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Between 18 and 24 months, your toddler is taking huge strides (literally and figuratively!), and becoming very independent. Here's what else you can expect in this six-month period.

Physical Milestones

Between 18-24 months, your toddler is likely to:

• Kick a ball. 
• Squat while playing. 
• Walk backwards or sideways while pulling a toy. 
• Back into a chair to sit down. 
• Ride a small-wheeled toy
• Carry a large toy while walking
• Remove lids from containers. 
• Nest cups and boxes inside each other. 
• Take off shoes, hat, and socks. 
• String large beads with two hands. 
• Raise and drink from a cup, then put it back on the table. 

Play and Activity

Your toddler loves to play. Spend lots of time outdoors in safe places, like a toddler playground. Try running and kicking balls and playing with toys that allow your toddler to push and pedal.

Here are some other ways to encourage your toddler's physical development:

• Continue to breastfeed. 
• Look for child sized versions of adult things, such as furniture, a soccer ball, a plastic baseball and bat, or garden tools. 
• Play with your toddler by pretending to be an animal: "hop like a frog, fly like a bird, and jump like a rabbit."
• Describe your toddler’s movements and actions as he does them. If your toddler climbs the stairs, say, "You’re climbing the stairs." 
• Play different kinds of music for your toddler to dance to, such as marches, rock 'n' roll, and waltzes. 
• Encourage your toddler to dress and undress on her own. 
• Only help when needed. 
• Provide lots of containers during bath time. 
• Offer activities that require sorting of shapes. 
• Offer items like finger paints, paints and easels, ride on toys, and push pull toys.

Other Physical Milestones

Between 18 and 24 months your toddler may also:

• Walk on tiptoes. 
• Throw and retrieve objects. 
• Jump in place with both feet. 
• Catch a large ball. 
• Open doors by turning knobs. 
• Copy straight or circular strokes with a crayon. 
• Snip with child sized scissors. 
• Fold paper in half.

Resources and Links:
HealthLink BC: Growth and Development, Ages 12 to 24 Months