20-month-old baby milestones: Development, growth, speech, language, and more

Nikki Stevenson

Nikki Stevenson

Nikki is a parenting writer and a mom to three wild boys who keep her on her toes (and occasionally make her question her sanity). With over 15 years of experience in the parenting industry, she has more tips and tricks than Mary Poppins on speed dial. When she's not typing away at her keyboard, you can find her sipping on coffee, hiding in the bathroom for five minutes of...
Medically reviewed Medically reviewed by Faith Hobson
Updated on Oct 22, 2024 · 13 mins read
20-month-old baby milestones: Development, growth, speech, language, and more

You've officially survived 20 months of parenthood.


By now, you’ve probably become an expert in dodging flying peas, decoding baby babble, and finding new and inventive ways to convince your little one that broccoli is indeed delicious.

At 20 months old, your toddler is a bundle of energy, curiosity, and surprising new skills. Let’s dive into what you can expect during this exciting month of development.

Your 20-month-old baby's development


Your toddler is likely showing off some impressive physical skills as a 20-month-old. Their boundless energy means they’re constantly on the move, which is great for their toddler development (and not so great for your house and living room decor).

Walking and running

By now, most 20-month-old toddlers are confident walkers and may even start running, though stopping and changing direction might still be a bit wobbly. They might enjoy walking backward or even attempting to walk on their tiptoes. Climbing is another favourite activity, whether it’s onto furniture, stairs or any surface that looks like a good challenge.

Fine motor skills

Your 20-month-old toddler’s fine motor skills are also improving. They may start using a spoon or fork with greater accuracy, stacking blocks into tall towers, and showing interest in scribbling with crayons.

Encouraging these activities can help improve hand-eye coordination and dexterity.

Balance and coordination

Better balance and coordination mean your toddler might be able to kick a ball, throw it (often in an unpredictable direction), and possibly catch it with both hands. They might also start jumping in place, a milestone that shows parents their growing strength and coordination.

Climbing and exploring

Don’t be surprised if your active toddler attempts to climb just about everything. From playground equipment to the kitchen table, there’s no bounds to their exploration.

This is a great time to childproof your home (again) and ensure that all potential climbing hazards are secured.


Social and emotional development


Your 20-month-old is not just growing physically but also making significant strides in social and emotional development. This stage can be both heartwarming and challenging as your toddler learns to express themselves and navigate social interactions.

Growing independence

One of the hallmarks of this age is a growing sense of independence. Your 20-month-old toddler may insist on doing things by themselves, from putting on shoes to brushing their own teeth and feeding themselves. This newfound independence can sometimes lead to frustration and tantrums when things don’t go as planned, but this change in your child’s temperament is an important part of their development.

Emotional expression

At 20 months, most toddlers are beginning to understand and express a range of emotions. They might show affection by hugging and kissing or express frustration through tantrums. They are also starting to show empathy, offering comfort when someone else is upset.

Social interactions

Your 20-month-old toddler is likely becoming more interested in other children, though playing together might still mean playing alongside other kids rather than with each other. They often engage in tea parties with stuffed animals, role-playing social interactions.

Sharing is still a developing concept, so don’t be surprised if you see some possessiveness over toys.

Encouraging positive interactions and gentle play can help foster social skills.

Imitation and role-play

Imitation is a significant part of learning at this age. You might notice your 20-month-old child mimicking your actions, whether pretending to cook, clean, or talk on the phone.

Role-play is an excellent way for them to explore different scenarios and practice social skills. Providing simple props and plenty of encouragement can help your child learn this type of play.


Health check-ups and vaccinations


Keeping up with your 20-month-old toddler’s health check-ups and vaccinations is crucial to ensure they stay healthy and protected against preventable diseases.

In Australia, the National Immunisation Program (NIP) outlines specific vaccines children should receive at various stages.

Routine health check-ups

At 20 months, your child should have regular check-ups with a healthcare provider to monitor their growth, development, and general health. These visits typically include measurements of height, weight, and head circumference to ensure your child is growing at a healthy rate. Your doctor will also check for developmental milestones, such as walking, talking, and social interactions.

Vaccinations

According to the Australian National Immunisation Program, your 20-month-old should have received the following vaccines by now:

  • DTPa (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
  • Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b)
  • Hepatitis B
  • Polio (IPV)
  • Pneumococcal
  • Rotavirus
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
  • Meningococcal ACWY

At this stage, there aren’t any new vaccinations specifically due at 20 months, but it’s essential to ensure that your child is up to date with the recommended schedule.

The next major vaccine, the MMRV (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella), is usually given at 18 months. If you missed this vaccine, check with your healthcare provider to get your child back on schedule.

