17-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 29, 2024 · 13 mins read
17-month-old baby milestones: Development, growth, speech, language, and more

Ever wonder what exciting milestones await your 17-month-old?


This phase is packed with rapid development, both physically and cognitively. It’s a time of exploration, learning, and, yes, even a few tantrums. Understanding these milestones can help you effectively support and celebrate your child’s growth.

Your 17-month-old baby's development


At 17 months, your toddler is experiencing significant growth and development. Here’s what you can expect.

Weight and height: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the median weight for a 17-month-old is approximately 10.0 kg for girls and 10.7 kg for boys. The median height is about 79.7 cm for girls and 81.2 cm for boys.

Physical milestones: Your 17-month-old toddler is making remarkable progress in their physical development. They may be able to walk independently, climb stairs with support, and use their hands and fingers to explore objects. These milestones are crucial for building strength, coordination, and confidence.

Language and communication: Encouraging language development at this stage is essential. Your 17-month-old toddler should be hearing words frequently, and activities like reading aloud and narrating daily tasks are beneficial. Encouraging them to say words and repeat item names helps expand their vocabulary. Use active verbs and directional words to enhance their understanding.

Cognitive development: At 17 months, problem-solving skills are becoming more apparent. Your toddler is learning to navigate their environment and interact with others. Support this toddler development by engaging in conversations, reading, and providing interactive toys that challenge their thinking.

Emotional and social development: This stage may bring challenging behaviours like separation anxiety and tantrums. Offering warm physical touch, like hugs and cuddles, and helping your 17-month-old child communicate by describing their feelings can aid in emotional regulation and social skills.


17-month-old physical milestones


At 17 months, your toddler’s physical development is progressing rapidly. Here are some key milestones you can expect.

Walking and running: Your on-the-go toddler can most likely walk independently and may even start running. Their improved balance and coordination allow them to move more confidently.

Climbing and exploring: Your 17-month-old toddler may love to climb on furniture, stairs, and playground equipment. Their curiosity drives them to explore their environment, so it’s crucial for parents to ensure their surroundings are safe.

Using common objects: As a 17-month-old, children often start using objects correctly, like brushing their hair with a brush or pretending to talk on the phone. This indicates their growing understanding of how things work.

Playing with balls: Rolling, kicking, and throwing balls become more common as your 17-month-old toddler’s coordination improves. These various ball activities not only provide fun but also help develop gross motor skills.


Language development


Language development is an exciting aspect of your 17-month-old toddler’s growth. Here are key points to consider:

Increasing vocabulary: At this stage, your 17-month-old toddler is likely to have a vocabulary of around 10-20 simple words, though this can vary widely. They may begin using simple phrases and combining words to form basic sentences.

Understanding more than speaking: While your 17-month-old toddler might not say many words, they understand much more. They can follow simple instructions and respond to questions with gestures or words.

Imitation: Toddlers learn by imitating adults and older children. They might repeat words they hear frequently and try to mimic the tone and inflection of conversations around them.

Interactive play: Engaging in interactive play, such as singing songs, reading books, and talking about daily activities, can significantly boost their language skills. Repetition of words and phrases helps reinforce their understanding and usage.

Using gestures: Along with verbal communication, your 17-month-old toddler will use gestures to express themselves. Pointing, nodding, and waving are common gestures that help them communicate their needs and interests.

Encouraging language development involves providing a rich language environment, talking to your 17-month-old child regularly, and being responsive to their attempts at communication.

Fine motor skills


At 17 months, your toddler’s fine motor skills are becoming more refined and coordinated. Here are some key milestones and activities to support their development:

Manipulating small objects: Toddlers at this age are better at manipulating small objects. They can stack blocks, turn the pages of a book, and even begin scribbling with crayons. These activities help improve their hand-eye coordination and dexterity.

Using utensils: Your 17-month-old toddler might use utensils to eat more effectively, such as a spoon or fork, during meals. Encouraging self-feeding not only promotes independence but also fine motor skill development.

Building and stacking: Stacking toys, such as building blocks or cups, are excellent for developing fine motor skills. These activities require precise hand movements and coordination.

Buttoning and zipping: Although challenging, some 17-month-old toddlers might start to show interest in buttoning their clothes or attempting to zip up jackets. Providing clothing with large buttons and easy zippers can help them practise these skills.

Artistic activities: Simple artistic activities like drawing with crayons or finger painting can greatly enhance fine motor skills. These activities encourage your toddler to use their hands and fingers creatively and with control.

Self-control and emotional regulation


At 17 months, toddlers begin developing a sense of self-control and emotional regulation. This period is marked by the emergence of strong emotions and the struggle to manage them. Here are some key points to consider.

