2 Year Old Milestones & Development

2 Year Old Milestones & Development (Canada)

The developmental milestones many babies reach around 2 year old — across motor, language, social and thinking skills. A guide, not a checklist.

Milestones around 2 year old

  • Runs and climbs
  • Uses two-word phrases
  • Kicks a ball
  • Follows two-step instructions

How to support development at 2 year old

Talk, sing and read to your baby, give plenty of supervised floor and tummy time, and offer simple toys that match this stage. Responsive, everyday interaction is what helps most.

Play & learning: sensory toys, play mats & gyms, stacking toys, baby books & tummy-time gear. See sleep needs at this age on our sleep schedule page.

Frequently asked questions

What should a 2 year old be doing?

Around this age, many babies runs and climbs and uses two-word phrases. Ranges are wide and normal.

What toys are good for a 2 year old?

Simple, open-ended toys that match their stage — sensory toys, soft books, stacking and grasping toys.

General developmental information only, not medical advice. Every baby develops at their own pace and reaching milestones a little earlier or later is usually normal. If you have any concerns, speak with your healthcare provider.