The first birthday is behind you, and suddenly every week brings something new: a first wobbly step, a new word, a very firm “no.” If you’ve searched toddler milestones by month, you probably want to know what’s typical between 12 and 24 months, and when it’s worth talking to your pediatrician. This guide follows the CDC’s milestone checklists for 15 months, 18 months and 2 years, explains what happens in the months in between, and lists the signs that mean you shouldn’t wait.
Quick answer: toddler milestones from 12 to 24 months
- By 15 months: takes a few steps alone, tries to say one or two words besides “mama” or “dada,” points to ask for something and stacks two small objects (CDC).
- By 18 months: walks without holding on, tries to say three or more words besides “mama” or “dada,” follows simple one-step directions and scribbles (CDC).
- By 2 years: runs, kicks a ball, says at least two words together like “more milk” and points to body parts when asked (CDC).
- Every child has their own pace. The CDC milestones are things most children can do by that age, so many toddlers get there earlier. If your child has not reached a milestone, or loses a skill they had, talk to your pediatrician.
Toddler milestones chart: 12 to 24 months
| Age | Movement | Talking and understanding | Thinking and social |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 months | Pulls up to stand, walks holding on to furniture | Waves bye-bye, calls a parent “mama” or “dada” | Plays simple games like pat-a-cake |
| 15 months (CDC checklist) | Takes a few steps alone, feeds self some food with fingers | Tries to say 1 or 2 words besides “mama” or “dada”; looks at a familiar object when you name it | Stacks 2 small objects; copies other children while playing |
| 18 months (CDC checklist) | Walks without holding on, climbs on and off a couch, tries to use a spoon | Tries to say 3 or more words besides “mama” or “dada”; follows one-step directions without gestures | Copies you doing chores; points to show you something interesting |
| 2 years (CDC checklist) | Runs, kicks a ball, walks up a few stairs, eats with a spoon | Says at least 2 words together; points to at least 2 body parts when asked | Notices when others are upset; plays with more than one toy at a time |
The CDC updated its milestone checklists in 2022 so that each one lists what most children (75% or more) can do by that age. That makes a missed milestone a useful signal to check in with your pediatrician, not a reason to panic.
Month by month: what changes
12 to 15 months: first steps and first words
Most toddlers spend these months going from cruising along furniture to their first steps on their own. Many say a first word or two besides “mama” and “dada,” often a word for something they love, like “ba” for ball. They also start using things the right way, like lifting a cup or holding a toy phone to their ear. By 15 months, the CDC lists showing you an object they like, clapping when excited and giving affection with hugs and kisses. For where this starts, see our 12-month milestones guide.
15 to 18 months: walking, climbing and “me do it”
Steps turn into steady walking, and climbing on and off furniture begins, so this is a good time to check your childproofing and choking hazards. Many toddlers want to feed themselves with fingers and a spoon and help with getting dressed by pushing an arm through a sleeve. Words grow slowly, and understanding grows fast: by 18 months, the CDC lists following a one-step direction like “give it to me” without a gesture.
18 to 24 months: running, talking and big feelings
Between 18 months and 2 years, many toddlers have a burst in words and start putting two words together. They run, kick a ball and walk up a few stairs. They also notice other people’s feelings and look at your face to see how to react to something new. Strong feelings and tantrums are common at this age, because toddlers want more than they can yet say. See baby language development: from babbling to phrases.
Checkups and screening
Your pediatrician checks development at every well-child visit. The AAP also recommends screening all children for autism at the 18- and 24-month visits, and the CDC lists developmental screening at 9, 18 and 30 months. These are short questionnaires about what your child does, and they help spot any delay early, when support helps most. You can bring your own notes or the CDC checklist to each visit.
How to support your toddler’s development
- Talk all day: name what you see and do (“You found the red cup!”) and give your toddler time to answer.
- Read together every day: point to pictures, ask “Where is the dog?” and let your toddler turn the pages. See reading to your baby.
- Make room to move: safe spaces to walk, climb, push and pull, and time outside every day.
- Let them try: self-feeding, simple chores and getting dressed take longer, but build skills and confidence.
- Keep routines predictable: regular meals, naps and bedtime help toddlers feel safe enough to explore.
Related: 18 month sleep regression and toddler night waking.
More on toddlers:
When to talk to your doctor
The CDC’s advice is clear: if you are concerned, don’t wait. Talk to your pediatrician if your child:
- Loses skills they once had, such as words, pointing or walking, at any age.
- Is not walking on their own by 18 months.
- Does not point to show you things or does not try to say any words by about 18 months.
- Does not say two words together by 2 years.
- Does not seem to understand simple directions, or does not respond to their name.
- Does not make eye contact or show interest in people.
You can also contact your state’s early intervention program yourself, without a referral, to ask whether your child can be evaluated for free; the CDC lists every program at cdc.gov/FindEI. See also red flags in baby development.
Frequently asked questions
When do toddlers start walking?
Many toddlers take their first steps around their first birthday. The CDC lists taking a few steps alone by 15 months and walking without holding on by 18 months. If your child is not walking on their own by 18 months, talk to your pediatrician.
How many words should an 18-month-old say?
The CDC milestone is trying to say three or more words besides “mama” or “dada” by 18 months. Words do not have to be perfect: “ba” for ball counts. Understanding matters too, like following a simple direction.
What should a 2-year-old be able to do?
By 2 years, the CDC lists running, kicking a ball, eating with a spoon, saying at least two words together and pointing to body parts when asked. Many 2-year-olds do much more.
Is it normal for a toddler to lose a skill?
No. A short pause in a new skill, for example during an illness or a big change, can happen, but losing words or skills your child had is a reason to call your pediatrician soon.
Looking for more? Browse all our development and milestones guides, including is my baby on track? and when to start potty training.
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Sources
- CDC: Milestones by 15 Months
- CDC: Milestones by 18 Months
- CDC: Milestones by 2 Years
- HealthyChildren.org (AAP): How Pediatricians Screen for Autism
This guide is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you’re worried about your child’s development, talk to your pediatrician.