15 Month Baby Milestones: Your Child Knows What They Like

Your child is growing more confident in exploring themself, their surroundings, and other people. You will see glimpses of your child’s personality and have an idea of the person they will become. Your child will be able to express the things they like and dislike and the activities they prefer.

What Can I Expect Now That My Child is 15 Months Old?

Your child will continue to improve upon the skills they unlocked during their earlier months. For example, they might add another word or two to their growing vocabulary.

Your child will also try and take their first couple of steps—if they have not already! They will also show independence by following simple instructions and completing simple chores.

Lastly, your toddler might become more interested in other people. They might seek out playmates or go out of their way to get your attention.

Language and Communication Milestones

Most kids can say at least one word at 15 months (it is most often either “mama” or “dada”). Some 15-month-old kids can say at least two words, and some can confidently say more than two.

At this age, your child will be expanding their vocabulary. They will most likely learn words that they often encounter, such as “ball,” “dog,” or “toy.” They will also recognize the names of objects and will look at them.

Your child may also try talking to say what they want. But because your child does not know all the words, they might point at objects to get the point across.

At 15 months, your toddler can also follow simple instructions. You can ask your child to fetch you a familiar item they know and see if they oblige.

READ ALSO: Toddler Learning Words? Focus On Teaching These Words First Than ABCs Or Counting

Physical Milestones

Walking is still the focus at 15 months. If your child has already started toddling, expect them to gain more balance and control.

Your child can now feed themselves using their fingers. This is an excellent time to introduce finger foods such as slices of soft fruit or steamed veggies, cheese, and pasta. Expect them to be messy, though!

READ ALSO: 7 Yummy Finger Foods for Your Child's Next Party

Cognitive Milestones

Your child now knows a lot more about how things work. For example, you may see them bringing a toy phone to their ear or taking sips from a toy cup.

One way babies learn is by mimicking others. Your toddler may have seen you or the other family members do these actions.

Your kid can now also stack two objects on top of each other. This simple skill helps develop your kid’s problem-solving skills. While stacking blocks or cups, your child has to tackle balance and coordination to build what they want.

Social Milestones

Your toddler is now more interested in playing with other kids. However, your child is most likely to engage in parallel play still. Parallel play is when children play beside each other but do not actively interact or interfere with other playmates.

You may notice that your toddler will start copying other children now. For example, your child may do the same if they see another kid putting balls inside a cup.

Your child can now show you the things they like and do not like. They may clap when excited and show disinterest if presented with something they do not care for. They may also come to you and show you a toy or object they like.

It is the same when it comes to other people. You will notice your child being more open to expressing affection with others, such as giving hugs and kisses to favorite adults or playmates.

READ ALSO: Affection Will Never Spoil Your Child, So Hug Him Even When You Need to Discipline

Why Is My Child So Different From Other Children Their Age?

Experts worldwide will tell you that it is okay if your child does not meet a few of these milestones. Every toddler is different; therefore, not all toddlers develop at the same pace.

Pediatrician and Smart Parenting expert Dr. Faith Alcazaren has something to say about milestones: “[M]ilestones are not hard deadlines and should not cause unnecessary stress to parents. These are merely guides - it [sic] tells us what kind of age-appropriate stimulus and environment will promote a child’s development.”

Environment, culture, and your child’s preferences all play an essential role in your child’s development. If you live in a house with stairs, your toddler might become more adept at movement than others. But suppose your toddler is not a chatterbox and prefers to play quietly. In that case, they might focus more on cognitive skills than language and vocabulary.

Read more about your 15 month old here.