2 year old toddler

What a 2 year old is doing

By two, the CDC's checklist describes a child who kicks a ball, runs, walks (rather than climbs) up a few stairs with or without help, and eats with a spoon. The thinking skills are easier to miss: holding something in one hand while using the other, such as holding a container and taking the lid off; trying switches, knobs or buttons on a toy; and playing with more than one toy at once, like putting toy food on a toy plate. Socially, two-year-olds notice when others are hurt or upset and look at your face to see how to react in a new situation.

Ireland's HSE adds what living with a two-year-old feels like: testing limits, temper tantrums when they do not get their way, saying "no" often as a sign of growing confidence, jealousy when you give attention to other young children, and becoming more difficult to put to bed. Our guide to toddler tantrums covers the limit-testing side, and our 18 month old guide covers the stage before.

2 year old speech: how many words?

The two main checklists measure different things. The CDC's 2-year milestone is a floor that at least three in four children have reached: saying at least two words together, like "more milk", pointing to things in a book when you ask, pointing to at least two body parts, and using more gestures than waving and pointing, such as blowing a kiss or nodding yes.

The HSE describes the typical two-year-old instead: 2 or 3 word sentences, 50 or more words, referring to themselves by name and understanding short, simple instructions. Words may still be unclear, but you should understand at least half of what your child is trying to say. So a two-year-old with 30 words who joins two of them together is below the HSE's typical picture but has met the CDC's word milestone; a child not joining words at all has not, and that is worth raising. Our speech and language milestones guide covers what comes next.

Red flags at two: what health services ask you to act on

Ireland's HSE asks you to contact your GP or public health nurse if your two-year-old:

• cannot walk steadily
• does not follow simple instructions
• cannot walk up and down stairs holding on
• does not show interest in other children and adults
• cannot speak or join words together
• loses skills they had before

The CDC's rule is broader: a missed milestone, a lost skill or any other concern is a reason to act early, talk to your child's doctor and ask about developmental screening. In the US, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends standardised autism screening at 24 months as well as at 18 months, alongside ongoing developmental surveillance. Our guide to when to worry about development explains how to raise a concern.

The 2 year review

In England, the NHS review may happen at home, a baby clinic or a children's centre, or at nursery or a childminder's if your child goes to one. You will be sent the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3) to fill in first. The review covers development, including movement, speech, social skills, behaviour, hearing and vision; growth, healthy eating and keeping active; behaviour and sleep; tooth brushing and the dentist; safety; and vaccinations.

In Ireland, the public health nurse's 21 to 24 month check includes a physical examination, growth monitoring, dental health and an in-depth hearing assessment, and looks at whether your child can walk alone, kick a ball, drink from a cup and feed themselves with a spoon. The nurse will also talk to you about safety, diet and toilet training.

Sleep at 2

The CDC says children this age need 11 to 14 hours of sleep a day, including naps, and that consistent sleep times make it easier. If bedtime has got harder, you are not alone: the HSE lists becoming more difficult to put to bed among the things two-year-olds may do. Our guides to how much sleep a toddler needs and moving from cot to bed go further.

Food and milk at 2: UK and US advice differs

The NHS suggests at least 350ml (12oz) of milk a day, or two servings of foods made from milk, and says that from two you can gradually introduce lower-fat dairy and more wholegrain foods, provided your child is a good eater and growing well. The American Academy of Pediatrics' drinks guidance advises nonfat or low-fat (1%) milk from age two. Follow the advice where you live. At meals, the CDC's advice is to offer healthy foods and let your child decide how much to eat, because toddlers do not always eat the same amount each day. Our guide to toddler drinks covers the rest.

Potty training and play at 2

The CDC says most children are not able to toilet train until 2 to 3 years old and that starting too early can cause stress and setbacks, so ask your child's doctor or nursery whether your child is ready. Our potty training signs of readiness guide covers what to look for.

Children this age play next to each other but do not yet know how to share and solve problems, the CDC notes, so stay close at playdates and help with turn-taking. Its ideas include balls, button toys, dressing up, sand and water play and simple puzzles, with no more than one hour a day of a children's programme, watched with an adult. See toddler friendships and parallel play, and our 3 year old guide for what comes next.

When to get urgent help

In the UK, the NHS says to call 999 or go to A&E if a child under five has difficulty breathing or is breathing very fast, has blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue, has a rash that does not fade when you press it, is difficult to wake, has a seizure, or has not had a pee in the past 12 hours. Call NHS 111 if you are worried about a symptom or do not know what to do. Outside the UK, use your local emergency number.

Frequently asked questions

How many words should a 2 year old say?

Ireland's HSE describes a typical two-year-old as having 50 or more words and using 2 or 3 word sentences, with speech you understand at least half the time. The CDC's milestone, met by at least 75% of children, is lower: saying at least two words together, like "more milk". Not joining any words together at two is worth raising.

What are the red flags for a 2 year old?

Ireland's HSE lists not walking steadily, not following simple instructions, not managing stairs while holding on, no interest in other children and adults, not speaking or joining words together, and losing skills. The CDC adds any missed milestone or other concern. Any of these is a reason to speak to your health visitor, GP or doctor.

Are milestones different for boys and girls?

Not on the official checklists. Neither the CDC nor Ireland's HSE publishes separate milestones for boys and girls: the same lists, and the same advice to act early if your child misses a milestone or loses a skill, apply to every child. If you are told to wait because your child is a boy, ask anyway.