Your 23-month-old is on the brink of turning two, and their personality is shining through more than ever.
Your toddler’s 23-month-old developmental milestones will be full of leaps and bounds at this stage.
This is a month filled with lively chatter, budding independence, and bursts of imagination.
You’ll likely notice that your toddler is becoming more social and confident in both movement and thought.
While every child grows at their own pace, here’s what you can look forward to with your little one’s 23-month-old developmental milestones.
Physical and Motor Milestones
Confident Running and Climbing
Your toddler’s movements are now quick, coordinated, and purposeful.
Running no longer looks wobbly—it’s energetic and often accompanied by laughter as they zoom across rooms or playgrounds.
They can stop, turn, and start again with better balance, and many are beginning to climb confidently onto furniture or playground equipment.
These new skills signal stronger muscles and refined motor control.
Developing Dexterity in Daily Tasks
At 23 months, your child’s fine motor skills continue to flourish.
They can stack several blocks, twist bottle caps, or turn the pages of a book one by one.
You might also see them attempting to use cutlery with greater accuracy or trying to undress themselves.
Communication and Cognitive Development
Mini Conversations and Expanding Phrases
Language is truly taking off now.
Your toddler may be stringing two or three words together, such as “want more milk” or “Mummy, help please”.
They can understand much more than they can say, following two-step instructions like “Get your shoes and give them to Daddy.”
At this stage, their vocabulary can range from 100 to 200 words or more.
Memory and Imitation Skills
Your 23-month-old’s memory is becoming sharper, and imitation is one of their favourite ways to learn.
They’ll copy your actions—from brushing hair to talking on the phone—and even begin to mimic phrases they hear. Pretend play starts to appear, showing the first sparks of imagination.
You might see them feeding a doll, pretending to cook, or making animal sounds with their toys.
Social and Emotional Development
Growing Self-Awareness
Toddlers around this age begin to see themselves as individuals.
You may notice them recognising their reflection in the mirror or proudly referring to themselves by name.
This sense of self often comes with a desire to do things independently, which can lead to both excitement and frustration.
Emerging Empathy and Connection
Your little one’s emotional understanding is deepening.
They may show concern when a friend cries, offer hugs to comfort you, or express joy when others are happy.
They’re also beginning to form stronger attachments with familiar people and may show preference for certain playmates or carers.
Sensory and Perceptual Development
More Curious Exploration
Your toddler’s senses are guiding their discoveries more than ever.
They’ll want to touch, taste, and investigate everything in sight—often repeating activities just to see what happens.
Their sensory curiosity helps them understand textures, shapes, and sounds.
Playdough, sand, water play, and sensory bins can provide safe, hands-on opportunities to explore and learn about the world in a tactile way.
Improved Visual and Auditory Recognition
At 23 months, your child can easily recognise familiar faces, toys, and objects—even from a distance.
They may identify animals in books, remember songs, or anticipate the next line in a nursery rhyme.
Listening skills are also sharpening—they can differentiate between tones of voice and may react to excitement or disapproval in your speech.
Using music, picture books, and storytelling can help further enhance their sensory learning and attention span.
When to Talk to a Paediatrician
It’s normal for toddlers to develop at slightly different speeds, but you may want to consult a paediatrician if your child:
- isn’t walking confidently
- doesn’t attempt to imitate sounds or gestures
- rarely interacts with others
- uses fewer than 20 words
- doesn’t respond to simple directions
Your toddler’s 23-month-old developmental milestones will be full of ups and downs, so it’s important to keep track of every moment.
Just in case you find something wrong, early support can help address any developmental delays.
Expert Tips and Daily Activities
Foster Independence Through Routine
Daily routines are powerful learning tools.
Let your toddler help with simple household tasks—carrying small laundry items, tidying toys, or choosing what to wear. This not only builds confidence but also gives them a sense of responsibility and control.
Keep transitions smooth by explaining what’s coming next, such as, “After lunch, we’ll read a story.”
Encourage Speech Through Play and Reading
Reading together remains one of the best ways to support your toddler’s development.
Choose books with bright pictures and short sentences, and ask open-ended questions like “What’s the dog doing?”
Singing songs, naming body parts, and narrating your day also strengthen their vocabulary and comprehension. The more words they hear, the more they learn to express themselves.
Those Special Moments
At 23 months, your child is standing tall at the doorway of toddlerhood’s next big chapter. They’re more talkative, imaginative, and emotionally aware than ever before.
While their curiosity may test your patience at times, it’s also what fuels their learning and growth.
Their 23-month-old developmental milestones signal the final stepping stone towards a new stage of growing up.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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