Jumping and Sentences!

Your 20-month-old is starting to jump with both feet, puts two words together into mini sentences, and above all wants to help with everything you do.

Development

Jumps with both feet off the ground — a big motor milestone
Two-word sentences become common: "Dada car", "More milk", "Big dog"
Wants to help with household tasks — sweeping, wiping, tidying, loading the washing machine
Draws scribbles with a crayon and is proud of the result
Kicks a ball with reasonably good aim
Follows simple two-step instructions: "Fetch the shoe and come here"
Names body parts: Nose, eyes, mouth, tummy, hands

Growth

Boys: Average 11.4 kg / 84 cm (25.1 lb / 33.1 in)
Girls: Average 10.8 kg / 82.5 cm (23.8 lb / 32.5 in)

Sleep

11–14 hours per day (nighttime sleep 10–12 hours + 1 nap)
Midday nap is typically 1–2 hours, often after lunch
Some babies try to drop the midday nap, but most need it until they are 2.5–3 years old
Bedtime routines with a book, song, and cuddle provide predictability

Feeding

3 meals + 2 snacks — family food
Getting better with the spoon and can start trying a fork
Let your baby "help" with cooking — stir in a bowl, put vegetables in a pot
Food your baby has helped prepare is often eaten with more enthusiasm
Whole milk to drink (max 500 ml / 17 oz dairy products per day)
Vitamin D: Continue with 400 IU (10 mcg) daily

Good to Know

Eagerness to help is gold: Let your baby help even if it takes longer. It builds confidence and a sense of responsibility
Two-word sentences are a milestone — your baby is combining words into meaningful communication
Transitional object: Many babies have a favorite stuffed animal or blanket that provides comfort. This is completely normal and healthy
Defiance and frustration: Your baby knows what they want but lacks the words. This can lead to big outbursts

Activity Tip

Let your baby help out! Give them a cloth to wipe with, let them put clothes in the washing machine, or sort cutlery. It builds fine motor skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging in the family.

Explore on Babysential

Sleep Tracker — Track sleep and midday nap
Milestones — Follow development
Baby — More guides for your toddler's development

Tip: When your baby says "Dada car", expand the sentence: "Yes, that's Daddy's car! It's red." This is how your baby learns new words in a natural context.