24 Months
Welcome to the 24-month milestone!
Your child is officially two years old — full of energy, curiosity, and growing independence. At this age, many toddlers are speaking in short phrases, running and climbing with ease, and beginning to show strong emotions and preferences. You might see more pretend play, efforts to do things on their own, and interest in playing with others. This stage is full of big learning moments, and your support helps them thrive. Below, you'll find helpful resources to guide you through your child’s development, behavior, language skills, and daily routines at age two.
Activity Corner
Did you know? Two-year-olds love imaginative play — whether it’s with other children, dolls, toy kitchen sets, or fun props! This type of play not only sparks their creativity, but also helps build important social skills as they explore the world through pretend scenarios.
Tod-Tidbit
Did you know?
A two-year-old’s voice can be louder than a crowd of 200 adults — impressive, right? Even more amazing, their brains have twice as many neural pathways as an adult’s, making early childhood a powerful time for learning and development!
Healthy Habits
We recommend that your child have a vision screening with a local optometrist. This important check helps detect early vision issues and is covered by Ontario’s provincial health insurance (OHIP). Regular eye exams support your child’s development and learning — even if no problems are suspected.
Struggling after having a baby? You’re not alone.
Postpartum Support International offers free, confidential help for parents dealing with postpartum depression, anxiety, and other perinatal mental health challenges. Whether you need someone to talk to or want to connect with local resources, support is just a click away.
24 Month Milestones
Download the CDC Milestone Checklists
Want a printable version? The CDC Developmental Milestone Checklists provide age-specific milestones from 2 months to 5 years, helping you track your child's growth, learning, communication, and movement skills. These checklists are a great tool to use at home and can help guide conversations with your healthcare provider.
Track Milestones on Your Phone
The free CDC Milestone Tracker app makes it easy to monitor your child's development wherever you are. Use interactive milestone checklists, save photos and notes, receive tips to support development, and prepare questions for healthcare visits—all from your smartphone.
Concerned About Your Child's Development?
You know your child best. If your baby is not meeting one or more developmental milestones, has lost skills they once had, or if you have any concerns about their development, don’t wait, trust your instincts and seek support.
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Start by talking with your child’s healthcare provider. Share your concerns and ask about developmental screening. Early identification and support can make a big difference.
Don’t have a family doctor or pediatrician? Visit our Parent Resources page to find local services, healthcare supports, and developmental resources available to families in Ottawa and Ontario
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Remember: every child develops at their own pace, but acting early when you have concerns can help ensure your child gets the support they need.
Sources & References
The information on this page was developed using current evidence, clinical guidelines, and trusted healthcare resources.