Child Development 5 One To Two Years

Overview

This topic is about how children grow and learn between their first and second birthday. During this stage, often called the toddler years, children become more mobile, curious, and independent. They start to walk, climb, point, use words, and show feelings more clearly. Every child develops at their own pace, and a wide range of skills is normal.

Yes. Every child goes through the 1 to 2 year stage. The range of normal development is wide, so children of the same age may have very different skills.

Children aged 12 to 24 months and their caregivers. Babies born early may be assessed using their corrected age, which means their age counted from their original due date.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pulls to stand, cruises along furniture, and may take first steps.
• Walks more steadily by around 18 months and may run or climb by 2 years.
• Uses gestures such as pointing, waving, and shaking the head.
• Says a few words by around 15 to 18 months and may use two-word phrases by 2 years.
• Follows simple instructions, such as “give me the ball.”
• Shows curiosity by opening cupboards, copying adults, and exploring safely.
• Shows strong feelings, including tantrums, clinginess, and wanting to do things alone.
• Starts simple pretend play, such as feeding a doll.
• Sleep and appetite can vary from day to day.
• May be shy with strangers and upset when separated from main caregivers.

Symptoms in children

• At 12 to 15 months: may stand alone, take a few steps, point to ask for something, and say a few words.
• At 18 months: usually walks well, climbs, points to show you things, and uses several words.
• At 24 months: may run, kick a ball, use two-word phrases, and enjoy simple pretend play.
• Children may lose interest quickly, have tantrums, or want to do things for themselves.
• Skills can go up and down when a child is tired, unwell, or going through a big change.

Symptoms in older adults

• Not applicable — this article is about children aged 1 to 2 years.

Causes

Main causes

• Normal growth and brain development. Toddlers are learning to move, communicate, and understand the world.
• Practice and repetition. Children build skills by trying things again and again through play and daily routines.
• Interaction with caregivers. Talking, reading, singing, and responding to your child help language and social skills grow.
• A safe, predictable environment with good sleep, nutrition, and chances to explore.

Risk factors

• Being born prematurely or having a low birth weight.
• Hearing or vision problems that are not yet identified.
• Long-term health conditions or frequent serious illness.
• Limited opportunities for play, talk, and movement.
• Family stress, caregiver mental health difficulties, or lack of support.
• A family history of developmental conditions, or concerns already raised by a health professional.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Your child is very sleepy, floppy, or hard to wake.
• Your child has trouble breathing, a seizure, or a serious injury.
• Your child has a fever and seems very unwell, is not drinking, or has fewer wet nappies.
• Your child loses a skill they had before, such as walking or using words.
• You feel something is seriously wrong — seek same-day advice.

Book a routine appointment if:

• You are worried about your child’s walking, talking, hearing, vision, or behaviour.
• Your child does not seem to respond to sound, does not point or wave, or does not use words by around 18 months.
• Your child is very stiff or very floppy, or uses one hand much more than the other.
• Your child has feeding difficulties, poor weight gain, or sleep problems that are hard to manage.
• You want to check that your child is up to date with development reviews and vaccinations.

Diagnosis

A health professional, such as a GP, health visitor, or paediatrician, will ask about your child’s milestones and daily life. They will watch your child play and move, check hearing and vision, and look for any health problems. There is no single test for normal development. If a concern is found, your child may be referred to a child development team for a fuller assessment.

Tests that may be done

• Developmental questions and milestone checklists.
• Physical examination, including growth and movement checks.
• Hearing test and vision check, especially if there are speech or attention concerns.
• Observation of play, communication, and social skills.
• Blood tests or other tests only if a doctor suspects a specific medical cause.

What to expect at your appointment

The appointment is usually friendly and play-based. Bring your child’s health record, such as the red book in the UK, and note any worries or changes you have seen. You may be asked what your child can do now and what they could do before. Follow-up or referral may be offered if needed. A referral does not mean something is definitely wrong — it is a way to get the right support early.

Treatment

There is no medical treatment needed for typical child development. The main support is everyday care: safe chances to move, play, talk, and explore. If a specific health or developmental concern is found, early support can help your child build skills and confidence.

Self-care at home

• Talk, read, sing, and name things during daily routines.
• Give safe chances to walk, climb, stack, scribble, and explore.
• Keep routines for meals, naps, and bedtime so your child feels secure.
• Use simple, clear praise and comfort during tantrums.
• Make your home safe with stair gates, cupboard locks, and safe sleep and play spaces.
• Limit screen time and enjoy shared play instead.

Medical treatments

There are no medicines that make normal development happen faster. If a specific condition is found, the care team may recommend therapies such as speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, or occupational therapy. Hearing aids, glasses, or specialist paediatric review may be offered when needed. Medicines are used only for specific medical problems, not for typical development.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not relevant to typical child development. In rare specific conditions, a specialist may discuss surgical options with you.

Living with this condition

Toddlers do best with simple routines, clear limits, and lots of praise. Expect tantrums, mess, and changing moods — these are normal parts of learning to be independent. Keep dangerous items out of reach and watch your child closely near water, stairs, roads, and hot drinks.

Lifestyle tips

• Play together every day, even for short periods.
• Give your child choices between two safe options, such as two books or two snacks.
• Keep language simple and repeat words often.
• Arrange playdates or toddler groups if you can, and take turns with another trusted adult for rest.
• Plan around naps and meals, as tired or hungry toddlers find it harder to cope.

Diet and exercise

Offer regular family meals and snacks with a range of foods. Toddlers can be picky, so keep offering new foods without pressure. Avoid choking hazards such as whole grapes, whole nuts, and hard raw vegetables for children under 5 — cut food into small pieces. Offer water and milk rather than sugary drinks. Active play, walking, and climbing help build strength and coordination.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Looking after a toddler can be joyful and exhausting. It is common for caregivers to feel stressed, isolated, or worried. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to your GP, health visitor, or a trusted person. If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your child, seek emergency or crisis support right away.

Prevention

Normal development cannot be prevented — it is a healthy part of growing up. You can support it with responsive care, play, good nutrition, sleep, safety, and regular health reviews.

Vaccines

Keep up with the routine childhood vaccinations recommended by your local health service. They protect against serious infections that can affect a child’s health and development.

Screening programmes

Attend developmental reviews, hearing tests, and vision checks offered in your health system. Share any concerns early, even if your child seems well.

Complications

If left untreated

• A hearing, vision, or developmental concern may be missed, so support starts later than it could.
• Speech and communication difficulties may become more frustrating for the child and family.
• Behaviour may become harder to manage if a child is struggling to communicate or join in.
• Safety risks may increase if a child has movement or awareness difficulties that are not recognised.
• Caregivers may feel more stressed and isolated without support.

Long-term outlook

Most children thrive during the toddler years and beyond. Development is a journey, not a race, and children often catch up with the right support. Early help for any concern gives the best chance to build skills and confidence. Your health team is there to support you and your child.

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