Your 22 To 24 Month Old Toddler — Physical, Social, And Cognitive Milestones

It doesn’t even seem possible, but here you are… with a toddler turning two. You blinked, right? That’s how fast it happens. Yet, look at what you have to show for it — a beautiful, funny, precocious, getting-into-more-trouble-by-the-day child. One who, at present, may or may not (read: definitely does) think the world revolves around them. And, really, can you blame them? They aren’t wrong, because your world definitely does.

With your little one exerting their independence more and more, some days you might feel like they’re flying by all their milestones and will be driving a car in, like, a minute. Don’t worry, though; there are a lot of steps between here and there (in more than one way). Here are a few things you can look out for from your 22- to 24-month-old toddler.

Your 22 – 24-Month-Old Toddler’s Development & Growth Milestones

How much should a 22- to 24-month-old weigh?

Remember, toddlers don’t put on weight quite the same way infants do. So, there isn’t much change between now and when your child fell into the 19- to 21-month-old bracket. The average weight for a 22- to 24-month-old girl is between 25.4 and 26.6 pounds with the average weight for a 22- to 24-months-old boy being between 25.9 and 27.5 pounds, per the World Health Organization.

How much, and what, should a 22- to 24-month-old be eating?

Your 22- to 24-month-old should continue to eat three meals and two snacks per day… if you can get them to. Yes, they’ll probably fight you on it. Such is life with a two-year-old! Just keeping offering your picky eater a wholesome variety of foods spanning all food groups every day. Your toddler should still be eating around ¾ to 1 cup of fruits and veggies per day, along with ¼ cup of grains and three tablespoons of protein.

And don’t forget to get that calcium in, either. If baby isn’t getting it through the foods they’re eating, they can get it through whole milk. If your child can’t have lactose or you choose not to give them dairy, talk to their pediatrician about other options for meeting their caloric and calcium needs.

How much should a 22- to 24-month-old baby sleep?

Keep the sleep train rolling! Toddlers between 22 and 24 months of age should be getting around 11 to 12 hours of sleep at night, plus 1 ½ to 3 hours per day. That’s a total of about 13 to 14 hours of sleep per day, per the National Sleep Foundation.

Your 22- to 24-Month-Old Toddler’s Physical, Social, And Cognitive Milestones

Should a baby be walking at 22 – 24-months-old?

Unless you and your child’s doctor have identified physical delays, your child is likely walking by now. Nay, running — and jumping, climbing, kicking, dancing, squatting, and just about anything else they can think to do with their cute wittle yeggies (infatuated mom speak for legs).

Should a baby be talking at 22 – 24-months-old?

Between the ages of 22 and 24 months, your toddler is likely getting pretty excited about their budding language skills. Although toddlers have a wide range when it comes to how many words they can say, most toddlers at this point have at least 50 words in their vocabulary. Some toddlers know up to 200 and can use simple sentences and sing the ABC’s and simple nursery rhymes. Since little ones between 22 and 24 months generally pick up 1 to 7 new words each week, the world is really starting to open up for them.

Your little cutie is probably also using two-word phrases (“I want!”), mimicking the language of others, and following simple instructions,

What are some behavioral issues a 22- to 24-month-old might have?

They don’t call it the terrible twos for no reason, honey. Although, in full disclosure, some mamas swear three is tougher than two when it comes to toddler behavior — but let’s burn that bridge when we get to it. For now, focus on the present: your toddler and the tantrums they may be having.

It doesn’t necessarily make it any easier to deal with, but perhaps it will bring you comfort to know that a 22- to 24-month-old toddler meltdown is pretty typical behavior. They’re starting to understand the concept of rules, which is in direct opposition to their newfound independence. So, they test the limits. It’s tough, Mama, but you got this.

Should a 22- to 24-month-old be potty training?

Potty training typically goes most smoothly between the ages of 27 and 32 months, but that doesn’t mean your little one won’t be ready earlier. If you feel like they’re giving you hints — or outright telling you — by all means step up your training efforts. Just remember to respect your toddler’s pace and not rush it to fit yours.

Your 22- to 24-Month-Old Toddler’s Health

Should my 22- to 24-month-old have a checkup?

For your toddler’s second birthday, they get… a trip to the pediatrician! Okay, so that probably isn’t a gift they’ll be stoked about, but you’re probably ready to touch base with doc and see how your little one is doing.

At this appointment, your doctor and/or nurse will probably check your child’s weight, height, head circumference, and body mass index (or BMI). They’ll likely administer a screening test aimed to help identify the early signs of autism. Naturally, they’ll also want to get your perspective on how you think your baby is going — as well as answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.

Will my 22- to 24-month-old get any immunizations?

By this point, the vaccines your child is given have started to slow in frequency. Between 22 and 24 months, your toddler may get an annual influenza shot as well as a Hepatitis A immunizations (if neither had been received prior).

Written by Julie Sprankles.

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