Understanding emotions: Toddlers at this age are starting to recognise and name their emotions. They may express happiness, sadness, frustration, and anger more clearly. Encouraging your 17-month-old child to talk about their feelings and naming emotions for them helps them understand and manage these feelings.

Tantrums and frustration: Tantrums are common at this age as 17-month-old toddlers struggle to express their needs and frustrations. Staying calm during tantrums, offering comfort, and teaching simple coping strategies can help your child learn to manage their emotions.

Empathy and social skills: Some 17-month-old toddlers begin to show signs of empathy, such as comforting a crying peer or sharing toys. Encouraging empathetic behaviours and reinforcing positive social interactions can support emotional development.

Consistent routines: Establishing consistent daily routines helps toddlers feel secure and understand what to expect. Predictable routines for meals, playtime, and sleep can reduce

anxiety and improve emotional regulation. You can work out a daily routine that fits in with their own pace.

Positive reinforcement: Praising your 17-month-old child for displaying self-control and managing their emotions positively reinforces these behaviours. Positive reinforcement can include verbal praise, hugs, or a favourite activity.

Modelling behaviour: Children learn by observing adults. Modelling calm and controlled behaviour during stressful situations teaches your 17-month-old toddler how to handle their emotions.

How much sleep does a 17-month-old need?


At 17 months, sleep continues to be a crucial aspect of your toddler’s growth and development. If you find yourself asking how many naps your child should have, here’s what you and many parents can expect regarding their sleep needs.

Total sleep time: Your 17-month-old needs about 11 to 14 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period. This includes both nighttime sleep, a morning nap, and daytime naps.

Nighttime sleep: Toddlers typically require around 10 to 12 hours of sleep at night. A consistent bedtime routine helps ensure they get adequate rest. If your child wakes up frequently during the night, consider evaluating their sleep environment and routine.

Daytime naps: At this age, most toddlers take one nap or two naps during the day, totalling about 2 to 3 hours of sleep. Some 17-month-olds may start transitioning to one longer nap. Signs that your toddler is ready to drop one nap include resisting naps, taking shorter naps, or having difficulty falling asleep at night.

Sleep schedule: Establishing a consistent sleep schedule is essential. Aim for a bedtime typically between 7:00 and 8:00 PM for sufficient nighttime sleep. Try not to let their afternoon nap run too long. Regular wake-up times and nap schedules help regulate your child’s internal clock.

Creating a sleep-friendly environment: Ensure your child’s sleep environment is conducive to a restful sleep schedule. This includes a dark, quiet room with a comfortable temperature. Consider using white noise machines or blackout curtains to avoid sleep disruptions if necessary.

Bedtime routine: A calming bedtime routine can help signal your toddler that it’s time to sleep. This might include reading a book, taking a warm bath, or singing lullabies. Consistency is key to establishing a successful routine. An earlier bedtime is a great way to ensure a bedtime routine works for your child.

17-month-old feeding milestones


At 17 months, establishing a regular eating schedule with healthy foods can help ensure your little one gets the nutrition they need. Here’s an example of a daily eating schedule that includes meals, two healthy snacks, and some other food recipe ideas to keep meals balanced and appealing.

Example eating schedule

  • Breakfast (7:00 AM): Whole grain cereal with milk, sliced fruit (e.g., banana or berries, water or milk.
  • Morning snack (10:00 AM): Small cubes of cheese, apple slices, water
  • Lunch (12:30 PM): Mini chicken and vegetable patties (see recipe below), steamed broccoli, brown rice, water.
  • Afternoon snack (3:00 PM): Yoghurt with a small handful of muesli, sliced cucumber, water.
  • Dinner (6:00 PM): Lentil and vegetable soup (see recipe below), whole grain bread, water.
  • Evening snack (if needed, 7:30 PM): Whole grain crackers with hummus, water.

Recipe ideas

      1. Mini Chicken and Vegetable Patties

      Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1 small carrot, grated
  • 1 small zucchini, grated and squeezed of excess water
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley

     Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
  2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
  3. Form small patties and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden and cooked through.

      2. Lentil and Vegetable Soup

     Ingredients:

  • 1 cup lentils, rinsed
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 1 celery stalk, sliced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon thyme

     Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
  2. Add the zucchini, lentils, tomatoes, broth, and spices.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes until lentils are tender.
  4. Serve warm with a side of whole-grain bread.

     3. Banana Oat Pancakes

     Ingredients:

  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

     Instructions:

  1. Mash the banana in a bowl.
  2. Add the egg, oats, and cinnamon; mix until combined.
  3. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and pour small portions of the batter onto the skillet.
  4. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.

