Week-by-week library · 17 months old
Month 17
Quick answer
What is my baby up to at 17 months old?
This month, a first attempt at running might look more like a fast, happy stumble, and that's exactly right.
What's developing
Motor
Running, still a bit unsteady, and kicking a ball with practice are emerging gross motor skills for many toddlers now.
Communication
Pointing to a few named body parts when asked is common around this age.
Try this together this week
- Open, safe space for running practice, indoors or out.
- A soft, light ball for gentle kicking practice.
- Play "where's your nose/toes/tummy" games to build body-part vocabulary.
- Read together daily; toddlers this age often love pointing at pictures you name.
What parents often notice
A stumbly, wide-legged run is the completely normal early running gait; smoother coordination develops with practice over the following months.
Sourced to
- Zero to Three, Early Development guides
Last reviewed by the This Week Baby editorial team.