Between 19–24 months, toddlers experience huge leaps in language, movement, and social understanding. They’re more opinionated, more curious, and more determined to do things on their own.
This is an amazing stage filled with laughter, exploration, and yes, sometimes challenging behaviors.
What’s Happening at 19–24 Months?
Walking turns to running. They’re faster, more coordinated, and can climb almost anything.
Jumping, kicking, and throwing. Gross motor skills are more refined.
Fine motor mastery. They can stack 4–6 blocks, scribble with control, and turn doorknobs.
Pretend play expands. Feeding dolls, pretending to cook, or copying household tasks.
Stronger memory. They recognize familiar people, routines, and favorite books or songs.
This is when they start to show clear personality traits—whether cautious, adventurous, chatty, or observant.
Language Explosion
Language development takes off between 18–24 months:
Vocabulary may grow from 20–50 words to 200+ by age 2.
Early two-word phrases appear: “more juice,” “go park,” “mama come.”
They understand much more than they can say—simple instructions, questions, and names of objects.
They may start naming body parts, animals, or favorite toys.
Support language by:
Talking throughout the day about what you’re doing.
Reading simple books and asking “Where’s the cat?”
Expanding on their words (“Car!” → “Yes, a big red car!”).
Feeding: True Family Meals
At this stage, toddlers eat almost entirely what the family eats—just in smaller, safe pieces.
3 meals + 2 snacks per day.
Offer a variety of textures and flavors.
Toddlers may show preferences but keep offering new foods.
Encourage self-feeding with a spoon or fork, even if it’s messy.
Portion sizes are small—a toddler’s serving is about 1/4 of an adult portion. Trust their appetite; it’s normal for it to vary day to day.
Poop and Potty Awareness
Stool patterns reflect their diet—more fiber = softer poop.
They may start showing potty awareness—telling you after they poop, hiding while they go, or showing interest in the toilet.
It’s too early for formal potty training for most, but you can introduce the idea gently.
Movement and Safety
Toddlers at this stage have no fear and lots of energy.
They run, climb, and explore constantly.
They can now reach higher shelves and open doors.
Safety-proofing must evolve—secure furniture, use door locks, and supervise closely.
Provide safe spaces where they can move freely.
Sleep Patterns
Most toddlers take 1 midday nap by 20 months.
Nighttime sleep averages 10–12 hours.
Some may resist bedtime as their imagination and independence grow.
Bedtime routines remain important to help them wind down.
Playtime and Learning
Play becomes more social and imaginative:
Pretend play with dolls, kitchens, or cars.
Simple puzzles, shape sorters, and stacking toys.
Songs with actions, fingerplays, and dancing.
Books with short sentences and interactive elements.
They’re learning problem-solving, turn-taking, and cause-and-effect through play.
Behavior and Emotions
This is when “toddler emotions” really appear.
Tantrums become common—they’re expressing frustration without full language skills.
They test limits (“What happens if I throw this again?”).
Separation anxiety may still come and go.
How to guide behavior:
Keep routines predictable.
Offer simple choices to give them control (“Do you want the blue cup or the green one?”).
Stay calm during tantrums; they need reassurance, not punishment.
They’re not being “bad”—they’re learning boundaries and self-control.
Social Development
Toddlers start showing parallel play—playing near other kids but not yet “with” them.
They may show affection with hugs or kisses.
Sharing is still hard, but they begin to notice others’ emotions.
Gentle modeling and praise help build social skills over time.
A Gentle Reminder
Months 19–24 are full of growth, wonder, and big feelings. Your toddler is learning how to express themselves, assert independence, and navigate a much bigger world.
It’s a stage that requires patience and consistency—but it’s also full of moments that will make you laugh and melt your heart.
What’s Coming Next?
After 24 months, your child will officially be a 2-year-old toddler with even more words, more physical skills, and yes, more opinions. We’ll explore the 2–3 year stage, including social development, potty training readiness, and how to support their growing independence while keeping boundaries clear.