Health Library

Doctors use certain milestones to tell if a toddler is developing as expected. There’s a wide range of what’s considered normal, so some children may gain skills earlier or later than others.

Toddlers who were born prematurely may reach milestones later. Always talk with your doctor about your child’s progress.

Here are things toddlers usually do by this age:

Communication and Language Skills

• call caregiver “mama” or “dada” or another special name
• wave goodbye
• understand “no” (pause or stop when you say it)

Movement and Physical Development

• pull up to stand
• walk holding onto furniture (cruising)
• with assistance, drink from a cup without a lid
• pick up things like small pieces of food with their thumb and forefinger

Social and Emotional Development

• play pat-a-cake and other games

Cognitive Skills (Thinking and Learning)

• put something into a container, like a block in a cup
• look for things that they see someone hide, like a toy under a blanket

When Should I Call the Doctor?

You know your child best. Share your concerns — even little ones — with your child’s doctor.

If your toddler is not meeting one or more milestones or you notice that your child had skills but has lost them, tell your doctor.

To learn more about early signs of developmental problems, go to the CDC’s Learn the Signs. Act Early program.