Toddler Milestones: When to Seek Help if You’re Concerned

19 October 2025

Watching your little one grow is both exciting and nerve-wracking. One day they’re taking their first wobbly steps, and the next, they’re babbling away like tiny philosophers. But what happens when your child isn’t meeting certain milestones? Should you panic? Not at all! Let’s dive into toddler milestones, what’s considered “normal,” and when it might be time to check in with a professional.

Understanding Toddler Milestones

Every child develops at their own pace — some are early bloomers, while others take their sweet time. Milestones are just general guidelines, not hard rules. They help track progress in motor skills, speech, social interactions, and cognitive development.

However, if you notice significant delays in key areas, a little extra support might be helpful. So, let’s break down some major developmental milestones and when you might want to seek guidance.

Motor Skill Milestones: Tiny Hands, Big Moves

One of the most exciting parts of toddlerhood is watching those wobbly movements turn into confident strides. Here’s what you can generally expect:

By 12 Months:

✔ Pulling up to stand
✔ Cruising (walking while holding furniture)
✔ Picking up small objects with thumb and forefinger (pincer grasp)

By 18 Months:

✔ Walking without help
✔ Attempting to run (although in an adorable, clumsy way)
✔ Scribbling on paper (future Picasso in the making!)

By 24 Months:

✔ Kicking a ball
✔ Walking up and down stairs with assistance
✔ Building a tower of a few blocks

When to Worry:

🚩 If your toddler isn’t bearing weight on their legs by 12 months
🚩 If they’re not walking by 18 months
🚩 If they have difficulty using one side of their body more than the other

If any of these red flags pop up, a pediatrician or physical therapist can help determine whether early intervention is needed.

Speech and Language Milestones: From Babble to Blabbermouths

Toddlers are like little parrots, repeating everything they hear (yes, even those words you wish they wouldn’t). Speech development varies, but here’s a general outline:

By 12 Months:

✔ Responding to their name
✔ Saying simple words like “mama” or “dada”
✔ Using gestures like waving or pointing

By 18 Months:

✔ Saying 10-20 words
✔ Using two-word phrases (“more juice,” “bye-bye dog”)
✔ Understanding simple commands

By 24 Months:

✔ Saying 50+ words
✔ Forming simple sentences
✔ Following two-step instructions

When to Worry:

🚩 No babbling or gestures by 12 months
🚩 No single words by 16 months
🚩 No two-word phrases by 24 months
🚩 Regression (losing previously learned words)

If your toddler is struggling in this area, a speech therapist can assess their needs and provide tools to boost language development.

Social and Emotional Milestones: Tiny Humans with Big Feelings

Toddlers are emotional rollercoasters — one minute they’re giggling, the next they’re melting down because you gave them the “wrong” color cup. Their social and emotional growth is crucial for learning how to navigate the world.

By 12 Months:

✔ Showing stranger anxiety
✔ Enjoying interactive games like peek-a-boo
✔ Expressing emotions through facial expressions

By 18 Months:

✔ Showing affection (hugs, kisses, or snuggles)
✔ Beginning to show independence (“I do it myself!”)
✔ Imitating actions, like sweeping or pretending to talk on the phone

By 24 Months:

✔ Engaging in parallel play (playing near other kids)
✔ Demonstrating empathy (comforting a crying friend)
✔ Following simple social rules, like taking turns

When to Worry:

🚩 No interest in social interactions by 12 months
🚩 No eye contact or response to caregivers
🚩 Extreme difficulty with changes in routine
🚩 No pretend play by 24 months

If your child seems disconnected or overwhelmed in social situations, seeking guidance from a developmental pediatrician or therapist can help identify any concerns.

Cognitive Milestones: Tiny Minds at Work

Toddlers are little scientists — always exploring, testing limits, and making discoveries (like how gravity works when they throw food off the high chair). Their cognitive development is a big deal, shaping how they learn and problem-solve.

By 12 Months:

✔ Finding hidden objects
✔ Copying gestures
✔ Recognizing familiar faces and objects

By 18 Months:

✔ Understanding object permanence (knowing things exist even when out of sight)
✔ Pointing to body parts when asked
✔ Following simple instructions

By 24 Months:

✔ Engaging in pretend play
✔ Sorting shapes and colors
✔ Using problem-solving skills (like figuring out how to open cabinets — yikes!)

When to Worry:

🚩 No curiosity about surroundings
🚩 Difficulty focusing on simple tasks
🚩 Not following basic instructions
🚩 No sign of pretend play by 24 months

If your little one seems significantly behind in cognitive skills, an early childhood specialist can help assess whether intervention is needed.

What to Do if You’re Concerned

First and foremost: don’t panic. Remember, every toddler develops at their own pace. That said, if your gut is telling you something feels off, trust your instincts. Here’s what you can do:

1. Talk to Your Pediatrician – They can assess your concerns and determine if further evaluation is necessary.
2. Get an Early Intervention Evaluation – Many areas offer free early childhood assessments to identify any potential developmental delays.
3. Encourage and Support Growth – Talk, read, and play with your toddler as much as possible. Simple interactions help immensely.
4. Be Patient – Some kids just take a little longer to catch up. Their timeline might not match the books, and that’s okay!

Final Thoughts: Every Child is Uniquely Wonderful

Milestones are great checkpoints, but they shouldn’t define your child’s worth or potential. Some toddlers race ahead, while others take a scenic route — both are completely normal. The most important thing? Shower your little one with love, support, and encouragement.

And hey, if you’re still worried, that’s okay! Parenting is full of “Is this normal?” moments. The best thing you can do is stay informed, seek help when needed, and enjoy the wild ride that is toddlerhood.