Toddler Development

Educational information. Individual clinical review of this presentation by Dr. Ehsan is not yet documented. It does not replace personal medical evaluation.

Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Read the original source

MedlinePlus data edition September 26, 2026. Imported September 27, 2026. These dates do not indicate a new clinical review of the article.

Mastering new skills such as how to walk, talk, and use the potty are developmental milestones. It is exciting to watch your toddler learn new skills. The normal development of children aged 1-3 includes several areas:

Gross motor - walking, running, climbing
Fine motor - feeding themselves, drawing
Sensory - seeing, hearing, tasting, touching, and smelling
Language - saying single words, then sentences
Social - playing with others, taking turns, doing fantasy play

Toddlers do not develop at the same rate. There is a wide range of what is considered "normal." Your child may be ahead in some areas and slightly behind in others. If you are worried about possible delays, talk to your child's health care provider.

Symptoms, tests and care options

Further reading selected by MedlinePlus. Links open the original organizations’ websites.

Developmental and Behavioral Screening Tests · National Library of Medicine
Developmental Monitoring and Screening · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Physical Therapy (For Parents) · Nemours Foundation
Speech-Language Therapy (For Parents) · Nemours Foundation

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