Toddler Milestones: What Can You Expect at 15 Months?

Some developmental milestones your toddler might achieve this month are-

Fine Motor Skills

• Your toddler will show interest in writing. They can hold a thick crayon and scribble some lines and shapes
• They can’t bend their fingers enough to hold a pencil or a pen but a thick crayon will be easier to hold. They may not hold it for more than a few seconds

Teething

• Your toddler’s first molar may start peeping out around this time. It can be quite painful and disrupt your toddler’s sleeping and eating patterns
• Your toddler might refuse some foods and prefer chewing on something hard or cold

Recognition

• Toddlers can identify some common items around this age. They can point to the fan, sky, or light when you mention the words
• They can even point to a family member when you ask for a particular person

Pincer Grip 

• Their pincer grip is getting better (1). Your toddler can now pick things off the floor and place them in a spot with intention
• They can even take pieces of food from their plate and feed themselves

Explore

• Babies are very curious at this stage. They will shake, bang, and try to understand their toys and other objects around them
• Some babies will even try to throw objects to see what happens

Growth Chart For a 15-Month-Old Toddler

An average 15-month-old height and weight will be as follows-

Girls

Weight – 7.7 – 12.2 Kg
Height- 72.4 – 82.7 cm

Boys

Weight – 8.4 – 12.7 Kg
Height- 74.4 – 83.9 cm

(This chart is just an indication and these parameters may vary from one toddler to another)

Tips to Boost Your 15-Month-Old’s Development

Here are some quick tips to help you boost your toddler’s development-

1. Physical Contact

You won’t be carrying your little one like before. They are on the move and physical contact is reducing. Insecurities can increase as they are still too young, so offer a lot of hugs and physical contact for reassurance.

2. Be Sensitive

Your toddler’s emotions are developing. Screaming at them or harsh words can affect them. They can even get upset or cry easily. Be sensitive towards their feelings and different moods. Trying to control their moods can alter their emotional development.

3. Creative Toys

Their creativity is also developing. Invest in toys that can spark and encourage the creative side of their brain. Building blocks, stacking toys, and wooden puzzles can encourage them to think out of the box.

4. Enforce Rules

Having a set of rules is important. Teach your toddler to follow them whether you are at home or outside, even when you are not around. This will ensure safety and security for them. It will also teach them to be cautious on their own.

5. Quiet Time

Set aside a few minutes a day as “quiet time”. Your toddler need not sleep but can do anything they want without making any noise. This quiet time will help regulate their nervous system and calm them down (2). A lot of toddlers have difficulty managing their moods due to dysregulation.

6. Sleep Schedule

Maintain a bedtime and nap time (3). Having a fixed time will help toddlers fall asleep and stay asleep effectively. Their bodies will get into a rhythm, which is very important for proper development.

7. Colors

As your little one starts exploring the world of colors, they are bound to scribble everywhere. Keep teaching them to scribble only on papers or books that you give them. If necessary, spread out a mat underneath their papers, so that the crayon doesn’t leave marks on the floor.

Health And Care of Your Toddler

You can take care of your 15-month-old toddler’s health in the following ways-

• It is time for your little one’s MMR2 and Varicella vaccine. Don’t forget to check with their pediatrician
• If your child is going to daycare or playing with other children, they can fall sick more often. Keep a close watch and give them doctor-prescribed medicines in time
• Refrain from using any teething gels or topical applications to ease their teething discomfort. Ask your pediatrician for safe remedies
• Toddler’s ears can produce a lot of wax. Get professional help to clean it out rather than reaching for a Q-tip or a cotton swab. A healthcare professional can teach you the right way to clean your toddler’s ears
• If your toddler spends time in the bathtub, ensure they are never left unattended. At this age, they are curious and very active. They may try something in the tub and harm themselves

Some Useful Tips For Your Toddler

Here are some tips for parents to support their 15-month-old toddler-

• You can buy a teething ring or some chewable toys to help your toddler through the teething discomforts
• Invest in interactive books to encourage a reading habit. Sound books with music or words can be very entertaining for toddlers at this stage
• Always stock up on diaper rash cream. Your little one is very active now and can be running around in soiled diapers before they cooperate for changing. Use diaper rash creams generously to protect their skin
• If your toddler empties their toy basket or tray, just give them the basket and show them how to put the toys back inside, instead of getting angry or shouting at them
• Take your toddler out on playdates or to the park. It is time for them to interact with other kids their age and play. This exposure will help improve their communication and negotiating skills

At 15 months your toddler is moving, talking, and doing a lot of things you were eagerly waiting for. Stay by their side to keep them safe rather than stopping them and getting them anxious. They will develop with confidence and master the skills efficiently. Don’t get anxious about the toddler milestones, rather focus on giving your little one space to grow. Once you take the pressure and stress off, for both you and your toddler, you will see they are hitting their milestones effortlessly. 

FAQ’s

1. What Can a 15-Month-Old Toddler do?

Around 15 months of age, a toddler should be able to stack items – it could be their toys or just random items around the house. They can now hold a thick crayon or pen and make scribbles, paint blotches with a brush or their fingers, say many single words, and climb or crawl up the stairs with help.

2. Does a 15-Month-Old Need a Shot?

Your 15-month-old will need some booster doses of the vaccines they received before their first birthday. Your doctor will give you a vaccine chart before you leave the hospital after your baby’s birth. Ensure your toddler gets the shots as per schedule.

3. How Often Should You Read to Your 15-Month-Old?

Try to read to your toddler every day, even if it is for just a few minutes. Their brains can understand, connect, and even pick new words now. Regular reading can help in language development and also inculcate a reading habit as they grow up.

4. What Should my 15-Month-Old be Saying?

Your 15-month-old should be saying commonly used words like mama, papa, bye, hi, and other regularly used words. Some toddlers can be advanced and say more words or even use two words together. If you are using more than one language to communicate with them, they may take more time to learn the right words. Using alternate words can confuse them. They may need more time to make the association.

5. How Many kg Should a 15-Month-Old Weigh?

A 15-month-old toddler girl can weigh anywhere around 7.7 to 12.2 kgs and a boy can weigh around 8.4 to 12.7 kgs. If your toddler was an underweight baby at birth, their weight gain could be slower. As long as they are developing and doing all the physical activities, like other toddlers their age, there is nothing much to worry about.

6. Why is my 15-Month-Old so Cranky?

Your 15-month-old toddler is teething, experiencing a lot of pain and discomfort, learning new skills, and trying to do things independently. When they are unable to do what they want to, it can be very disappointing, leading to a cranky mood.

References

1. Precision Grip – [https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/precision-grip]
2. A mind at rest strengthens memories, NYU researchers find – [https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/920796]
3. Benefits of a bedtime routine in young children: Sleep, development, and beyond – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6587181/]