Imagination in Full Bloom!

Your 21-month-old has mastered the stairs, has over 50 words in their vocabulary, and pretend play is really taking off. Welcome to a creative and exciting phase.

Development

Walks up stairs with alternating feet (holding the railing)
50+ words in active vocabulary, and many babies know far more
Pretend play takes off: Feeds the teddy bear, puts the doll to bed, makes "food" in the play kitchen, drives cars with sound effects
Builds towers with 5–6 blocks
Recognizes colors: can point to the right color when you ask
Sings along to simple nursery rhymes, often with recognizable melodies
Simple problem-solving: Figures out how things open, pull out, or fit together

Growth

Boys: Average 11.6 kg / 85 cm (25.6 lb / 33.5 in)
Girls: Average 11.0 kg / 83.5 cm (24.3 lb / 32.9 in)

Sleep

11–14 hours per day (nighttime sleep 10–12 hours + 1 nap)
A rich imagination can lead to vivid dreams and sometimes nightmares
If your baby wakes at night: comfort calmly, avoid starting activities
Consistent bedtime routines provide security during a phase with lots of new learning

Feeding

3 meals + 2 snacks: family food
May have strong food preferences, but don't give up: it can take 10–15 exposures before a child accepts a new food
Often inspired by watching others eat: shared family meals are important
Whole milk to drink (max 500 ml / 17 oz dairy products per day)
Vitamin D: Continue with 400 IU (10 mcg) daily
Good iron levels are important: offer iron-rich foods like meat, beans, lentils, and whole grains

Good to Know

Pretend play is learning: Through role play, your baby practices social skills, empathy, and creativity
Vocabulary varies enormously from child to child. Anywhere from 20 to 200 words can be normal. What matters most is that your baby understands and communicates
Stairs need supervision: your baby can go up, but going down is harder and more dangerous
The 2-year well-baby visit is approaching: watch for whether your baby uses at least 50 words and combines two-word phrases

Activity Tip

Pretend play with dolls and stuffed animals! Set up a little tea party, feed the bear, or put the doll to bed. Your baby practices caring, language, and social skills through this kind of play. Join in yourself: "Does the bear want more tea?"

Explore on Babysential

Sleep Tracker. Track sleep and routines
Milestones. Follow development
Baby. More guides for your toddler's development

Tip: Give pretend play space. When your baby says "Bear is sleeping", whisper back "Shh, we need to be quiet!" You're entering your baby's world, and that strengthens the bond between you.