Find out the 20 milestones your 21-month old is practicing this month!

At 21-months-old, toddlers move with more curiosity and confidence. They're engaged in their activities and may be stacking, twisting, naming, and figuring out how things work. You may catch them testing lids, pulling toys around corners, or stringing a few words together to tell you what they want. Each action hints at deeper understanding and a developing sense of independence that shapes how they see their world.

Every day brings something new as your toddler continues to grow across five key areas including Gross Motor, Fine Motor, Cognitive Development, Social-Emotional Development, and Communication. Each milestone builds on earlier achievements and prepares them for exciting challenges ahead.

Is your baby up to the challenge?

As your toddler approaches their second birthday, you'll notice more intention behind their play, movements, and speech. When they bring you a book or pretend to tuck a stuffed animal into bed, they’re not just imitating they’re beginning to show signs of imagination.

At 21 months, your child may stop to observe, think, and try again which is a small but powerful sign of problem-solving.

Why this month matters?

The 21-month stage bridges curiosity and capability. Toddlers this age are discovering that their ideas can lead to results. Whether they’re twisting off a cap, using a stool to reach a shelf, or reacting when someone looks upset, they’re connecting actions with outcomes. Their emotional awareness is growing, and so is their persistence. When something doesn’t work right away, they may try again. Determination is starting to guide their learning.

What are this month's milestones?

Gross Motor Skills:

Your toddler’s movements now feel more deliberate. They may be able to pull off a small jump, lifting both feet for a brief moment, or start kicking a ball with a bit of aim. Walking backward, pulling toys behind them, and stepping up and down stairs with your support all show off their improving coordination. Outdoor play is a great outlet for your child; open spaces give them the freedom to move with confidence and practice their new skills.

Fine Motor Skills:

At this stage, hands are tools for exploration. Toddlers will twist knobs, flip switches, and turn pages without difficulty. Stacking blocks has become a focused task rather than the usual trial and error. They might even build a tower just to knock it down and rebuild it again. Their scribbles might now look slightly more intentional, and you may see them stabilize a page with one hand while drawing with the other. These small things show that your child is growing in both strength and problem-solving.

Cognitive Development:

Your baby's thinking is becoming even more flexible. Your toddler may follow a short sequence of directions such as, “pick up your toy, then come here”. At this point they'll begin practicing or might already recognize certain colors and shapes. Pretend games are becoming their own little stories; they might pretend to feed a toy and then tuck it in, which is an exciting display of imagination. You’ll also see more curiosity about how things work. They might drag a chair to reach something or test new ways to open a box. Every small experiment is a sign of early reasoning.

Social-Emotional Development:

Emotions are big and expressive at 21 months. Your toddler might announce “mine!” loudly or rush to comfort crying family or friends. They’re testing boundaries while also showing signs of empathy. They'll notice when someone is sad or happy and try to react accordingly. Their newly found independence can cause them to constantly swing between being excited at what they accomplished or upset when things don't go their way. Consistent reassurance and gentle boundaries at this stage, help them build confidence and emotional understanding.

Communication:

Language is expanding super quickly! Some toddlers may be able to use about 50 individual words at this point, sometimes linking two together to make simple requests. They understand more than they can say, and gestures still help to fill the gaps. This includes a nod for yes, a shake for no, or a wave to greet someone familiar. If you listen closely, you’ll notice their tone will begin to match their mood. At this point, your child is understanding you better, and their growing vocabulary allows them to communicate their wants and needs to you much easier.

At 21 months, your toddler is experimenting, talking, and observing in their own ways. Their growth is easy to see and is happening faster than ever. This is a stage filled with curiosity, pride, and the first signs of showing off their big imaginations!

Work Cited:

1. “The Development and Shaping of the Brain.” Discovering the Brain,

2. “Understanding why your child’s brain is so amazing!” Parenting. Give it Time, Llywodraeth Cymru Welsh Government,

3. CDC, Developmental Milestones

4. Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Developmental Milestones: 18–24 Months.

5. Brown Health. Children’s Developmental Milestones: Gross and Fine Motor Skills.

   
   

How many of this month's milestones has your baby mastered?

Tracking your toddler’s 21 month milestones can give you a better sense of how they’re developing and where they’re headed next. Each milestone is a step forward in building independence and personality. With a Basic Membership for just $2 per month, you can track all 812 milestones your child is expected to reach by age 4. Stay on top of your baby’s progress and celebrate every exciting new skill along the way!

Create a free account with Fledglings' Flight and get access to 4820 screen-free, play-based exercises. That is 100-200 exercises each month that you can start doing with your baby from the day that they are born to help them to develop into the best version of themselves. In addition, your free account gives you access to 1200+ articles on child development to keep you informed while you help to navigate your child's developmental journey.