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Your 24 to 30 month old toddler is constantly moving, often with precision and determination - running, jumping, dancing and hopping. This is a fun, interactive and formative period.

Physical Milestones

Here are some of the physical milestones you can expect your toddler to reach at this age:

• Walk backwards and sideways. 
• Walk upstairs and downstairs alone, placing both feet on one step. 
• Run without falling. 
• Jump in place, lifting both feet off the floor. 
• Climb on a riding toy and make it move using both feet at the same time. 
• Scribble, holding a crayon in his whole hand. 
• Copy drawing up and down and side to side and horizontal lines. 
• Build a tower of five or more blocks. 
• String beads, picking them up with her thumb and index finger. 
• Remove lids by turning wrist. 

Play and Activity

Many toddlers love music and dancing - it's a wonderful way to spend time together and support your toddler's physical development! Here are some other things you can do to nurture physical development in your toddler:

• Continue to breastfeed. 
• Spend lots of time playing outdoors in safe places, like toddler playgrounds. Try running and kicking balls. 
• Encourage your toddler to try new movements, such as jumping, rolling, stretching, marching, and walking. 
• Set up some plastic bottles for bowling pins so your toddler can knock them down with a ball. 
• Play simple movement games where your toddler can stop and go, change directions, and move quickly or slowly. 
• Sing songs like If You’re Happy and You Know It, name body parts and do different actions. 
• Praise your toddler's drawing efforts and describe the markings you see. 
• Encourage your toddler to practice dressing skills. Only help with buttons and zippers when your toddler needs assistance. 
• Make playdough with your toddler and create different shapes together. 
• Supply your toddler with costumes for pretend play, including hats, shoes, coats, and pants. 
• Offer art materials, such as markers, crayons, finger paints, paints and an easel. 
• Offer ride on toys and push pull toys. 
• Provide puzzles of different sizes and colours with differnet numbers of pieces. 
• Invite your toddler to help with simple cooking jobs, such as adding vegetables to a salad or stirring with a spoon. 

Other Physical Milestones

Between 24 and 30 months your toddler may also:

• Walk on a narrow balance beam. 
• Walk upstairs and downstairs using one foot and then the other, holding the handrail. 
• Run without bumping into things. 
• Jump forward. 
• Pedal a simple tricycle. 
• Begin to use the thumb and fingertips when holding a crayon. 
• Copy drawing a cross or a circle. 
• Fold paper. 
• Use small safety scissors to snip paper. 
• Remove unbuttoned clothes and zip up zippers. 
• Begin to show an interest in using the toilet.

Resources and Links:
HealthLink BC: Growth and Development, Ages 2 to 5 Years