A consistent eating schedule and nutritious meals will support your little one’s growth and development, making mealtimes enjoyable and stress-free.

Additional behaviours at 17 months


At 17 months, your toddler is becoming more independent and displaying a range of new behaviours. These developments reflect their growing cognitive, emotional, and social abilities. Here are some additional behaviours you might notice:

Curiosity and exploration: At your child’s age, their curiosity is in full swing. They are keen to explore their surroundings, often leading them to open cabinets and drawers and climb furniture. This exploratory behaviour is crucial for their learning but requires constant supervision to ensure safety.

Increased independence: Toddlers at this age love to assert their independence. They might insist on doing things themselves, such as feeding, dressing, or brushing their teeth. While this can be messy and time-consuming, it’s important to encourage these efforts as they build confidence and self-sufficiency.

Imitation of adults: Imitation plays a significant role in learning at this stage. Your toddler will mimic your actions, such as talking on the phone, cooking, or cleaning. Providing opportunities for role-play with safe household items can enhance their understanding of daily routines and social roles.

Improved social interactions: Socially, your toddler may begin to show preferences for certain people and even form simple friendships with other children. They might engage in parallel play, where they play alongside peers without directly interacting. This behaviour is a precursor to more interactive play as they grow older.

Expressive language and gestures: While their vocabulary is still limited, toddlers communicate using a combination of words and gestures. They might point to objects they want, shake their heads to indicate “no,” or use simple phrases like “more” or “all done.” Encouraging their efforts to communicate with new words can help expand their language skills.

Emotional outbursts: Tantrums and emotional outbursts are common as toddlers struggle to express their needs and frustrations. Patience and understanding are key in these moments. Helping your child label their emotions and providing comfort can aid emotional regulation.

Problem-solving skills: Your toddler’s problem-solving abilities are developing rapidly. They might figure out how to open a container, stack blocks in a specific order, or solve simple puzzles. Providing age-appropriate challenges can stimulate their cognitive growth.

Attention span: While still short, your toddler’s attention span gradually increases. They might be able to focus on an activity or toy for a few minutes. Encouraging activities that capture their interest can help lengthen their attention span.

Parenting tips and reminders


As your 17-month-old continues to grow and explore, here are some helpful parenting tips and reminders to support their development and well-being:

Encourage independence: Allow your toddler to try tasks on their own, such as feeding themselves, choosing their clothes, or picking up toys. This fosters independence and boosts their confidence. Offer support and guidance as needed, but let them take the lead.

Establish routines: Consistent daily routines provide security and help your toddler understand what to expect. Regular meal times, nap times, and bedtime routines can reduce anxiety and improve overall behaviour.

Promote language development: Talk to your toddler throughout the day, describing what you’re doing and encouraging them to name objects and actions. Read books together, sing songs, and play simple word games to expand their vocabulary and communication skills.

Provide a safe environment: Ensure your home is childproofed to prevent accidents. Use safety gates, secure heavy furniture, and keep hazardous items out of reach. A safe environment allows your toddler to explore freely without constant intervention. Promote personal hygiene for disease control.

Nurture emotional development: Recognise and validate your toddler’s emotions. Help them label their feelings and teach simple coping strategies, such as taking deep breaths or using words to express frustration. Offer comfort and reassurance during emotional outbursts.

Seek support: Don’t hesitate to seek advice or support from healthcare professionals, parenting groups, or family and friends. Sharing experiences and tips can be helpful and reassuring.

Checklist for this month


  • Schedule a check-up with your child’s healthcare provider.
  • Plan and attend interactive playdates with other toddlers.
  • Rotate toys to keep your child engaged and stimulated.
  • Introduce new books to expand their vocabulary and interest in reading.
  • Encourage outdoor play daily for physical and sensory development.
  • Ensure all areas of your home are baby-proofed for safe exploration.
  • Monitor your toddler’s progress with a developmental checklist.

Sources


Toddler milestone: Talking and understanding, Babycenter. Available at: https://www.babycenter.com/toddler/development/toddler-milestone-talking-and-understanding_11738

Easy Chicken Veggie Patties, Charisse Yu. Available at: https://charisseyu.com/chicken-veggie-patties/

Creating Positive Experiences for Toddlers & Preschool-Age Children, Healthy children.org. Available at: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/emotional-wellness/Building-Resilience/Pages/Creating-Positive-Experiences-for-Toddlers-&-Preschool-Age-Children.aspx

17-month-old sleep schedule: Bedtime and nap schedule, Huckleberry. Available at: https://huckleberrycare.com/blog/17-month-old-sleep-schedule-bedtime-and-nap-schedule

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