24 months

Just because your child is not performing everything at the selected times does not mean there is something wrong. Some children take a little bit longer to be able to do things on their own. Your child requires stimulation and opportunity to learn and develop. For guidance on age appropriate activities please look at play and ideas.

Child developmental stages

24 months / 2 years

• I can get up from the floor by myself.
• I can pick up toys from the floor without falling over.
• I like to crawl upstairs when someone is behind me.
• I like to walk upstairs when someone holds my hand.
• I can follow simple instruction like “put it on the chair”.
• I enjoy nursery rhymes and action songs, like Head, Shoulders Knees and Toes’
• I can say up to 10 words.
• I love to copy what you do around the house.
• I like to have a tea party with my toys! I like to pretend.
• I can put shapes in a puzzle board.
• I love to scribble on paper (or the wall)

I enjoy playing alongside other children.

If you are concerned about how your child is doing any of the above activities please ask your health visitor for advice and guidance.

Areas of concern

The guide below indicates when you should seek further advice if your child is not making progress towards their age specific targets. Please seek further advice from your health visitor or GP.

If your child –

• Does not seem to understand the names of a variety of everyday objects
• Has less than 20 words
• Struggles to keep their attention on one activity
• Does not want to help you in your everyday activities
• Does not show any pretend play
• Lacks social interest
• Is not walking confidently and steady on their feet.

Play ideas

A better start in life: Play ideas 24 to 36 months
Produced by the Paediatric Occupational Therapy Department, Royal Free London.