Sensory and Motor Development, Ages 12 to 24 Months

Overview

Learning to walk is the main athletic accomplishment for children between 12 and 24 months of age. Those first steps are possible because of changes taking place within the brain and the spinal cord. Coordination and muscle control advance as the brain grows and matures.

Most children can take a few steps on their own by 15 months of age. By 18 months, most children can walk without help.

When your toddler reaches a developmental milestone, such as walking, it means that they have mastered the physical and cognitive skills needed to advance to another skill. For example, about 6 months after your child has learned to walk with ease, they will likely be able to run. Most toddlers also learn the basics of climbing, kicking, and throwing.

Also during the second year, children gain more control and coordination over the many small muscles in their hands, fingers, and wrists. With these fine-motor skills, your child can start to draw with crayons, eat with a spoon, and manipulate small items.