Child 1–2 years
20 Month Old
Small changes in level and direction are handled more confidently, and familiar words start to cover more of the day.
Movement and daily skills
- A small step up or down, or a change of surface, may be negotiated with less help than before.
- Stacking, placing or sorting large safe objects is often more interesting than what the object is for.
Language and thinking
- A growing set of familiar words may be used, and simple routine or location language may be understood in context.
- Repeating an action to get the same result again is early cause-and-effect, played rather than studied.
Social and emotional development
- Attempting to pull off a sock or a hat is often the first real contribution to getting undressed.
- Noticing and copying what another person just did may happen well after they have done it.
Try together
Line up a few large safe objects and let them stack or sort however they like. Follow their arrangement rather than correcting it.
What can we do today?
46 activity ideas suit this age — most take about five minutes and need nothing you do not already have.
- Name What You See
- Your Turn
- In and Out
What can we prepare?
ParentSide has 12 recipes for 19–24 months, each with its texture, portion and preparation notes.
Professional support
Services ParentSide defines for this stage. Each page explains what the service covers and which professionals are approved to provide it.
Sources and updates
This provides general developmental information and is not a developmental assessment. Speak with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your child's development.