if
- Doesn’t walk
- Says fewer than three words
- Month 19
Nose, eyes, ears
Your child learns body parts and loves pointing them out.
Try this
- Play “Where’s your nose?”
- Sing a song about body parts
You may notice
- Points to several body parts
- Follows a simple request without a gesture
Good to know
- Name body parts at bath time
Talk to a doctor if
- Doesn’t understand simple requests
- Month 22
A little helper
Your child loves to help. Simple jobs give confidence and responsibility.
Try this
- Let them put socks in the basket
- Water the plants together
You may notice
- Copies household chores
- Shows you what they’ve done
Good to know
- Praise the effort, not only the result
Talk to a doctor if
- Shows no interest in other people
- Month 23
Ready for the potty?
Some children are ready to learn the potty at this age, many later. Don’t rush.
Try this
- Keep the potty somewhere visible
- Read a book about the potty
You may notice
- Tells you when the nappy is wet
- Is curious about the toilet
Good to know
- Signs of readiness: dry for 2 hours, tells you about a wet nappy, is interested
Talk to a doctor if
- Pain or blood when weeing, or long constipation