12 - 36 MONTHS

activities

The activities below let babies have fun while helping them develop physically, cognitively and socially. Do not force baby to do an activity if she doesn’t like it. You can always try it again later.

• Baby Cruise (12 - 15 months)

• Song Patting (12 - 15 months)

• Fill Up (12 - 15 months)

• Sing Not Say (12 - 15 months)

• Tube Talk (12 - 24 Months)

• What's That Noise? (12 - 24 Months)

• Play Drums! (12 - 24 months)

• Magnet Play (12 - 24 months)

• Drawing Time (12 - 24 months)

• Puppet Talk (12 - 24 months)

• Paper Play (12 - 36 months)

• Sock Ball (12 - 36 months)

• Laundry Basket Fun (15 - 24 months)

• Box in a Box (15 - 24 months)

• Pretend Picnic (15 - 36 months)

MILESTONES (15 Months)

Here’s what most (not all) kids can do by 15 months. Be patient and let the child set the pace. Every child develops at a different pace!

Physical Development

• walk independently

• climbs onto and down from furniture unassisted

• runs (unsteady!)

• kick a ball

• squat to pick up toys

• pulls toys while walking

• turn pages in a book

• feed self with spoon and fork (messy!!!)

• scribble with marker or crayon

• try to turn knobs and twist lids

• build tower of 2-6 blocks (every child is different!)

Cognitive/Language Development

• follow 2-step instructions

• name familiar objects

• point to pictures in a book when named

• identify body parts when named

• combine 2 words to form phrases

Social/Emotional Development

• become more independent

• “parallel play” with other toddlers

• expresses more emotions (happiness, fear, anger)

• seek attention and approval from parents and nanny

• imitate behavior of others, especially adults and older children

TIPS

• let child walk, climb, and move around safely (double check home is “childproof”

• provide toys and objects that let them turn knobs, twist lids, pull off lids, etc.

• play games that involve following 2-step instructions, like "Bring me the ball and then put it in the box."

• read books together and have the child point to pictures when named

• name familiar objects and body parts to expand the child's vocabulary.

• respond to the child's emotions with empathy and validation (don’t tell them they shouldn’t feel a certain way; it’s ok to have angry or sad feelings)

• praise toddler and offer attention when she seeks your approval

• find opportunities for play with other toddlers

• maintain a predictable daily schedule to help the child feel secure and develop independence

• involve the child in simple household tasks to build a sense of competence
  

CITATIONS
American Academy of Pediatrics (2015). Developmental Milestones: 15 Months
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022) Developmental Milestones
Hirsh-Pasek, K., & Golinkoff, R. M. (2006). Action meets word: How children learn verbs. Oxford University Press
Sroufe, L. A. (2005). Attachment and development: A prospective, longitudinal study from birth to adulthood. Attachment & human development, 7(4), 349-367.