22 Months
Here's what's happening at this age - milestones, common concerns, nutrition, sleep, and vaccines.
Developmental Milestones
Based on the 18 Months checkpoint - the closest milestone age to 22 months
Gross Motor
- Walking Confidently - Your toddler walks steadily without falling much and can start and stop on their own.
- Running (or Trying To) - Your toddler tries to run, though it may look more like fast, stiff walking.
- Climbing on Furniture - Your toddler climbs onto chairs, couches, or up small stairs (with help).
Fine Motor
- Scribbling with a Crayon - Your toddler holds a crayon and scribbles on paper (or anything else they can reach).
- Stacking 3-4 Blocks - Your toddler carefully stacks three or four blocks into a tower.
- Using a Spoon (with Spilling) - Your toddler tries to feed themselves with a spoon. It is messy but they are getting the idea.
Language
- Using 10 to 20 Words - Your toddler uses somewhere between 10 and 20 words, though they may not all be perfectly clear to everyone.
- Identifying Body Parts - Your toddler can point to a few body parts when you ask, like their nose, eyes, tummy, or toes.
- Trying to Say New Words - Your toddler attempts to repeat words they hear you say, even if the result does not sound quite right.
Social & Emotional
- Parallel Play - Your toddler plays near other children but not really with them - they play side by side, each doing their own thing.
- Simple Pretend Play - Your toddler pretends during play - feeding a doll, making a stuffed animal "walk," or pretending to cook.
- Expressing Independence ("No!") - Your toddler says "no," shakes their head, pushes things away, or resists things they do not want to do.
Cognitive
- Sorting Shapes - Your toddler can put a round shape into a round hole on a shape sorter - they might not get all the shapes right, but they understand the idea.
- Using Objects as Something Else - Your toddler starts to use one object to represent another - like using a block as a phone or a banana as a pretend telephone.
- Knowing What Everyday Objects Are For - Your toddler understands the purpose of familiar objects - a phone is for talking, a brush is for hair, a cup is for drinking.
Red Flags to Watch For
- !Does not walk independently
- !Does not point to show you things
- !Uses fewer than 5 words
Common Concerns at This Age
Things parents often wonder about around 22 months
My Baby's Belly Looks Swollen
A rounded, slightly protruding belly is completely normal in babies and toddlers due to immature abdominal muscles and t...
Accent vs Speech Disorder in Bilingual Toddlers
When toddlers grow up hearing more than one language, they naturally blend sounds, patterns, and accents from both langu...
My Toddler Is Aggressive Toward Pets
Toddlers being rough with pets is extremely common and almost never reflects true aggression or cruelty. Young children ...
When to Introduce Allergens to Baby
Current guidelines recommend introducing common allergens (peanut, egg, cow's milk products, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish...
I'm Worried About Lazy Eye (Amblyopia)
Amblyopia (lazy eye) is the most common cause of vision loss in children, affecting about 2-3% of kids. It occurs when o...
My Baby Has an Anal Fissure (Blood When Pooping)
A small streak of bright red blood on the surface of your baby's stool or on the diaper is most commonly caused by an an...
Anaphylaxis Signs in Baby
Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that affects multiple body systems. In babies, i...
My Baby Has Unequal Pupils
Slight differences in pupil size (anisocoria) can be normal and affect up to 20% of people, including babies. However, i...
Food Readiness
Foods appropriate for 22 months
Banana
Sliced or whole
Avocado
Sliced, cubed, or as guacamole
Sweet Potato
Cubed, mashed, or as fries
Apple
Thin raw slices or cooked
Peas
Whole cooked peas
Oatmeal
Regular oatmeal
Chicken
Small pieces or strips
Salmon
Flaked or as salmon cakes
Allergen: fishYogurt
Any preparation
Allergen: milkEgg
Any well-cooked preparation
Allergen: eggBroccoli
Steamed, roasted, or raw (if tender)
Rice
Any preparation
Peanut Butter
Thin layer on bread or mixed into food
Allergen: peanutTofu
Any preparation
Allergen: soyStrawberry
Halved or whole (for larger berries)
Carrot
Cooked pieces, grated raw
Sleep Needs
18-24 months
11-14 hours
Total sleep per day
10-12 hours
Nighttime sleep
1 nap (1.5-3 hours)
Naps
Tips for this age
- The 18-month regression is a thing - it involves newfound independence and separation anxiety
- Stalling at bedtime ('more water!' 'one more book!') is normal - set clear boundaries
- Keep the crib as long as possible - most toddlers aren't ready for a big bed until 3
- Nightmares may start but are rare before age 2
Vaccines
No new vaccines typically scheduled at 22 months
No new vaccines are typically scheduled at this exact age. The CDC schedule has doses at birth, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 15, and 18 months. Your pediatrician will let you know what's due at each well visit.
Every baby develops at their own pace. The ranges here are based on typical development from the CDC, AAP, and WHO. If something feels off or you have questions, trust your instincts and talk to your pediatrician. You know your baby best.