Physical:

• Walks unsteadily, or confidently if first steps were taken before 12 months.
• Uses fingers to self-feed.

Cognitive:

• Stacks two blocks one on top of the other.
• Attempts to use objects like cups and spoons the correct way.

Communication

• Tries to say other words besides “mummy/mama” and “dad/da-da”, like “da” for dog or “moo” for the moon.
• Looks at objects when you name them.
• Points at items they want.
• Follows some directions. For example, give you the cup if you say “please give mummy the cup.”

Children’s brains develop rapidly from birth through age three. It is during this period that huge amounts of activity between neurons occur with information transmitting at a very fast pace. Because of this, your little one’s brain can capture information and experiences more efficiently than later, when this neural activity slows down.² During this period, your child’s cognitive growth should be fostered by loving relationships with caregivers, a healthy environment, and proper nutrition.³ 

Specifically, in the second year, your toddler’s brain is also rapidly being “wired” for language and communication. As the months progress, you’ll notice an incredible expansion in your little one’s skills in these areas, and this also when a process in the brain called myelination increases. This enables the brain to carry out more complicated tasks. Additionally, complex cognitive abilities like self-awareness are developing, enabling your toddler to experience and be aware of his/her own emotions and those of others.²

Growth in your child’s social and emotional skills (linked to the brain development described above) will result in more beneath-the-surface milestones, including¹:

• Copying what other children do when they play, like taking a toy out of a box.
• Hugging stuffed toys or dolls.
• Clapping when excited.
• Smiling or laughing when someone else is happy and crying or being sad when someone else is sad.
• Displaying affection in the form of hugs, kisses, and cuddles.

Reading and talking to your child is one of the best ways to encourage blossoming language, and communication abilities and set the foundation for literacy skills. You can strengthen your child’s knowledge about different colours, shapes, sounds, animals, and objects through reading. By selecting the relevant books – for example, those about emotions and empathy – you can also bolster your child’s social and emotional development.

As your toddler gets more confident on his/her own two feet (literally!), you can nurture physical development in a few ways. Encourage your child to strengthen fine motor skills and creativity by offering crayons (along with paper) or finger paints – just watch that little Picasso blossom! Bring your child outdoors to the playground or park so that he/she can practice walking and running while strengthening gross motor abilities.

With all these activities, do ensure that your toddler gets adequate sleep and proper nutrition to replenish energy and nurture holistic growth and development, including that of the brain. Most of your baby’s brain development happens during sleep. The brain experiences heightened activity during sleep, setting the stage for how your little one will learn and grow. Your baby at 13-15 months needs around 14 hours of sleep a day.⁴

By now, your little one probably has around 8 teeth, meaning that he/she can bite and chew better. Enhance your child’s diet by providing a wide variety of foods and textures. To build independence and fine motor skills development, you can encourage self-feeding. Be ready to provide help and encouragement when needed so he/she does not get frustrated. Keep your child hydrated with enough water.