Weight and height aren’t the only indicators of a baby’s growth and development. Weight and height aren’t the only indicators of a baby’s growth and development. The skills babies develop as they progress each month, referred to as developmental milestones, and includes motor, and social interactions that mark their growth and development. For example, you may notice that by your baby’s 21st month, when they are just a few months away from turning two, they understand a few terms and how to use some objects. Continue reading to learn more about the developmental milestones most babies achieve by 21 months.
21-Month-Old Baby Development
There is nothing to worry about if your baby has not attained some milestones that are mentioned in the development charts. Every child is different, and it is best to let them develop at their own pace. While some babies remain ahead of the milestones, others reach them a little later. Each of these situations is perfectly normal. Get to know the 21-month-old developmental milestones (1):
1. Development Of Motor Skills:
Some of the gross motor skills that your baby has developed by this age are as follows:
Capable of climbing up and down the stairs, running and walking. Able to walk alone, carry a toy with him while walking and start running as well. Able to kick a ball now. Able to climb furniture and walk up and down the stairs.
2. Development Of Fine Motor Skills:
Your baby has now developed some fine motor skills. Take a look below:
Scribble without help. For instance, hold a pencil using thumb and fingers (Pincer grasp) Turn over a container. Use one of the hands more than the other at this stage.
3. Development Of Cognitive Skills:
Some of the cognitive skills that your baby has developed at this stage are as follows (2):
Reasoning and thinking skills with the help of five senses. Engage in turn talking. Using buttons and switches on a toy. Aware of the use of different objects like cabinets and drawers.
4. Development Of Language Skills:
Your baby has started developing language after the first birthday. By this time your baby shall be able to speak different words (2).
Recognize body parts, objects and people. Use simple phrases– give basically two word sentences and two or three sentences. Follow simple instructions and can also point to similar objects.
5. Emotional And Social Skills:
Now that your baby enjoys the company of other children and loves playing with them, it is another developmental milestone (3).
At this age your baby has started imitating others and considers themselves as a separate individual. Social interaction with other children starts. This age marks the beginning of new found independence and also shows decreasing signs of separation anxiety. They also start imagining and creating by indulging in pretend play.
Coping With Your Baby’s Tantrums During 21 Months Development
The best thing that you can do is to keep your cool while they throw temper tantrums. Here are some tips (4) (5):
You must stay close to them and wait till they vent out frustrations. Lend them a shoulder to cry or give him a hug to feel better. You can also distract with toys that they love. Don’t show anger and speak to them in a calm and composed tone. Asserting their will is a part of their growing up process. But make sure you don’t give in to their demands. You may find them insisting on doing things that he has been asked not to. Make sure to be around when they show self harming behaviors such as hitting their head or any other body parts on the floor in a fit of temper. Distracting them by taking them outside or inside, or showing them something interesting will help you subside their tantrums.
Has said simple words such as mama or dada by 15 months Understands simple instructions such as “no” or “stop” by 18 months (6) (7).
