2-Year-Old Child Milestones

Developmental milestones are things most children (75% or more) can do by a certain age. By 2 years, most children notice when others are hurt or upset, say at least two words together like "More milk," hold something in one hand while using the other, and run. This checklist is based on the CDC "Learn the Signs. Act Early." milestone checklists (February 2022 revision). See the official CDC resources.

Important: These checklists are educational and for self-reflection only. They are not a substitute for standardized, validated developmental screening tools and are not a diagnostic instrument. If your child is not meeting milestones, has lost skills, or you have other concerns, talk with your child's doctor and ask about developmental screening.

What Most Children Do by 2 Years

Social/Emotional Milestones

  • Notices when others are hurt or upset, like pausing or looking sad when someone is crying
  • Looks at your face to see how to react in a new situation

Language/Communication Milestones

  • Points to things in a book when you ask, like "Where is the bear?"
  • Says at least two words together, like "More milk."
  • Points to at least two body parts when you ask him to show you
  • Uses more gestures than just waving and pointing, like blowing a kiss or nodding yes

Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

  • Holds something in one hand while using the other hand; for example, holding a container and taking the lid off
  • Tries to use switches, knobs, or buttons on a toy
  • Plays with more than one toy at the same time, like putting toy food on a toy plate

Movement/Physical Development Milestones

  • Kicks a ball
  • Runs
  • Walks (not climbs) up a few stairs with or without help
  • Eats with a spoon

Tips and Activities — What You Can Do for Your 2-Year-Old

As your child's first teacher, you can help his or her learning and brain development. Try these simple tips and activities in a safe way. Talk with your child's doctor and teachers if you have questions or for more ideas on how to help your child's development.

  • Help your child learn how words sound, even if he can't say them clearly yet. For example, if your child says, "or nana," say "You want more banana."
  • Watch your child closely during playdates. Children this age play next to each other, but do not know how to share and solve problems. Show your child how to deal with conflicts by helping her share, take turns, and use words when possible.
  • Have your child help you get ready for mealtime, by letting him carry things to the table, such as plastic cups or napkins. Thank your child for helping.

More Parenting Tips and Activities

  • Give your child balls to kick, roll, and throw.
  • Give toys that teach your child how to make things work and how to solve problems. For example, give her toys where she can push a button and something happens.
  • Let your child play dress up with grown-up clothes, such as shoes, hats, and shirts. This helps him begin to pretend play.
  • Allow your child to eat as much or as little as she wants at each meal. Toddlers don't always eat the same amount or type of food each day. Your job is to offer her healthy foods and it's your child's job to decide if and how much she needs to eat.
  • Have steady routines for sleeping and feeding. Create a calm, quiet bedtime for your child. Put on his pajamas, brush his teeth, and read 1 or 2 books to him. Children this age need 11 to 14 hours of sleep a day (including naps). Consistent sleep times make it easier.
  • Ask your child's doctor and/or teachers about toilet training to know if your child is ready to start. Most children are not able to toilet train until 2 to 3 years old. Starting too early can cause stress and setbacks, which can cause training to take longer.
  • Use positive words when your child is being a good helper. Let him help with simple chores, such as putting toys or laundry in a basket.
  • Play with your child outside, by playing "ready, set, go." For example, pull your child back in a swing. Say "Ready, set....", then wait and say "Go" when you push the swing.
  • Let your child create simple art projects with you. Give your child crayons or put some finger paint on paper and let her explore by spreading it around and making dots. Hang it on the wall or refrigerator so your child can see it.
  • Use positive words and give more attention to behaviors you want to see ("wanted behaviors"), than to those you don't want to see. For example, say "Look how well you're eating with your spoon."
  • Let your child play with sand toys or plastic containers, spoons, or a funnel in the tub or in a sandbox.
  • Help your child do simple puzzles with shapes, colors, or animals. Name each piece when your child puts it in place.
  • Encourage your child's curiosity and help her learn and explore new things. Take her to the park, take walks, or go on a bus ride.
  • Sing songs, such as "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes," to teach names of body parts. After singing it a few times, see if your child sings some of the words when you touch a body part and wait.
  • Limit screen time (TV, tablets, phones, etc.) to no more than 1 hour a day of a children's program with an adult present. Children learn by talking, playing, and interacting with others.
  • Encourage your child to play with blocks. Take turns building towers and knocking them down.
  • Ask your child to help you open the drawer when you put away clothes or open the door when you go outside.

When to Share Concerns

You know your child best — don't wait. If your child is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns:

  • Talk with your child's doctor, share your concerns, and ask about developmental screening.
  • If you or the doctor are still concerned, ask for a referral to a specialist, and contact your state or territory's early intervention program (U.S.) or a local child development professional.

Related Reading

References

Last updated: 2026-10-20

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