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Developmental milestones record - 2 years

Definition:

This article describes the skills and growth markers relevant to 2 year-old children.



Alternative Names:
Growth milestones for children - 2 years; Normal childhood growth milestones - 2 years; Childhood growth milestones - 2 years

Information:

Physical and motor-skill markers:

  • Should have the first 16 teeth (can be a wide discrepancy)
  • The height is roughly half the total height the child will attain as an adult
  • May be psychologically ready for toilet training
  • Can run with better coordination, while the stance may remain wide
  • Can kick ball without losing balance
  • Can build a tower of 6 to 7 cubes
  • Can browse through a book one page at a time
  • Able to turn a door knob
  • Can pick up objects while standing without losing balance (often occurs by 15 months, and would be concerning if you don't see it by 2 years)

Sensory and cognitive markers:

  • Vision fully developed
  • Vocabulary has increased to about 300 words
  • Can organize phrases of 2 to 3 words
  • Able to communicate needs such as thirst, hunger, need to use the restroom
  • Increased attention span
  • Able to clothe self in simple apparel (frequently more adept at removing clothes than putting them on)

Play recommendations:

  • Encourage and provide the necessary space for physical activity
  • Provide safe replicas of adult tools and equipment
  • Allow the child to help around the house and participate in the daily responsibilities of the family
  • Encourage play that involves building and creativity
  • READ TO THE CHILD
  • Try to avoid watching television at this age (recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics)
  • Control the type and quantity of games played



Review Date: 5/4/2004
Reviewed By: Katrina McPherson, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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