Developmental Milestones for a 15-Month-Old Child
At 15 months, a child should be walking independently, beginning to use a pincer grasp, and showing emerging language skills with 2-3 meaningful words. 1
Motor Development
Gross Motor Skills
- Walking independently (typically achieved around 13 months) 1, 2
- May still have a wide-based gait and arms held high for balance
- Beginning to walk backward
- Starting to climb on furniture
- May attempt to kick a ball
- Can get into a standing position without support
Fine Motor Skills
- Uses a pincer grasp (thumb and forefinger) to pick up small objects 1
- Beginning to self-feed with fingers and may attempt to use a spoon
- Can build a tower of 2 blocks
- Able to put objects into containers and take them out
- Beginning to scribble with a crayon when demonstrated
Language and Communication
- Uses 2-3 meaningful words consistently 3
- Understands simple commands ("give me the toy")
- Responds to their name consistently
- Points to objects of interest
- Uses gestures to communicate needs (pointing, reaching)
- Imitates familiar words and sounds
- Understands "no" and other simple instructions
Cognitive Development
- Explores objects by banging, shaking, and throwing
- Shows interest in picture books
- Follows simple one-step directions
- Demonstrates object permanence (understands objects exist even when hidden)
- Shows memory for recently learned activities
- Imitates adult behaviors in play
Social and Emotional Development
- Shows affection to familiar people
- May show anxiety around strangers
- Plays simple games like peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake
- May have temper tantrums
- Tests parental responses to behaviors
- Shows emerging independence
- Engages in parallel play (plays alongside, not with other children)
Red Flags for Developmental Concerns at 15 Months
Consult a healthcare provider if your child:
- Is not walking independently by 15-18 months 1
- Does not use any words
- Does not point to objects or pictures
- Does not follow simple directions
- Does not make eye contact or engage socially
- Shows regression in previously acquired skills
- Has asymmetric movements or persistent motor asymmetry 1
Important Considerations
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends continuous developmental surveillance at every medical visit 1, 3
- For premature infants, age should be corrected up to 24 months when evaluating developmental milestones 3
- Children who used crawling on hands and knees as a prewalking strategy (84.5% of children) typically walk independently about 1 month earlier than those who used bottom-shuffling (7.1%) 2
- Half of typically developing children walk independently by 13 months, with 75% walking by 14 months 2
- Early detection of possible developmental problems is critical for timely intervention, which significantly improves outcomes 3
While these milestones represent typical development at 15 months, each child develops at their own pace. However, significant delays or regressions should prompt evaluation by a healthcare provider to identify any potential developmental concerns that may benefit from early intervention.