Quick Facts
| Age | 23 months |
| Length | ~80–93 cm (WHO range, ~23 months) |
| Weight | ~8.9–15.2 kg (WHO range, ~23 months) |
| Daily Sleep | ~11–14 hours (usually 1 nap + nights) |
| Milk | Whole cow’s milk or toddler formula, up to ~500 mL/day |
| Iron | ~7 mg a day (1–3 years) |
Length and weight are the WHO 3rd–97th percentile range (both sexes) from the WHO Growth Charts for Canada. Your provider tracks your toddler’s own growth on these charts.
Key Takeaways
At 23 months, most toddlers are reaching the milestones the Canadian Paediatric Society lists at 24 months.
Gross Motor
A 23 month old runs, kicks or throws a ball, climbs into and down from chairs, and walks up and down stairs with help, per the Canadian Paediatric Society’s 24-month milestones. Give safe space and active play, and supervise near stairs and equipment.
Fine Motor
A 23 month old can build a tower of several blocks (working toward four or more) and complete a simple shape-matching puzzle, per the Canadian Paediatric Society’s 24-month milestones. Offer blocks, chunky puzzles and crayons.
Social & Language
A 23 month old puts two words together, copies adults and other children, plays alongside others, shows increasing independence and some defiance, and enjoys make-believe, per the Canadian Paediatric Society’s 24-month milestones. Expand on phrases, read together, and set up chances to play near other children.
DEVELOPMENT & PLAY
- Offer active play and safe places to run, climb and kick a ball.
- Provide blocks, chunky puzzles, crayons and pretend-play props; read together daily.
- Expand on your toddler’s phrases and set up chances to play near other children.
FEEDING
- Offer a variety of family foods in safe textures; keep iron-rich foods coming toward the ~7 mg daily need for 1–3 years.
- Keep milk (whole cow’s milk or toddler formula) to about 500 mL a day, in a cup.
- Offer water with meals and snacks; continue vitamin D for breastfed and partly breastfed toddlers.
SAFETY
- Supervise near stairs, streets and playground equipment now that your toddler runs and climbs.
- Keep hazards and choking-risk foods out of reach, and keep furniture anchored.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a 23 month old be doing?
A 23 month old usually runs, kicks or throws a ball, climbs, builds a small block tower, puts two words together, and enjoys make-believe and playing alongside other children — right at the Canadian Paediatric Society’s 24-month milestones. Every child develops at their own pace; raise concerns, especially in more than one area, with your doctor.
How much should a 23 month old talk?
Many toddlers this age use two-word phrases and a growing set of words, building on the Canadian Paediatric Society’s 24-month milestone of starting to put two words together. There’s a wide normal range, and understanding runs ahead of speech. Keep talking, reading and expanding on phrases. If your toddler isn’t using words or phrases, raise it with your doctor.
How much should a 23 month old eat and drink?
Offer a variety of family foods at regular meals and snacks, with iron-rich foods still important (about 7 mg iron a day for 1–3 years), per the Canadian Paediatric Society. Keep milk to about 500 mL a day, in a cup, and offer water with meals. Let your toddler decide how much to eat — appetites swing normally. Avoid choking-risk foods and added salt and sugar.
Is it normal that my almost-two-year-old won’t share?
Yes. Sharing and cooperative play develop later; at this age toddlers typically play alongside other children (parallel play), which the Canadian Paediatric Society lists among the social milestones around 24 months. Model turn-taking gently, offer duplicate toys where you can, and don’t expect sharing to come easily yet — it’s a skill that grows with time.
How much sleep does a 23 month old need?
A 23 month old usually sleeps around 11 to 14 hours over a 24-hour period, per the Canadian Paediatric Society, typically on one afternoon nap. A consistent bedtime routine, a calm wind-down, and avoiding late naps all help. A comfort item like a blanket or stuffed animal is often welcome.
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