Are you amazed by the new things your toddler says each day? Less than a year ago, your little one was uttering one-word commands — now it's likely that he or she is speaking in three-word sentences. Your toddler's growing vocabulary includes a couple hundred words. Reading, songs, and nursery rhymes are fun ways to build on blossoming language skills. Doctors use certain milestones to tell if a toddler is developing as expected. There's a wide range of what's considered normal, so some children gain skills earlier or later than others. Toddlers who were born prematurely reach milestones later. Always talk with your doctor about your child's progress. Here are some things your toddler might be doing: Communication and Language Skills says short phrases of 3-4 words is understandable to others 50% of the time speaks using pronouns (I, me, you) asks many "What?" and "Where?" questions Movement and Physical Development washes and dries hands brushes teeth with help pulls pants up with assistance jumps in place throws a ball overhand Social and Emotional Development enjoys pretend play starts to play with, not just alongside, other kids can tell you when he or she needs a diaper change or has to go to the potty refers to himself or herself by name Cognitive Skills (Thinking and Learning) begins to develop a sense of humor (e.g., thinks silly things, such as a story about a barking cat, are funny) understands the concept of one item or thing (e.g., "Give me one block.") When to Talk to Your Doctor Every child develops at his or her own pace, but certain signs could indicate a delay in development. Talk to your doctor if your child: does not engage in pretend play doesn't speak, or makes vowel sounds but no consonants or words doesn't recognize simple emotions (happy, sad) in others Also, if you ever notice that your child has lost skills he or she once had or shows weakness on one side of the body, tell your doctor. Back to Articles Related Articles Your Child's Checkup: 2.5 Years (30 Months) Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your toddler might be doing at this age. Read More Nutrition Guide for Toddlers While growth slows somewhat during the toddler years, it's a new era where kids will eat and drink more independently. Read More Safe Exploring for Toddlers Toddlers are learning to talk, to walk and run, and to assert their independence. For many in this age group, "outside" and "play" are common requests. Read More Toddlers: Learning by Playing It might look like just child's play, but toddlers are hard at work learning important physical skills as they gain muscle control, balance, and coordination. Read More Communication and Your 2- to 3-Year-Old Communicating with a child is one of the most pleasurable and rewarding experiences for both parent and child. Learn how to connect with your 2- to 3-year-old. Read More Fitness and Your 2- to 3-Year-Old Kids this age are naturally active, so be sure to provide lots of opportunities for your child to practice basic skills, such as running, kicking, and throwing. Read More Growth and Your 2- to 3-Year-Old During the third year of life, toddlers are extremely active and mobile, and are learning in very physical ways. Read More Delayed Speech or Language Development Knowing what's "normal" and what's not in speech and language development can help you figure out if you should be concerned or if your child is right on schedule. Read More Managing Your Toddler's Behavior (Video) Learn how to encourage good behavior, handle tantrums, and keep your cool when parenting your toddler. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.