Developmental milestones at 15 months
Here's what most children are doing at 15 months, across key areas of development. Every child grows at their own pace — think of these as a guide, not a checklist. Want to see how your own child is doing?
Take the free 2-minute check →Social/Emotional
- Copies other children — Copying peers shows social learning through observation.
- Shows you objects — Showing objects shares interest with you, an important social communication skill.
- Claps when excited — Clapping to express excitement shows your child sharing emotions with others.
- Hugs toys — Hugging toys shows early affection and pretend caring.
- Shows affection — Showing affection reflects a secure emotional bond with caregivers.
Language/Communication
- Tries first words — First word attempts show vocabulary is starting to grow.
- Knows object names — Looking at named objects shows your child understands words.
- Follows gesture directions — Following gesture-plus-word directions shows growing language understanding.
- Points to ask — Pointing to request is a powerful communication tool before full sentences.
Cognitive
- Uses objects correctly — Using objects correctly shows your child is learning how everyday things work.
- Stacks two objects — Stacking objects combines hand control with planning.
Movement/Physical
- Takes first steps — First independent steps mark the start of walking.
- Feeds self with fingers — Finger feeding builds independence and fine-motor control.
What if my child isn't there yet?
Milestones are ranges, not deadlines — children reach them at different times and that's normal. If your child is missing several milestones for their age, or something feels off, it's worth a quick check and a conversation with your paediatrician. The free ProParents check gives you a clear, private snapshot in two minutes — and a simple activity to try.
Check your child's development →Frequently asked questions
What are the key milestones at 15 months?
At 15 months, milestones span movement, language, thinking, and social-emotional development. Every child is different — this page lists what most children are doing, based on CDC guidance.
My child isn't doing all of these — should I worry?
Children grow at their own pace and milestones are ranges, not deadlines. If your child is missing several, or you have concerns, a quick check and a chat with your paediatrician is a good next step.
How can I support my 15 months old's development?
Small, consistent daily interactions matter most. Take the free 2-minute ProParents check to see where your child is and get a simple activity to try today.