Skip to main content
Go to homepage

Print Page

Your Child's Development: 15 Months

Doctors use certain milestones to tell if a toddler is developing as expected. There's a wide range of what's considered normal, so some children gain skills earlier or later than others.

Toddlers who were born prematurely may reach milestones later. Talk with your doctor about your child's progress.

Here are things toddlers usually do by this age:

Communication and Language Skills

  • point to ask for something or to get help
  • try to say 1 or 2 words (besides "mama" and "dada"), like “ba” for ball
  • look at a familiar object when you name it
  • follow directions when given with both a gesture and words

Movement and Physical Development

  • take a few steps on their own
  • use their fingers to feed themselves

Social and Emotional Development

  • show affection to caregivers with hugs and kisses
  • show caregivers things that they like
  • hug stuffed dolls or other toys
  • copy other children while playing
  • clap when excited

Cognitive Skills (Thinking and Learning)

  • stack at least 2 small things, like blocks
  • try to use things the right way, like a phone or book

When Should I Call the Doctor?

You know your toddler best. Share your concerns — even little ones — with your child's doctor.

If your toddler is not meeting one or more milestones or you notice that your child had skills but has lost them, tell the doctor.

To learn more about early signs of developmental problems, go to the CDC’s Learn the Signs. Act Early program.

Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2022

Lea este articulo en Español

What next?

Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
There are 10 nurses in the picture.

And we have many more pediatric primary care providers in Northeast Ohio. You can meet some of them here.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The five differences are:
– Phone color
– Coat pocket
– Stethoscope earpiece color
– Stethoscope bell dot
– Clipboard paper color

Need help finding a doctor, choosing a location or getting a general question about Akron Children's answered? Call us or fill out the form and we'll help in any way we can.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The two matching doctors are 9 and 14.

With virtual visits, you can see our pediatric experts from the comfort of home or wherever you are.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The correct path:
The Correct Path
We offer many ways to get pediatric care all over Northeast Ohio. Use this page to find the right kind of care and the most convenient location for you.