Launch Therapy Center logoLiftoffFamily Resource Hub
All ages

By age

2 Years

Two-word phrases, jumping, and playing next to other children.

Developmental information

2 Years · Developmental information

Open the communication milestones checklist for 2 to 3 years

Source American Speech-Language and Hearing Association

2 Years · Developmental information

Open the CDC 2 years milestone checklist

Source CDC

2 Years · Developmental information

Open the CDC 30 months milestone checklist

Source CDC

Communication and play

2 Years · Communication and play

Open 6 games to play with toddlers, 2 to 3 years

Source Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University

Movement and hand skills

2 Years · Movement and hand skills

Follow the leader

What this helps your child practice

Not yet added by staff

Materials needed

None. Just you and your child.

Simple instructions

  1. 1Walk in a straight line, make turns, walk backwards, and walk on tiptoes.
  2. 2Let your child lead after you show them how.

Ways to include it in everyday routines

Not yet added by staff

Get a link to share

2 Years · Movement and hand skills

Simple puzzles with shapes, colors or animals

What this helps your child practice

Not yet added by staff

Materials needed

Simple puzzles.

Simple instructions

  1. 1Help your child do simple puzzles with shapes, colors, or animals.
  2. 2Name each piece when your child puts it in place.

Ways to include it in everyday routines

Not yet added by staff

Get a link to share

2 Years · Movement and hand skills

Turn pages in a book

What this helps your child practice

Not yet added by staff

Materials needed

A book or magazine.

Simple instructions

  1. 1Show your child how to turn pages in a book or magazine.

Ways to include it in everyday routines

Not yet added by staff

Get a link to share

2 Years · Movement and hand skills

Scooters, balance bikes and tricycles

What this helps your child practice

Not yet added by staff

Materials needed

A scooter, balance bike or tricycle.

Simple instructions

  1. 1Try scooters, balance bikes and tricycles from 2 to 3 years.
  2. 2You can try this even earlier if your toddler shows they are interested.

Ways to include it in everyday routines

Not yet added by staff

Get a link to share

Feeding

2 Years · Feeding

Open the feeding and swallowing milestones for 2 to 3 years

Source American Speech-Language and Hearing Association

Watch these

Short clips of what these moments can look like. Direct links are still being added by staff, so open the Liftoff hub page to watch them.

  • Runs
  • Uses a variety of gestures
  • Says at least two words together
  • Points to at least 2 body parts
  • Plays next to other children and sometimes plays with them
  • Follows simple routines when told
  • Says "look at me!" to grab attention
  • Jumps with both feet off ground
  • Names things in a book when asked
  • Shows simple problem-solving skills
  • Follows 2-step instructions
  • Pretend play
Open the 2 Years page in the Liftoff hub

When to ask for help

You know your child best. Raise any of these with your pediatrician or your child's therapy team.

  • Uses fewer than 50 words or is not combining 2-word phrases regularly.
  • Has difficulty understanding or following simple directions.
  • Shows little interest in pretend play or interacting with others.
  • Has difficulty walking, running, climbing, or frequently falls.
  • Has difficulty using both hands during play or completing simple fine motor tasks such as stacking blocks, scribbling or turning pages.
  • Has difficulty chewing age-appropriate foods or frequently coughs, chokes, or gags during meals.
  • Is extremely sensitive to everyday sounds, textures, or movement, or avoids many types of play.
  • Loses skills they previously had.
  • You have concerns about your child's communication, feeding, play, behavior, or overall development.