Introduction
The period between 12 and 36 months is full of remarkable changes: children move from their first unsteady steps to running, from their first words to short sentences, and from exploratory play to their first forms of imagination. Understanding child development between ages 1 and 3 helps parents recognize daily progress and approach any concerns with greater peace of mind.
For many families, it is normal to experience this stage with enthusiasm, but also with tiredness or worry. Every child develops at their own pace, and no milestone is a “race.” This article offers an overview of the main milestones in motor development and language development.
What Is Considered Typical Development Between 1 and 3 Years: General Overview and Clinical Meaning
Typical development between 1 and 3 years includes progress in four main areas:
Motor development: walking, running, climbing, jumping, and improving balance and coordination.
Language development: growing understanding, new words, short phrases, and intentional communication.
Personal independence: eating independently, helping while getting dressed, and taking part in daily routines.
Play and social skills: imitation, turn-taking, symbolic play, and first interactions with peers.
No milestone happens “on command.” The role of Pediatric Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists is to support children who show persistent difficulties, helping families understand and encourage emerging skills.
The Main Developmental Milestones from 1 to 3 Years
12 to 18 Months: Confidence in Movement and First Signs of Independence
During this period, the child:
walks with increasing confidence, gradually reducing their base of support;
begins to run, although running is still stiff and immature;
climbs small steps with help;
squats down and stands back up without support;
explores functional play (for example, pushing a toy trolley or feeding a doll).
From a language perspective, simple new words begin to appear (“mama,” “food,” “water”), along with growing understanding of simple requests.
Practical example: many children bring an object to an adult to ask for help — an important communicative gesture.
18 to 24 Months: Running, Jumping and Language Development
Between 18 and 24 months, the child:
runs with better coordination, although falls are still common;
tries to jump by pushing off with both legs;
begins to throw and kick a ball;
develops finer movements such as building taller towers or putting objects into containers;
expands their vocabulary, sometimes reaching 20 to 50 words.
At this stage, many children begin to combine two words (“want up,” “mummy come”).
Pediatric Physiotherapy can help when movement appears rigid, clumsy or very unbalanced; Occupational Therapy can support fine motor skills, play and early independence.
24 to 36 Months: Coordination, Symbolic Play and More Complex Sentences
From ages 2 to 3, more mature skills begin to emerge:
smooth running, with the ability to avoid obstacles;
jumping forward and down from low steps, and standing on one foot for a few seconds;
use of tricycles or ride-on toys;
two- to three-word phrases, questions, and imitation of adult language;
more complex symbolic play, such as “going shopping,” “cooking,” or making dolls talk.
These skills require cooperation between body, mind, emotions and relationships with others.
Pediatric Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy: Their Role in Development from 1 to 3 Years
Motor Support: How Pediatric Physiotherapy Helps the Child
Following the pediatrician’s recommendation, physiotherapy may be helpful when:
walking or running is very unstable;
the child falls frequently;
going up or down stairs is particularly difficult;
there is rigidity, low muscle tone, or asymmetrical movement.
Physiotherapy provides targeted activities to develop balance, coordination, functional posture and confidence in movement.
Support for Independence and Play: The Role of Occupational Therapy
In the same way, the pediatrician may suggest occupational therapy, which supports the child in:
fine motor skills and functional hand use;
symbolic and social play;
daily routines such as eating independently, getting dressed, and taking part in family rituals;
sensory regulation (children who are hypersensitive to noise, movement, fabrics, and so on).
The goal is to support the child’s participation in everyday life.
Practical Tips to Support Child Development from 1 to 3 Years
Encouraging Movement and Safety
Offer spaces where the child can run and climb safely.
Suggest games that stimulate balance, such as soft cushions or low obstacles.
Supporting Independence
Involve the child in small everyday activities: throwing away a tissue, carrying a book, helping with dressing.
Provide suitable utensils, such as a spoon or cups with handles.
Supporting Language
Speak slowly and use short sentences.
Comment on what the child is doing (“you’re pushing the car”).
Read together every day.
Encouraging Play
Offer imitation games, building toys, pouring activities, and sensory play.
Leave room for free play without intervening too much.
When to Be Concerned: Signs Not to Ignore
It is important to discuss things with your pediatrician if the child shows any unusual signs or difficulties.
Motor Signs
no running after age 2;
significant instability when walking;
marked difficulty going up or down steps;
obvious stiffness or very poorly coordinated movements.
Language Signs
very few words at 24 months;
difficulty combining two words by 30 months;
poor understanding of simple requests.
Social and Play Signs
limited imitation;
reduced eye contact;
repetitive play that does not evolve;
little interest in other children.
Early discussion with a Pediatrician, Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist can prevent unnecessary worry and offer practical support.
Conclusion
Child development between ages 1 and 3 is a rich, exciting and highly variable journey. Every child grows at their own pace, and small differences between peers are completely normal. Knowing the milestones of motor and language development makes it easier to observe growth with greater confidence and to seek support when needed.
If there are concerns or difficulties, speaking with a Pediatric Physiotherapy or Occupational Therapy professional can offer valuable reassurance and practical guidance.
It is a journey faced together: the child, the family and healthcare professionals.
FAQ on Child Development from 1 to 3 Years
1. At what age should children start running?
Running usually appears between 18 and 24 months, although some children reach this milestone later. It is more important to observe the quality and fluidity of movement than the exact age.
2. How many words should a 2-year-old say?
Many children use 20 to 50 words and begin to combine them. However, comprehension is often a more reliable indicator than expression alone.
3. Is it normal for my child to fall often?
Yes, falls are common while coordination is developing. However, if falls are very frequent or associated with obvious instability, an assessment may be helpful.
4. When does symbolic play begin?
It generally appears between 18 and 24 months, with imitative actions such as feeding a doll or making a toy car move.
5. When is Pediatric Physiotherapy needed?
It may be useful when there are persistent difficulties with movement, posture, running or balance.
6. When can Occupational Therapy be helpful?
It can be useful when there are difficulties with daily independence, fine motor skills, sensory regulation or play.
7. Should I worry if my child speaks very little?
Not necessarily. Some children are “late talkers,” but it is advisable to speak with a professional after 24 to 30 months. During regular check-ups, the pediatrician monitors all these aspects of development.
