22-month-old baby milestones: Development, growth, speech, language, and more
Watching your little one grow and develop is one of the most rewarding parts of parenting.
At 22 months, your toddler is buzzing with energy and curiosity, making every day a new adventure.
This period has significant milestones in physical, cognitive, and emotional development.
Understanding these milestones can help you support your child’s growth and make informed decisions about their care. Let’s dive into what you can expect from your 22-month-old.
22-month-old physical milestones
Motor skills
Your 22-month-old is likely mastering a variety of motor abilities that help them navigate their environment with increasing confidence. They might be able to:
- Walk up and down stairs: With or without help, your toddler might start tackling stairs, often with both feet on each step.
- Run more steadily: While their run might still look more like a hurried walk, they’re gaining speed and balance with advanced gross motor skills.
- Kick and throw a ball: Coordination is improving, making kicking and throwing more accurate, though not always perfectly aimed.
- Climb on furniture: Expect to find them climbing onto chairs, sofas, and maybe even out of their crib if they’re particularly adventurous.
Vocabulary and sentence structure
Language skills are blossoming at this stage, with significant strides in both vocabulary and the ability to form sentences.
- Increased vocabulary: Your toddler may know and use between 50 and 100 words, with new ones regularly added.
- Two-word phrases: Simple sentences like “want cookie” or “big truck” become more common as they combine words to express more complex ideas.
- Name recognition: They can identify and name familiar objects, people, and body parts, showing a deeper understanding of their surroundings.
Sign up
Get tailored content based on your week of pregnancy
By signing up, you agree to receiving our Newsletters. Cancel anytime.
Cognitive development
Problem-solving and exploration
At 22 months, your child’s cognitive abilities are expanding rapidly. They’re becoming little problem solvers and explorers, using their growing brains to understand and interact with the world around them. Here are some cognitive milestones you might notice in your 22-month-old.
- Problem-solving skills: Your 22-month-old toddler might try different methods to solve problems, such as stacking blocks or grabbing a toy from a shelf.
- Curiosity and exploration: They are more interested in exploring their environment. This might involve opening cabinets, trying to fit objects into containers, or experimenting with cause and effect (e.g. pressing buttons on toys to see what happens).
- Memory development: Your 22-month-old child’s memory is improving, enabling them to remember where their favourite toys are kept or recognise familiar places and routines.
- Simple puzzles: They may start to understand and solve simple puzzles, demonstrating their ability to match shapes and colours.
22-month-old sleep milestones
By 22 months, your toddler’s sleep patterns might be more established, but they can still vary widely. Here are some general sleep milestones and tips.
Night-time sleep: Most 22-month-olds need about 11 to 12 hours of sleep at night. A consistent bedtime routine can help ensure they get enough rest, even through sleep regression.
Naps: Typically, 22-month-old toddlers take one afternoon nap during the day, lasting 1 to 3 hours. Maintaining a regular nap schedule can help them feel more rested and less cranky.
Sleep challenges: Some 22-month-old toddlers may experience sleep regression, nightmares, sleep disruptions, or separation anxiety, which can disrupt their sleep. Consistency in bedtime routines and comfort objects like a favourite blanket or stuffed animal can help soothe them back to their nighttime sleep.
Transitioning to a bed: If your toddler is climbing out of their crib, it might be time to transition to a toddler bed. Make sure their sleep environment is safe and toddler-proofed.
22-month-old baby weight and length
At 22 months, your toddler’s growth is progressing steadily. These are the average weight and height ranges for most toddlers according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) growth standards.
- Weight: The average weight for a 22-month-old girl is between 10.4 to 14.2 kilograms, while boys typically weigh between 10.7 to 14.8 kilograms.
- Height: Girls usually measure around 81 to 88.9 centimetres, and boys range from 82.5 to 90 centimetres.
These figures are averages, and healthy growth can vary. Regular visits to your healthcare provider will help ensure your 22-month-old toddler is growing appropriately and address any concerns.
22-month-old feeding milestones
By 22 months, your toddler’s eating habits and nutritional needs are evolving. You can expect the following:
Varied diet: At this age, your child should be eating a wide variety of healthy foods from all food groups. Aim to include fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy in their daily meals.
Portion sizes: While 22-month-old toddlers’ appetites can be unpredictable, typical portions include a quarter to a half of an adult’s portion. Offer small, frequent meals and healthy snacks to meet their energy needs.
Self-feeding: Many 22-month-old toddlers can use a spoon and fork, although they may still prefer using their hands for some foods. Encourage self-feeding to promote independence. A great tip is to get toy food for them to get used to holding.
Milk intake: Toddlers need about 350-500 millilitres of milk daily to ensure adequate calcium intake. If they consume other dairy products, you can adjust milk intake accordingly.
Healthy snacks: Offer snacks such as sliced fruits, vegetables, cheese, or whole-grain crackers. Avoid sugary snacks and drinks to promote healthy eating habits.
Additional behaviours at 22 months
At 22 months, your toddler is developing new behaviours and refining existing ones. This period is marked by growing independence, curiosity, and sometimes challenging behaviour. Here are some key behaviours to expect:
- Increased independence: Your 22-month-old toddler is eager to do things themselves, from feeding to dressing. Encouraging this independence can boost their confidence and self-esteem.
- Tantrums and mood swings: As they struggle to communicate their needs and desires, frustration can lead to tantrums. Patience and consistent responses can help manage these outbursts.
- Social interaction: They might show more interest in playing with other children, although sharing can still be a challenge. Structured playdates and group activities can foster social skills.
- Imitation: Many toddlers learn by imitating adults and older children. They might mimic household chores, speech patterns, and other behaviours they observe – often through pretend play and using dress-up clothes.
