ToddlerGuide
An adult in a dark green shirt leans into a car and buckles a toddler in a cream knit sweater into a harnessed car seat.

Age band

18 to 24 months

Children in this band often walk the room like they own it, then check that you still exist. Words stack. Pretend play starts. So do harder no's.

Screens at the clinic

AAP recommends a general developmental screen at 18 months and autism screens at 18 and 24 months. Read The 18-month visit is a screen, not a quiz.

By 2 years

From CDC by 2 years: two words together, pointing in books and to body parts, running, a spoon, noticing when someone is hurt.

From the blog

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A toddler in a sage hoodie crouches on backyard grass arranging wooden blocks and felt balls while an adult in a cream sweater watches from behind.
Care

First daycare drop-off

A short goodbye. Tears at the door are common.
A toddler in a cream henley cruises along a wooden cabinet on a light wood floor while an adult sits on the rug behind them and smiles.
Food

Picky eating at 2

You offer. They decide. A full plate coming back is ordinary.
A white potty chair, a small wooden stool, and a folded washcloth sit on light bathroom tile.
Self-care

Potty readiness signs

Watch for a cluster of signs, not a birthday.
A tablet lies face-down on a wood table beside a hardcover book and a bowl of apple slices. In the background, an adult and toddler stand at a kitchen sink.
Media

Screen time limits ages 2-3

About an hour of high-quality media, with you in the room.
A wooden house-shaped nightlight with star cutouts glows beside a stack of botanical picture books, folded cream and teal blankets, and star-patterned pillows on a rug.
Sleep

18-month sleep regressions

Keep the day total and a boring wind-down.
An adult in a dark green shirt leans into a car and buckles a toddler in a cream knit sweater into a harnessed car seat.
Language

Speech milestones 18-24 months

CDC's most-children lists, not a home quiz.