Body parts: how the skill grows from 14 to 30 months
Body parts means knowing the names of body parts and showing them on themselves, on you or on a stuffed animal. These words come up all day in dressing, bathing, meals and comforting. Pointing to at least two body parts when asked is a CDC 24-month milestone. Common first ones are nose, eyes, tummy and toes.
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Body parts: the ladder, step by step
Pick the step that looks most like your child today. The next step and activities that practise it appear below.
No step picked yet. There is no wrong answer: pick the closest one.
Next step: One part on self. Touches their nose when you ask "Where's your nose?"
Activities that fit this step
- Toe-Tug Sock Off · 12–20 months · 2–5 min
- Peekaboo Sleeve Push · 14–24 months · 2–5 min
- Nose-to-Nose Mirror Game · 15–26 months · 3–7 min
Next step: Several parts on self. Shows nose, tummy and feet on request.
Activities that fit this step
- Toe-Tug Sock Off · 12–20 months · 2–5 min
- Peekaboo Sleeve Push · 14–24 months · 2–5 min
- Nose-to-Nose Mirror Game · 15–26 months · 3–7 min
Next step: Parts on others. Points to your eyes or the teddy's ears.
Activities that fit this step
- Nose-to-Nose Mirror Game · 15–26 months · 3–7 min
- Sticky Note Body Spots · 19–30 months · 5–10 min
- Silly Sock Directions · 24–34 months · 5–10 min
Next step: Names parts. Says "nose" or "toes" while touching them.
Activities that fit this step
- Sticky Note Body Spots · 19–30 months · 5–10 min
- Silly Sock Directions · 24–34 months · 5–10 min
- Teddy's Doctor Check-Up · 24–34 months · 8–15 min
Top of the ladder (names parts). Keep it flexible: offer it in a new place, with a different person or with new materials.
Activities that fit this step
- Sticky Note Body Spots · 19–30 months · 5–10 min
- Silly Sock Directions · 24–34 months · 5–10 min
- Teddy's Doctor Check-Up · 24–34 months · 8–15 min
The body parts ladder
5 steps from the first sign to a flexible skill, covered here from 14 to 30 months. Children move at their own pace: use the steps to see what comes next, not as deadlines.
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Enjoys touch games
Giggles through toe-counting rhymes and tickle games.
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One part on self
Touches their nose when you ask "Where's your nose?"
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Several parts on self
Shows nose, tummy and feet on request.
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Parts on others
Points to your eyes or the teddy's ears.
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Names parts
Says "nose" or "toes" while touching them.
When body parts usually shows up
This page follows body parts from 14 to 30 months, a window that spans the 15-month, 18-month, 24-month and 30-month CDC checklists.
In the library, 6 activities practise body parts (2 as their main skill), for ages 12 to 34 months. 3 of them need no prep and take 10 minutes or less. By age, they sit closest to steps 1, 2, 4 and 5 of the 5-step ladder.
Related items appear on the CDC checklists for 24 months.
Related milestones
CDC checklist items (paraphrased) that involve body parts. Checklists are for monitoring, not a test.
| Checklist | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 24 months | Shows you two or more body parts when you ask, such as nose or tummy. |
Activities that practise body parts
Placed on the closest ladder step by age. By primary domain: 3 language, 2 practical life and 1 creativity & pretend. Quickest to start: Peekaboo Sleeve Push (2–5 minutes).
Step 1: Enjoys touch games
Step 2: One part on self
Step 4: Parts on others
Step 5: Names parts
Skills practised alongside
The activities for body parts most often also work on following one-step directions (3), helping with dressing (2), following directions with gestures (1), following two-step directions (1) and imitating actions (1). Pairing them keeps practice playful: one activity, several skills.
Practise it inside everyday routines
- Name parts as you wash and dry them: "Now your knees, now your elbows."
- Sing songs that touch head, shoulders, knees and toes.
- Play "Where's your...?" during dressing: "Arm in! Where's your other hand?"
What to avoid
- Only asking on cue; let body words come up in real moments like a bumped knee.
When to mention it to the pediatrician
If your child cannot point to two body parts by 24 months, mention it along with anything else you have noticed about how they understand words.
Worried about body parts between visits? Call the pediatrician; CDC's free resources also explain how to contact your local Early Intervention program directly. Milestones are for monitoring, not diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
When do toddlers start body parts?
Pointing to at least two body parts when asked is a CDC 24-month milestone. Common first ones are nose, eyes, tummy and toes. The first step to look for: giggles through toe-counting rhymes and tickle games.
How can I help my toddler with body parts?
Name parts as you wash and dry them: "Now your knees, now your elbows." Sing songs that touch head, shoulders, knees and toes. A good first activity is Toe-Tug Sock Off (12–20 months).
What should I avoid when practising body parts?
Only asking on cue; let body words come up in real moments like a bumped knee.
When should I mention body parts to the pediatrician?
If your child cannot point to two body parts by 24 months, mention it along with anything else you have noticed about how they understand words. You can also contact Early Intervention yourself.
Related
Monitoring, not medical advice. Talk to your pediatrician about any concern. Our sources and method.