- Boundaries testing: Expect some testing of limits as they learn about boundaries. Consistent rules and gentle discipline help them understand acceptable behaviour.
Understanding these behaviours can help you navigate this exciting and sometimes challenging phase of your 22-month-old toddler’s development. Remember, each child develops differently.
Signs your 22-month-old is ready to start potty training
Potty training is a significant milestone, and recognising when your 22-month-old child is ready can make the process smoother and more successful. These common signs may indicate your 22-month-old might be ready to start potty training.
- Staying dry for longer periods: If your toddler can stay dry for at least two hours during the day or wakes up from naps with a dry diaper, it shows they have enough bladder control to begin potty training.
- Interest in the potty: Showing curiosity about bathroom habits, such as wanting to watch family members use the toilet or expressing a desire to wear “big kid” underwear, can be a good indicator.
- Awareness of bodily functions: If your 22-month-old child can recognise when they are urinating or having a bowel movement and perhaps even inform you, they are developing the awareness needed for potty training.
- Ability to follow simple instructions: Following simple directions, like “sit on the potty” or “pull down your pants,” is essential for successful potty training.
- Discomfort with dirty nappies: Indicating discomfort with wet or soiled nappies, such as tugging at them or asking for a change, shows your child is beginning to prefer cleanliness.
- Physical capability: Your 22-month-old toddler should be able to walk to the potty, sit down, and get up with minimal assistance. They should also be able to pull their pants up and down.
- Showing independence: Demonstrating a desire to do things independently, like feeding themselves or dressing themselves, often correlates with readiness for potty training.
- Routine bathroom habits: Hiding to have a bowel movement or showing physical signs like squatting can indicate they are ready to transition to using the potty.
Starting potty training can be a positive experience if your child shows these signs of readiness. It’s important to approach the process with patience and encouragement, making it as stress-free as possible for both you and your child.
Development tips for your baby this month
Supporting your 22-month-old’s development involves providing opportunities for growth across various areas. Here are some tips to help nurture physical, cognitive, and emotional toddler development this month.
- Encourage physical activity: Promote active play to develop motor abilities. Activities like climbing, running, and ball games help improve coordination and balance.
- Read together: Reading books with your toddler helps develop language skills and fosters a love for reading. Choose books with simple stories and bright illustrations to keep them engaged.
- Offer puzzles and building blocks: These activities support cognitive development by enhancing problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination.
- Foster independence: Encourage your toddler to try tasks independently, such as feeding themselves or putting on shoes. This builds confidence and fine motor abilities.
- Social interaction: Arrange playdates or attend toddler groups to help your child learn social skills like sharing and cooperation.
- Communicate and listen: Engage in conversations with your toddler, listen to their attempts to speak, and respond positively to encourage language development.
- Routine and structure: Maintain a consistent daily routine to provide a sense of security and stability, which is important for emotional development.
Items you will need this month
As your 22-month-old continues to grow and develop, certain items can help support their needs and activities.
- Age-appropriate toys: Choose toys that promote physical activity, cognitive development, and creativity. Building blocks, puzzles, and ride-on toys are great options.
- Books: Picture books and simple storybooks can help develop language skills and foster a love for reading.
- Art supplies: Crayons, washable markers, and paper allow your toddler to explore their creativity and improve fine motor abilities.
- Safety gear: If transitioning to a toddler bed, ensure safety with bed rails. Additionally, consider childproofing items like outlet covers and cabinet locks.
- Feeding supplies: Child-sized utensils, spill-proof cups, and easy-to-clean plates make mealtimes easier and more enjoyable.
- Clothing: Comfortable, easy-to-wear clothes that your toddler can practice putting on and taking off by themselves.
- Outdoor gear: Items like sunscreen, hats, and appropriate clothing for outdoor play and exploration.
- Sleep essentials: A comfortable mattress, favourite blankets, and a nightlight can help create a cosy and secure sleep environment.
- Learning tools: Simple educational toys, like shape sorters and alphabet blocks, can support cognitive development and early learning skills.
Checklist for this month
As your toddler continues to grow, keeping track of their development and needs can be helpful. Here’s a checklist to ensure you’re supporting your 22-month-old’s progress.
Physical activity
- Provide opportunities for active play daily (e.g. running, climbing, ball games).
- Ensure safe play environments both indoors and outdoors.
Nutrition
- Offer a balanced diet with a variety of foods from all food groups.
- Monitor and manage any food allergies.
- Maintain regular meal and snack times.
Sleep
- Establish and maintain a consistent bedtime routine.
- Ensure your toddler gets 11-12 hours of night-time sleep and 1-3 hours of napping during the day.
Language and communication
- Read books together every day.
- Engage in conversations with your toddler and encourage them to express themselves.
Cognitive development
- Provide age-appropriate puzzles and building blocks.
- Encourage exploration and problem-solving activities.
- Continue learning new nursery rhymes.
Social and emotional development
- Arrange playdates or attend toddler groups.
- Teach and model sharing and cooperation.
- Be patient with tantrums and mood swings, providing consistent responses.
Health and safety
- Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider.
- Childproof your home to ensure a safe environment.
- Keep an emergency plan for allergies and other health concerns.
Independence
- Encourage self-feeding and dressing.
- Support their efforts to try new tasks on their own.
Essential items
- Stock up on age-appropriate toys, books, and art supplies.
- Ensure you have the necessary safety gear, feeding supplies, and outdoor gear.
Sources
WHO, Weight-for-age
National Birth Trust, Your baby’s development 21–24 months, n.d
Mayo Clinic, Potty training: How to get the job done, December 2021
Related Articles
Loved this article?
Share with a friend
