Gross Motor
• Walks independently
• Pulls toys while walking
• Carries large toy or several toys while walking
• Stoops to pick item up and stands again without holding onto anything
• Can walk backwards
• Kicks a ball
• Walks up and down stairs
Fine Motor
• Scribbles spontaneously
• Turns over containers to put out contents
• Builds tower of 3–4 blocks (15–17 months) 6–8 blocks (18–23 months)
• Possibly uses one hand more frequently than other
• Functional supination
• Nests cups
• Releases and places an object in horizontal opening (17-18 months)
• Strings one bead (17–18 months); 3 beads (18–24 months)
• Imitates vertical stroke (17–18 months)
• Places 3 shapes into form board (18–23 months)
Language/Oral Motor
• Turns and looks when name is called
• Points to object or picture when it is named
• Waves “bye-bye” when someone is leaving, and says “bye-bye”
• Recognizes names of familiar people, objects, and body parts
• Says several single words like up and out
• Uses two word phrases such as “want drink”
• Follows simple instructions
• Repeats words overheard in conversation
• Uses objects, body gestures, and simple words to communicate
• Lip closure during chewing
• Reduced tongue extension during swallowing (16–18 months)
• Controlled bite without associated head movement (16–18 months)
• Uses tongue to clean lips (19–24 months)
• Straw drinking with lips (19–24 months)
• Chews meat completely (19–24 months)
• Transfers across midline (19–24 months)
Personal and Social
• Finds object even when hidden under two or three covers
• Can perform simple tasks or chores around the house
• Can pull off of some clothing
• Begins to play make-believe
• Imitates behavior of others, especially adults and children
• Is more aware of self as separate from others; recognizes self in photos
• Is increasingly enthusiastic about the company of other children
Other Characteristics
• Demonstrates increased independence
• Strives to leave caretakers to explore, but fears separation
• Begins to show defiant behavior
• Displays separation anxiety which increases towards 1½ years and fades as 2nd birthday approaches