Flu vaccine

Although not part of the routine schedule, it’s recommended to get your child vaccinated against influenza annually, especially during flu season. The flu vaccine is safe and effective for children over six months old and helps protect against the flu virus, which can be particularly severe in young children.

Keeping records

It’s important to keep an accurate record of your child’s vaccinations. The Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) is a national register that records vaccines given to people of all ages in Australia. You can access your child’s immunisation history statement online through your Medicare account or the MyGov website.

Hygiene and grooming


As your 20-month-old continues to grow and explore, maintaining good hygiene and grooming habits becomes increasingly important. Establishing these routines early on can help foster healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

Bathing

Bathtime can be both a fun and necessary part of your child’s routine. At 20 months, your toddler may still need your assistance to bathe safely. Use a mild, child-friendly soap and shampoo to keep their skin and your toddler’s hair clean without irritation. Bathtime is also an excellent opportunity to teach basic hygiene skills, such as washing their hands and face.

Dental care

Your toddler should have most of their baby teeth by this age, so establishing a dental care routine is crucial.

Brush their teeth twice daily using a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Encourage your child to participate in brushing, but make sure to supervise and assist as needed. Regular dental check-ups should also be part of your routine, with the first visit ideally occurring around their first birthday.

Nail trimming

Keeping your toddler’s nails trimmed is important to prevent accidental scratches and to maintain hygiene. Use baby nail clippers or a nail file to gently trim their nails when calm, such as after a bath or during sleep. Make this a regular part of your grooming routine to avoid overgrown nails.

Hair care

Depending on your child’s hair type, you may need to wash and brush it regularly. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner suitable for children, and a soft brush or wide-toothed comb to detangle their hair. If your toddler is not a fan of hair washing, try to make it a fun experience by letting them play with toys or sing songs.

Handwashing

Teaching your child to wash their hands regularly is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Encourage them to wash their hands before meals, after using the toilet, and after playing outside. Use soap and water, and show them how to scrub all parts of their hands for at least 20 seconds. Make handwashing fun by singing a song or using a colourful hand soap.

Potty training

While not all 20-month-olds are ready for potty training, some may show signs of readiness, such as showing interest in the toilet, staying dry for longer periods, or expressing discomfort with dirty nappies. If your child is ready, introduce a potty chair and encourage them to sit on it regularly. Praise their efforts and be patient, as potty training can take time and varies greatly among children.

How much sleep does a 20-month-old need?


Sleep is crucial for your 20-month-old’s development, playing a vital role in their physical and mental growth. Understanding their sleep needs and establishing consistent sleep schedules can help ensure they get the rest they need at their own pace.

Total sleep requirements

At 20 months old, toddlers typically need around 11 to 14 hours of sleep daily. This includes nighttime sleep and one or two daytime naps. However, individual sleep needs can vary, so pay attention to your child’s signs of tiredness and adjust their schedule accordingly.

Nighttime sleep

Most 20-month-olds sleep for about 10 to 12 hours at night. A consistent bedtime routine can help your child settle down and fall asleep more easily. This routine might include a warm bath, reading a story, and some quiet time. Consistency is key, so try to stick to the same bedtime each night.

Daytime naps

Your toddler will likely still need one or two naps during the day. The total nap time usually ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours. Many 20-month-olds transition to one longer nap in the early afternoon, but some may still benefit from two shorter naps. Observe your child’s behaviour to determine what works best for them.

Sleep challenges and solutions


Common sleep challenges:

  • Night wakings: Toddlers might wake up during the night due to teething, growth spurts, or separation anxiety.
  • Resistance to sleep: Increased independence can lead to resistance at bedtime or nap time.
  • Early waking: Waking up too early can disrupt your child’s overall sleep pattern.

Solutions:

  • Consistent routine: Stick to a regular sleep schedule and bedtime routine to help your child know what to expect.
  • Comfort items: A favourite blanket or some stuffed animals can provide comfort and security at bedtime.
  • Environment: Ensure the sleep environment is quiet, dark, and cool. White noise machines or blackout curtains can help.

20-month-old baby weight and length


At 20 months, children can vary widely in size, but here are the general benchmarks based on the World Health Organisation (WHO) growth standards.

Average weight

  • Boys: The average weight for a 20-month-old boy typically ranges between 10.8 kg and 13.4 kg.
  • Girls: The average weight for a 20-month-old girl usually falls between 10.2 kg and 12.7 kg

Average length

  • Boys: The average length for a 20-month-old boy is between 81.9 cm and 86.1 cm.
  • Girls: The average length for a 20-month-old girl is around 80.2 cm to 85.2 cm.

