Milestones: what to expect and when to ask
18 months – 5 years · 5 min read
Children grow at their own pace, and a wide range is normal. Milestones are a guide, not a test. What matters most is whether your child keeps gaining new skills, and whether something seems different from before or from other children the same age.
Around 18 months
- Points to show you things, and looks at you to share what they see.
- Says several single words and understands simple requests like “give me the ball”.
- Walks steadily and starts to run. Tries to feed themselves.
- Copies what you do, such as sweeping or talking on the phone.
Around 2 years
- Puts two words together, like “more milk”.
- Points to body parts and pictures when you name them.
- Runs, kicks a ball and climbs onto low furniture.
- Starts pretend play, like feeding a doll, and shows interest in other children.
Around 3 years
- Speaks in short sentences, and people outside the family understand much of it.
- Plays make-believe, and takes turns with a little help.
- Climbs stairs, jumps with both feet and may pedal a tricycle.
- Shows a range of feelings and can be comforted.
Around 4 to 5 years
- Tells a simple story and answers “why” questions.
- Draws a person with a head, body and arms or legs.
- Dresses with little help and uses the toilet.
- Plays with other children and follows simple rules in games.
Talk to a professional sooner if
- Your child loses a skill they had, such as words, eye contact or a favourite way of playing. Do not wait with this one, at any age.
- They do not turn to their name or to everyday sounds.
- There is no pointing or showing by 18 months, no single words by 16 months or no two-word phrases by 2 years.
- They are not walking by 18 months.
- They show very little interest in people, or ordinary sounds, touch or changes upset them a great deal.
- You simply feel that something is different. Trust that feeling and ask.
Sources
Last updated 28 September 2026 · General information, not medical advice. It is not a diagnosis or a substitute for a qualified professional.