This month, your child is testing balance, words, and boundaries!

Your baby is almost two! At 23 months, your toddler is starting to show a real sense of self. They want to do things on their own, test their limits, and be an active part of what’s happening around them. You might notice that they've memorized the tune of their favorite song, or that they'll use words and gestures to make sure you understand exactly what they mean. Each small act of independence is a sign that they’re learning how to navigate their growing world.

Each day, their growing skills connect across five key areas: Gross Motor, Fine Motor, Cognitive Development, Social Emotional Development and Communication. These milestones show how your little one is learning to blend action, understanding, and emotion into the rhythm of daily life.

Is your baby up to the challenge?

You are watching your child's personality take shape. Your toddler may insist on doing things their own way; doing things like insisting on using their favorite cup, humming a familiar tune, or copying the way you stir your coffee. Their confidence is backed by better coordination and a growing understanding of language. Your toddler is more determined than ever! With the 23 month milestones, they're figuring out their newfound skills, their independence, and learning how to manage them.

Why this month matters?

The days before turning two are full of trial, error, play, and determination. Toddlers this age are practicing control, not just of their movements, but of their thoughts and emotions too. Every small action has purpose as they begin to understand cause and effect, patience, and persistence. It is the start of understanding the balance between doing, thinking, and feeling.

What are this month's milestones?

Gross Motor Skills:

Movement is becoming more deliberate. Your toddler loves to climb on furniture or playground equipment as they show off how strong they've grown. They can stand on tiptoes to look at something that peeks their interest and are often able to walk down stairs while holding the railing, carefully placing both feet on each step. You might see more confidence, but also more caution. They'll continue to ask for help as they’re learning how to control their bodies safely.

Fine Motor Skills:

At this point your child might poke or point with a single finger, maybe to explore an object, to communicate, or to direct their attention. A hand preference for drawing or eating is likely starting to show, and mealtime is a little easier as they use a fork and spoon easily and without a problem. Their focus on these small movements reveals just how much attention they’re paying to control and coordination.

Cognitive Development:

Your toddler is starting to understand simple words about location, like "in", "on", or "under", and may use them during play. You’ll notice their natural curiosity shining through as they test ideas and do things like move toys around, explore new spaces, and watch what happens when they try something different. These moments of quiet observation are big signs for early reasoning and creativity.

Social-Emotional Development:

Feelings at this time are big and visible. At this stage, your toddler may resist sharing and hold tightly to favorite toys, which is a completely normal part of their growing self-awareness. They now also express emotions through both words and actions, and are quick to show excitement or frustration. When they succeed, they often use words to celebrate and call your attention to celebrate their achievement. This mix of pride and independence showcases their growing self-confidence.

Communication:

Their language is growing so fast these days! Your child now points to body parts when named and will proudly say their own name. You’ll hear short phrases used to ask questions such as, “Where ball go?”, or to ask for help, “Help me!”. Their curiosity about words is growing, too. They'll love to ask for the names of things and repeat them. This ongoing back-and-forth helps to build both vocabulary and social connection.

At 23 months, your child is exploring what it means to be not just curious, but actually capable. They’re testing balance, words, and boundaries, and finding new ways to connect their ideas with action. These moments are both playful and persistent and prepares them for the exciting leap into their second year.

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 18 twenty-three 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.