Sensory and Motor Development, Ages 12 to 24 Months

Skip Navigation

Overview

Learning to walk is the main athletic accomplishment for children between 12 and 24 months of age. Those first steps are possible because of changes taking place within the brain and the spinal cord. Coordination and muscle control advance as the brain grows and matures.

Most children start walking by 13 months of age. The usual range for starting to walk is any time between 9 and 15 months.

When your toddler reaches a developmental milestone, such as walking, it means that he or she has mastered the physical and cognitive skills needed to advance to another skill. For example, about 6 months after your child has learned to walk with ease, he or she will likely be able to run. Most toddlers also learn the basics of climbing, kicking, and throwing.

Also during the second year, children gain more control and coordination over the many small muscles in their hands, fingers, and wrists. With these fine-motor skills, your child can start to draw with crayons, eat with a spoon, and manipulate small items.

Credits

Current as of: October 24, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: October 24, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: October 24, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.