What's New at 14 Months? Milestones and More

Here's what your toddler is learning this month.

Your toddler will begin to develop early writing skills as they experiment with putting marks on paper.

What's New at 14 Months? Milestones and More

0:00

At 14 months, your toddler is becoming more involved in daily life. They will start to try to get dressed and hand you toys to keep the play going. They’re making more noise, more messes, and more connections. You might notice them scribbling on paper, throwing things for fun, or using their finger to point at exactly what they want. This month is all about communication, participation, and emotional expression.

Your child is working on 23 new milestones across six areas: Gross Motor, Fine Motor, Cognitive Development, Social-Emotional Development, and Communication. These skills are laying the groundwork for more independence, stronger relationships, and clearer self-expression. Here is what's new this month.

Is your baby up to the challenge?

By now, your toddler is not only exploring their environment; they’re starting to shape how they interact with it. With stronger muscles and quicker thinking, they’re learning to help and engage in more intentional ways. Experts note that toddlers at this stage are driven by curiosity and connection. Whether it’s holding out an arm to help you dress them or making a silly face to get you to laugh, their actions are becoming more purposeful.

At this age, your toddler will begin to exercise their free will by saying 'no' when they don't want to try something or participate in an activity.

Why this month matters

At 14 months, your toddler is starting to act like part of the team. They’re learning how to participate, show emotions, and express what they want or need. These milestones reflect big strides in problem-solving, communication, as well as social awareness. Your child may bring you a toy or say “no” when they’re not into something. All of this signals growing confidence and an emerging sense of self.

What are 14 month's milestones?

This month, you may notice your toddler crawling down stairs backward, standing up from a seated position without help, and even holding out their arms or legs when it’s time to get dressed. These actions show growing coordination and increased body awareness. But more than that, they're a sign that your child is beginning to understand your everyday routines and wants to take part.

Your toddler might start stacking two blocks into a tiny tower or gripping a crayon in their fist to scribble back and forth. Even though both of these actions are simple, they are learning how these tools and toys work. You might also find them happily tossing toys on the floor over and over again, not to be troublemakers, but to explore cause and effect. Their pointing becomes more precise now and is even being paired with a vocalization or a look that clearly says, “That one!”

Mentally, your toddler is soaking everything in. They may flip through a book and get excited about certain images, especially when they begin connecting a picture with a word you’ve said. This is a great sign that they’re starting to make associations and remember them. They might press a button on a toy and pause, waiting to see what happens next. Following simple instructions like “bring me the ball” shows that their receptive language skills are growing. It shows that they understand more than they can say.

Emotionally and socially, your toddler is becoming more expressive and connected to others. You might catch them raising their arms when they want to be picked up or doing something just to make you laugh. They may bring you a toy to start a game or “share” a snack. These moments reflect a growing sense of empathy, a desire to engage, and a deepening bond with you and other familiar faces.

This month, there aren’t as many traditional sensory milestones, but your toddler is still taking in the world with curiosity. They might pause to study a brightly colored picture, watch your mouth as you speak, or react with excitement when something familiar comes into view. Even if it’s subtle, their growing visual and social attention is helping them learn through observation.

And then there’s communication, where you’ll see so much growth. Your toddler may pair hand gestures with speech or raise their pitch to ask a question. They'll also continue to mimic. Their first attempts at words may sound like babble, but rest assured that these attempts at speech are going to sound more and more like actual words. Whether they’re using body language or simple words like "no", they're learning to understand and how to be understood. This blend of gestures, expression, and early language is a big step toward a wider range of early language.

The Importance of Early Learning

Understanding these milestones is crucial for fostering your child's development. Each skill they acquire builds on the last. This month, your toddler's ability to communicate their needs and desires is particularly significant. It sets the stage for future interactions and relationships.

Encouraging your toddler to express themselves can be as simple as asking questions and giving them choices. For instance, when they point to a toy, you can ask, “Do you want the red car or the blue truck?” This not only validates their communication efforts but also promotes decision-making skills.

Engaging Activities for Development

To support your toddler's growth, consider incorporating fun activities into your daily routine. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Art Exploration: Provide crayons and paper. Let them scribble freely. This enhances fine motor skills and creativity.

2. Interactive Storytime: Choose colorful books. Ask them questions about the pictures. This encourages language development and comprehension.

3. Simple Games: Play games that involve taking turns. This teaches patience and social skills.

4. Outdoor Play: Encourage climbing and running. This promotes gross motor skills and confidence.

   
   

By engaging in these activities, you can help your toddler reach their milestones while having fun together.

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

Every toddler moves at their own pace, but keeping track of these 14-month milestones helps you stay connected to how your child is growing. They might be throwing toys or trying to make you laugh; either way, being aware of these milestones will offer you insight into how your toddler is learning. 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 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.

CREATE YOUR FREE ACCOUNT

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 14-month mark is a pivotal time for your toddler. They are exploring their world with curiosity and beginning to express themselves more clearly. By supporting their development through engaging activities and being aware of their milestones, you can help them thrive. Celebrate each small victory, as these moments contribute to their overall growth and development.

Work Cited:

1. Gopnik, A., Meltzoff, A., & Kuhl, P. The Scientist in the Crib

2. CDC, Developmental Milestones

3. Harvard Center on the Developing Child – Early Brain Development