Great expectations: Baby's second year

Daily showdowns with a toddler can be difficult, but there are plenty of exhilarating moments in the mix. Preview the highlights of baby's second year with our guide to the most anticipated toddler milestones.

Walks alone

One of the most thrilling toddler milestones usually comes early in the second year: your child walks without help, one wobbly but determined step at a time. Most kids start walking between nine and 17 months. The average age is about 14 months. There’s no stopping them now!

Runs

The chase is on! About six months after your toddler masters walking, he or she will probably be running. Then the question is, can you keep up?

Climbs

Most parents aren't eager for children to start climbing on the furniture. However, this is another toddler milestone to watch for. While the precise age varies, your child is likely to start climbing furniture and stairs (while holding the railing) at some time during the second year.

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Kicks a ball

Kicking a ball may seem simple, but it requires a complex set of abilities. Your toddler needs both the physical coordination to kick, plus the thinking skills to understand cause and effect. Older toddlers can make the connection -- if they kick the ball, it will roll or bounce. By the way, once your child discovers that balls can bounce, he or she will probably throw toys, food and other objects to see if they bounce, too!

Scribbles

It's too soon to tell if you're rearing the next Picasso, but your child's early doodles will be priceless to you. During the second year, kids gain more control over the small muscles in their hands and fingers. These fine-motor skills help toddlers scribble with crayons and eat with a spoon.

Plays make-believe

Between 18 and 24 months, changes in the brain lead to an important toddler milestone: the ability to play make-believe. You may catch your child "feeding" a teddy bear or talking into a toy phone.

Talks – for real

Babble may be your toddler's language of choice, but you can expect to hear some real words by 15-18 months. Between 18 and 24 months, most kids progress to simple phrases, like "no more" or "go there." By the age of two, you may even hear a short sentence or two.

Plays with friends

Let the play dates begin! By the end of the second year, most toddlers show more interest in the company of other children, although sharing may still be a long way off.

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