What developmental milestone is typically expected by the age of 2?

The ability to use two-word phrases is a significant developmental milestone that typically emerges around the age of 2. This marks a key point in language development, as children begin to combine words to convey more complex ideas and express their needs or desires. By this age, toddlers have often developed a basic vocabulary of around 50 words and can start to string them together, which demonstrates their growing understanding of grammar and sentence structure.

While walking independently is generally achieved around the age of 1, it is quite common for children to refine their walking skills after that age. Fine motor skills, such as stacking blocks or scribbling, begin to develop during the second year but tend to be emerging skills rather than fully developed milestones. Understanding of basic commands also develops around this age, but the use of two-word phrases indicates a more advanced level of verbal communication that sets a foundation for future language skills. Thus, the expectation of using two-word phrases best aligns with the typical developmental progress seen in children at the age of 2.