Week-by-week library · 23 months old

Month 23

Quick answer

What is my baby up to at 23 months old?

This month, "what's that?" might become the most-asked question in the house.

Last reviewed 2026-08-28 by This Week Baby editorial team

What's developing

Communication

Simple questions, especially "what's that?" style naming questions, are common as curiosity and vocabulary both grow.

Motor

Running and climbing continue to become more confident and coordinated.

Social

Growing independence in dressing, like pushing an arm through a sleeve, often shows up around now.

Try this together this week

  • Answer every "what's that?" with genuine enthusiasm; the repetition is doing real vocabulary work.
  • Let dressing take a little longer to allow for "I do it" attempts.
  • Active outdoor time for running, climbing, and general big-movement play.
  • Simple picture books that invite naming and questions on every page.

What parents often notice

A sudden surge in questions can feel relentless some days, but it is one of the clearest, most encouraging signs of active learning at this age.

Sourced to

  • Zero to Three, Early Development guides

Last reviewed by the This Week Baby editorial team.

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