Toddlers experience rapid physical growth and refinement of motor skills. Key milestones include walking independently, running, climbing, jumping, and navigating stairs with support. Fine motor skills advance as they begin to stack blocks, scribble with crayons, use utensils, and manipulate small objects.

Cognitive skills in toddlers are marked by curiosity and the ability to solve simple problems. They start engaging in pretend play, matching objects, completing basic puzzles, and understanding cause and effect. This stage also includes improved memory and recognition skills, as they begin to remember familiar faces, routines, and objects.

Language development during toddlerhood is characterized by a rapidly expanding vocabulary and improved communication skills. By age two, toddlers may know between 50 to 100 words and start forming simple two- to three-word sentences like “more juice” or “mama help.”

Social and emotional growth is evident as toddlers begin to express a wider range of emotions, such as joy, frustration, and affection. They engage in parallel play with peers, showing early signs of social interaction, and begin to demonstrate empathy by reacting to others’ emotions.

A significant milestone in toddlerhood is the drive toward independence. Toddlers learn to feed themselves with utensils, assist in dressing, wash their hands with guidance, and show interest in potty training. These self-help skills boost their confidence and sense of autonomy, providing a strong foundation for further growth and development.