20-month-old feeding milestones


At this age, they are becoming more independent and may have strong preferences when it comes to your toddler’s diet. Here are key milestones to expect:

Self-feeding

Many toddlers at 20 months can feed themselves using their fingers and are improving with utensils. Provide a variety of healthy finger foods to encourage self-feeding and promote independence and fine motor abilities.

Nutritional needs

A balanced diet of healthy foods is crucial. Offer:

  • Fruits and vegetables: A range of colourful options.
  • Proteins: Lean meats, fish, eggs, beans.
  • Grains: Whole grains like brown rice and whole wheat bread.
  • Dairy: Milk, cheese, and yogurt, or suitable alternatives.

Transition from bottle to cup

Now is a good time to transition your little one from a bottle to a sippy or open cup. This helps prevent dental issues and promotes better eating habits.

Handling picky eating

Picky eating is common. Stay patient, offer new foods alongside favourites, and avoid forcing your child to eat. Over time, they will likely become more open to trying different foods.

Hydration

Ensure your toddler stays well-hydrated with water and milk. Avoid sugary drinks and limit fruit juice to no more than one small serving per day.

Additional behaviours at 20 months


At 20 months, your toddler is developing rapidly, showing new behaviours and skills daily. These behaviours reflect their growing independence, curiosity, and cognitive abilities.

Increased independence

Your toddler is eager to do things on their own, from feeding themselves to attempting to dress themselves. This can sometimes lead to frustration when they can’t complete a task, so offering support and patience is key.

Language development

Language skills are expanding quickly. Many toddlers can say several words and are starting to form simple sentences. They understand more than they can express, so they might follow simple instructions like “Bring the book” or “Put the toy away.” Encouraging communication through reading, singing, and talking helps support their language development.

Problem-solving skills

At this age, toddlers are becoming better problem solvers. They enjoy activities that challenge their thinking and bring fun, such as stacking blocks, fitting shapes into matching holes, and figuring out simple puzzles. Providing a variety of toys and activities that stimulate their cognitive skills can be beneficial.

Tantrums and emotional outbursts

Tantrums are common as toddlers struggle with big emotions and limited communication skills. They might express frustration, anger, or sadness through crying, screaming, or physical actions. Teaching them to identify and express their emotions, offering comfort, and setting clear boundaries can help manage these outbursts.

Acknowledging the emotion behind the outburst helps your child learn the language of that associated feeling – making them feel seen and heard in their discomfort/

Imitation and pretend play

Your child loves to imitate adults and older children, for example engaging in pretend play such as cooking, cleaning, or talking on the phone. This type of play is important for social and cognitive development, allowing them to explore different roles and scenarios.

Exploration and curiosity

Curiosity drives your toddler to explore their environment, which can lead to risky behaviour. Ensure a safe environment by childproofing your home and supervising their activities. Providing your family with safe opportunities for exploration, such as outdoor play or sensory bins, can satisfy their curiosity in a controlled manner.

Development tips for your baby this month


Here are some tips to support your 20-month-old’s development:

  • Encourage independence: Allow your toddler to try tasks like feeding and dressing themselves to boost their confidence and motor skills.
  • Promote language skills: Talk, read, and sing with your child daily to expand their vocabulary and comprehension.
  • Foster social interaction: Arrange playdates and group activities to help your child practice sharing and empathy.
  • Support physical activity: Provide opportunities for climbing, running, and jumping to develop gross motor skills.
  • Introduce problem-solving activities: Offer puzzles and shape sorters to stimulate cognitive development.
  • Create a safe environment: Childproof your home to allow safe exploration and satisfy their curiosity.

Items you will need this month


  • Age-appropriate toys and puzzles
  • Sippy cups or open cups
  • Child-friendly utensils
  • Books and educational materials
  • Comfortable shoes for active play
  • Safety gear for home childproofing
  • A potty chair (if starting potty training)
  • Soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste

Checklist for this month


  • Schedule a regular health check-up
  • Ensure vaccinations are up to date
  • Establish a consistent sleep routine
  • Encourage self-feeding and healthy eating habits
  • Childproof your home for safe exploration
  • Introduce new words and activities to stimulate learning
  • Monitor and support emotional development

Sources


JADA, From baby bottle to cup , March 2004.

WHO, WHO child growth standards: length/height-for-age, weight-for-age, weight-for-length, weight-for-height and body mass index-for-age: methods and development, November 2006.

BabyCentre, Solids by age: 19 to 24 months.

Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, National Immunisation Program Schedule , April 2024.

Pampers, Your 20-Month-Old’s Development and Milestones , May 2023.

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