Your child just turned one, and you’re giddy over the signs he’s been showing; it looks like he’s going to learn how to walk real soon! While it’s a big moment for any parent, try to contain your excitement to last you for the next two years - you are about to embark on a journey where your toddler will astound you almost daily with what he can say and do. Read on for these amazing developments!


At 12 to 18 months

Physical milestones:
Your toddler is starting to develop his motor skills. According to Lillian Ng Gui, psychologist, Christian counselor, and member of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, your toddler at this stage weighs about 17 to 30 lbs and stands around 27 to 35 inches tall. “He is able to crawl well and can stand on his own. He gestures or points at things to indicate he wants them. He can turn the pages of a book and likes to push, pull, and dump things. He enjoys carrying small objects while walking, often one in each hand,” she mentions. Other milestones include being able to wave good-bye, clap his hands, and hold a spoon while eating, although he has difficulty getting the spoon into his mouth.

Cognitive milestones:
Gui enumerates the following abilities: “He knows and says eight to 20 words you can understand. He is able to look at the person talking to him, says ‘hi’ or ‘bye’ if reminded, can identify objects in a book, and understands and follows simple one-step directions.”

“He is also now able to identify body parts, imitates your actions, and follows commands,” adds Leoncia Que-Firmalo, M.D., a pediatric neurologist at Dr. Fe del Mundo Medical Center. Proof of this is your toddler’s fascination with animal sounds and his ability to imitate them.

Social and emotional milestones:
Your toddler is now beginning to experience separation anxiety and “becomes upset when separated from his parents and/or caregiver,” says Gui. He is also able to identify key persons in the family, says Dr. Que-Firmalo.

“He likes to hand objects to others, but he can also play alone on the floor with his toys,” adds Gui. “He now recognizes himself in the mirror or in pictures, and likes being held and read to. He enjoys an audience and applause.” This means your toddler is beginning to understand that there are other people around him.