Your little one is now a toddler, and with this stage comes newfound freedom. If your toddler isn't walking yet, he or she will be soon. Walking offers chances for exploring areas that were previously out of reach, and for practicing independence. Doctors use milestones to tell if a toddler is developing as expected. There's a wide range of what's considered normal, so some children may gain skills earlier or later than others. Toddlers who were born prematurelymay 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 "mama" and "dada" (specific to parents), plus one or two other words waves goodbye points to objects babbles with inflections that mimic normal speech Movement and Physical Development bangs together cubes or blocks held in both hands stands alone walks with one hand held and possibly even walks alone places objects in and out of containers precisely picks up objects with thumb and forefinger during mealtime, uses hands to bring small pieces of food to the mouth Social and Emotional Development enjoys peekaboo, pat-a-cake, and other social games likes being read to and looking at picture books cries when you leave the room feels proud when gaining a new skill like standing, walking, etc. Cognitive Skills (Thinking and Learning) follows one-step commands (such as, "Please give me the ball.") watches and imitates older kids and adults repeat behaviors that produce a desired effect, such as dropping a toy over a ledge so that you can pick it up will look at a book and turn the pages When Should I Call the Doctor? Every child develops at their own pace. But some signs could indicate a delay in development. Talk to your doctor if your child: walks with a limp or uneven stride when falling, falls forward instead of backward can't pick up a small object (like a raisin) and does not feed himself or herself does not point at objects does not babble with consonant sounds ("ba, da, ga") Also, if you ever notice that your child has lost skills or shows weakness on one side of the body, tell your doctor. Back to Articles Related Articles Your Child's Checkup: 1 Year (12 Months) Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your baby might be doing by the first birthday. Read More Your Baby's Growth: 12 Months Your baby is almost a toddler! Here's what to expect with your little one's growth and weight this month. Read More Your Baby's Hearing, Vision, and Other Senses: 12 Months Here's how you can stimulate your baby's senses and provide a safe environment for exploration. Read More Sleep and Your 8- to 12-Month-Old Sleep problems are common in the second half of a baby's first year. It's best to respond to your baby's needs with the right balance of concern and consistency. Read More Growth and Your 1- to 2-Year-Old You're in for a year of changes! Midway through this year, most babies are walking and starting to lose that "baby" look. Read More Toddler Reading Time Reading to toddlers lays the foundation for their independent reading later on. Here are some tips. 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.