Milestones by 15 Months

You know your child best. Don't wait. If your child is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns, act early. Talk with your child's doctor, share your concerns, and ask about developmental screening.

If you or the doctor are still concerned:

• Ask for a referral to a specialist who can evaluate your child more; and
• Call your state or territory's early intervention program to find out if your child can get services to help. Learn more and find the number at cdc.gov/FindEI.

• Have steady routines for sleeping and feeding. Create a calm, quiet bedtime for your child. Put on his pajamas, brush his teeth, and read 1 or 2 books to him. Children between 1 and 2 years of age need 11 to 14 hours of sleep a day (including naps). Consistent sleep times make it easier!
• Show your child different things, such as a hat. Ask him, "What do you do with a hat? You put it on your head." Put it on your head and then give it to him to see if he copies you. Do this with other objects, such as a book or a cup.
• Sing songs with gestures, such as "Wheels on the Bus." See if your child tries to do some of the actions.
• Say what you think your child is feeling (for example, sad, mad, frustrated, happy). Use your words, facial expressions, and voice to show what you think she is feeling. For example, say "You are frustrated because we can't go outside, but you can't hit. Let's go look for an indoor game."
• Expect tantrums. They are normal at this age and are more likely if your child is tired or hungry. Tantrums should become shorter and happen less as he gets older. You can try a distraction, but it is ok to let him have the tantrum without doing anything. Give him some time to calm down and move on.
• Teach your child "wanted behaviors." Show her what to do and use positive words or give her hugs and kisses when she does it. For example, if she pulls your pet's tail, teach her how to pet gently. Give her a hug when she does it.
• Limit screen time (TV, tablets, phones, etc.) to video calling with loved ones. Screen time is not recommended for children younger than 2 years of age. Children learn by talking, playing, and interacting with others.
• Encourage your child to play with blocks. You can stack the blocks and she can knock them down.
• Let your child use a cup without a lid for drinking and practice eating with a spoon. Learning to eat and drink is messy but fun!
• Give your child water, breast milk, or plain milk. You don't need to give your child juice, but if you do, give 4 ounces or less a day of 100% fruit juice. Do not give your child other sugary beverages, such as fruit drinks, soda, sports drinks, or flavored milks.
• Give your baby safe places to explore. Baby-proof your home. For example, move sharp or breakable things out of reach. Lock away medicines, chemicals, and cleaning products. Save the Poison Help Line number, 800-222-1222, in all phones.
• Continue to talk, read, sing, and tell your child the names of things throughout the day. She will try to say and learn many new words, which can help her read later on.
• Make a "book" with pictures of people and pets in your child's life. Name them as you look through the book together. Include a picture of your child.
• Sing or play children's songs and songs your family enjoys. Dance with your child.
• Read a new book after a favorite one to explore and try new books. Children like to do favorite things again and again. You can use the things they like to do to introduce new things.
• Play simple games, such as hide and seek. Let your child watch you hide behind a chair and then wait for her to come "find" you.
• Make up a simple "cleanup song" and sing it while you teach your child to help "clean up." Have him help put toys in a basket or hand you things to put away.
• You can teach simple gestures and sign language (for example, pointing and waving) to help your child "talk" to you and show you what she wants.
• "Pretend talk" to your child with a stuffed animal. See if your child tries to copy you or if he uses another stuffed animal to "talk" with the one you are holding.
• Blow bubbles and let your child pop them. Say things as she pops them, such as "Pop, pop."