Milestones Your Child at 15 Months

• What are some things you and your child do together?
• What are some things your child likes to do?
• Is there anything your child does or does not do that concerns you?
• Has your child lost any skills he/she once had?
• Does your child have any special healthcare needs or was he/she born prematurely?

You know your child best. Don’t wait. If your child is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns, act early – it can make a big difference. Talk with your child’s doctor, share your concerns, and ask about developmental screening.

If you or the doctor are still concerned:

• Ask for a referral to a specialist who can evaluate your child more.
• Visit Nevada’s Early Intervention Services web page, or call (800) 522-0066 to find out if your child can get services to help.
• For more on how to help your child click here and visit cdc.gov/Concerned.

As your child’s first teacher, you can help his or her learning and brain development. Try these simple tips and activities in a safe way. Talk with your child’s doctor and child care providers if you have questions or for more ideas on how to help your child’s development.

• Help your child learn to speak. A child’s early words are not complete. Repeat and add to what he says. He may say “ba” for ball and you can say “Ball, yes, that’s a ball.”
• Tell your child the names of objects when he points to them and wait a few seconds to see if he makes any sounds before handing it to him. If he does make a sound, acknowledge him, and repeat the name of the object. “Yes! Cup.”
• Find ways to let your child help with everyday activities. Let her get her shoes to go outside, put the snacks in the bag for the park, or put the socks in the basket.
• Have steady routines for sleeping and feeding. Create a calm, quiet bedtime for your child. Put on his pajamas, brush his teeth, and read 1 or 2 books to him. Children between 1 and 2 years of age need 11 to 14 hours of sleep a day (including naps). Consistent sleep times make it easier!
• Show your child different things, such as a hat. Ask him, “What do you do with a hat? You put it on your head.” Put it on your head and then give it to him to see if he copies you. Do this with other objects, such as a book or a cup.
• Sing songs with gestures, such as “Wheels on the Bus.” See if your child tries to do some of the actions.
• Say what you think your child is feeling (for example, sad, mad, frustrated, happy). Use your words, facial expressions, and voice to show what you think she is feeling. For example, say “You are frustrated because we can’t go outside, but you can’t hit. Let’s go look for an indoor game.”
• Expect tantrums. They are normal at this age and are more likely if your child is tired or hungry. Tantrums should become shorter and happen less as he gets older. You can try a distraction, but it is ok to let him have the tantrum without doing anything. Give him some time to calm down and move on.
• Teach your child “wanted behaviors.” Show her what to do and use positive words or give her hugs and kisses when she does it. For example, if she pulls your pet’s tail, teach her how to pet gently. Give her a hug when she does it.
• Limit screen time (TV, tablets, phones, etc.) to video calling with loved ones. Screen time is not recommended for children younger than 2 years of age. Children learn by talking, playing, and interacting with others.
• Encourage your child to play with blocks. You can stack the blocks and she can knock them down.
• Let your child use a cup without a lid for drinking and practice eating with a spoon. Learning to eat and drink is messy but fun!

To see more tips and activities, download CDC’s Milestone Tracker app.