Developmental Milestones at 15 Months

Your child is increasingly on the move at this age! Keep a watchful eye to make sure your little one cannot access unsafe places or objects. Here’s a look at what a child typically does at 15 months:

Social / Emotional Milestones

Copies other children while playing (such as taking toys out of a container when another child does)
Shows you an object he or she likes
Claps when excited
Hugs stuffed doll or other toy
Shows you affection (hugs, cuddles, or kisses you)

Language / Communication Milestones

Tries to say 1 or 2 words besides “mama” or “dada,” such as “ba” for ball or “da” for dog
Looks at a familiar object when you name it
Follows directions when you gesture and speak them. For example, he or she will give you a toy when you hold out your hand and say “Give me the toy.”
Points to ask for something or to get help

Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

Tries to use objects correctly, such as a phone, cup or book
Stacks at least two small objects, like blocks

Movement / Physical Milestones

Takes a few steps unsupported
Uses fingers to feed himself or herself food

Concerned About Your Child’s Development?

All children are different and develop at their own pace. If your child has not yet reached some of these milestones, it doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong.

Still, you know your child best. And developmental delays or disorders are most successfully treated when caught early.

If you have concerns, don’t wait. Talk with the healthcare provider if you think your child

Is not meeting milestones for his or her age
Has lost skills he or she once had, or is not doing something you’d expect him or her to be doing

Or if you have concerns about:

How your child plays, learns, speaks, acts or moves
Other things your child does

SOURCE: These developmental milestones, established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics, provide a general idea of what most children (75% or more) do at this age.

This message is not intended to provide individual medical advice. Always seek the advice of a physician or qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have about your health or medical condition, your breastfeeding issues and your infant's health. Never disregard, avoid or delay contacting a doctor or other qualified professional because of something you have read in our emails, webpages or other electronic communications.