17 Month Old Baby

Your 17-month-old: pretend play, climbing and new words.
Average weight at 17 monthsGirls 10.0 kg (22.1 lb)
Boys 10.7 kg (23.7 lb)
Average length at 17 monthsGirls 79.7 cm (31.4 in)
Boys 81.2 cm (32.0 in)

50th percentile (median) on the WHO Child Growth Standards. Healthy babies vary widely around these numbers.

Development at 17 months

Your toddler is learning new words and enjoys simple pretend play, such as feeding a teddy.

What you might notice

  • Uses more single words
  • Climbs stairs with help
  • Starts simple pretend play
  • Points to pictures in a book
  • Shows clear likes and dislikes

Feeding

Offer three meals and two or three healthy snacks a day, eating together as a family when you can. The AAP suggests about 2 to 3 cups (16 to 24 oz) of milk a day for toddlers, and no juice is needed. Keep offering new foods: it can take many tries before a child accepts one.

Sleep

Toddlers usually need 11 to 14 hours of sleep in 24 hours, including one nap. A regular bedtime and a calm routine help.

Your checklist this month

  • Use simple words and short sentences when you talk.
  • Offer safe places to climb and explore.
  • Plan the 18-month check-up.

Is your baby growing well?

Check weight, length and head size on WHO charts with our Baby Growth Percentile Calculator, or work out your baby’s exact age with the Baby Age Calculator.

When to get medical help

  • A temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher in a baby under 3 months
  • Breathing that is fast, noisy or hard work
  • Fewer wet nappies than usual or refusing feeds
  • Unusually sleepy, floppy or hard to wake
  • A rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass
  • Repeated vomiting, or green vomit

In an emergency, call your local emergency number.

Based on WHO and CDC guidance. Every baby develops at their own pace.