Toddler development: Fifteen-month-old developmental milestones

Physical and motor milestones for fifteen-month-olds

• Most can walk independently and begin to run
• Can squat down to pick up toys or objects
• Can start climbing onto furniture
• Scribbles with a crayon
• Stacks two blocks or toys

Social and emotional milestones for fifteen-month-olds

• Growing sense of independence
• Increased curiosity about toys or surroundings
• Express affection toward familiar people
• Play simple pretend games
• Show fear in certain situations
• Start to imitate others, especially adults and older children

Language and speech milestones for fifteen-month-olds

• Vocabulary grows to three words or more (simple words)
• Understands and responds to simple commands and directions
• Uses gestures such as pointing, waving, or shaking their head to express needs
• Follows basic instructions like “give me the toy” or “come here”
• Points to toys or objects to show interest
• Gestures and babbles to communicate

Cognitive milestones for fifteen-month-olds

• Begins exploring toys or objects in various ways, such as shaking, banging, or throwing
• Starts using everyday items appropriately, like using a cup to drink or a hair brush to brush hair

Fifteen month well visit

At the fifteen-month well visit, the pediatrician will perform a thorough evaluation of your child’s growth, developmental progress, and immunization status. This visit includes a complete physical examination and developmental surveillance to ensure your child’s growth and development are on track. It also involves age-appropriate anticipatory guidance (like childproofing!), where your pediatrician will highlight key developmental milestones to watch for and support before the next well visit.

Feeding toddlers

By your baby’s first birthday, the goal is for them to eat three meals a day, one or two snacks as needed, a wide range of finger foods and textures, and all food groups. For hydration, babies can continue breastfeeding or switch to whole cow’s milk or a fortified plant-based alternative (like pea or soy milk) if your baby is ready to wean off breast milk. Limit milk intake to 16 ounces per day and offer water with or between meals. This is important because it will allow toddlers to get most of their nutrition from food and because excessive milk intake can interfere with iron absorption and cause constipation.

By age one, your baby’s vitamin D needs increase from 400 to 600 IU per day. Continue to offer supplemental vitamin D since it’s hard to obtain it from food alone.

Developmental progress

Every child is different and develops at their own pace. While developmental milestones provide general benchmarks, it's normal for children to reach them at different times. Some children excel in one area and take their time in others. Factors like temperament, family environment, and biology influence developmental progress. Instead of comparing your child to other children, focus on their patterns of progress.

When to consult your pediatrician

Contact your local or Summer Health pediatrician if your child:

• Misses multiple developmental milestones
• Shows a noticeable regression in skills
• Shows problems with hearing, vision, or overall health that could impact development

If indicated, your pediatrician will refer your child to a developmental specialist for evaluation and support.

If you have questions about your child’s speech and language development, reach out to your local or Summer Health pediatrician for support. Summer Health is a pediatric telehealth platform offering 24/7 care, providing answers for everything from urgent concerns to everyday questions about your child’s health.