Developmental milestones: what most children can do by 30 months

Mark the skills your child already has. These are things most children (75% or more) can do by 30 months. If one is not there yet, it is a reason to talk to a specialist, not a reason to worry.

A checklist for parents — a guide, not a screening test or a diagnosis.

Social/Emotional

• Plays next to other children and sometimes plays with them
• Shows you what she can do by saying, "Look at me!"
• Follows simple routines when told, like helping to pick up toys when you say, "It's clean-up time."

Language/Communication

• Says about 50 words
• Says two or more words together, with one action word, like "Doggie run"
• Names things in a book when you point and ask, "What is this?"
• Says words like "I," "me," or "we"

Cognitive (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

• Uses things to pretend, like feeding a block to a doll as if it were food
• Shows simple problem-solving skills, like standing on a small stool to reach something
• Follows two-step instructions like "Put the toy down and close the door."
• Shows he knows at least one color, like pointing to a red crayon when you ask, "Which one is red?"

Movement/Physical Development

• Uses hands to twist things, like turning doorknobs or unscrewing lids
• Takes some clothes off by himself, like loose pants or an open jacket
• Jumps off the ground with both feet
• Turns book pages, one at a time, when you read to her

What you can do now

• Encourage "free play," where your child can follow her interests, try new things, and use things in new ways.
• Use positive words and give more attention to behaviors you want to see ("wanted behaviors"), than to those you don't want to see. For example, say "I like how you gave Jordan the toy."
• Give your child food choices that are simple and healthy. Let him choose what to eat for a snack or what to wear. Limit choices to two or three.

When to talk to a specialist

Don't wait. If your child is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns, act early. Talk with your child's doctor or a specialist and share the checklist.

Sources

The milestones and tips are from CDC's “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” program (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA), revised in 2022 together with the American Academy of Pediatrics. Source: CDC. The original is available free of charge on the CDC website. CDC does not endorse SOPBG.org.

1. CDC — Learn the Signs. Act Early.: Developmental Milestones
2. Zubler JM, Wiggins LD, Macias MM, et al. Evidence-Informed Milestones for Developmental Surveillance Tools. Pediatrics. 2022;149(3):e2021052138.